Construction begins on Calgary’s Springbank Reservoir
By Adam Freill
Construction InfrastructureConstruction on the once-in-a-generation Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir is now underway, following the awarding of the contract to Vinci Infrastructure Canada Ltd.
In 2013, floods caused $5 billion in damage in and around Calgary. To mitigate risks to the city and southern Alberta from potential future flood damage due to weather events, the provincial government has contracted Vinci Infrastructure Canada to build the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1).
Once complete, the 3,700-acre SR1 is expected to protect Calgary and southern Alberta from the type of devastation that occurred in 2013 as it will divert flood waters from the Elbow River during extreme flood events to be stored temporarily in a reservoir before water is released back into the river.
“This is a watershed moment for our province,” stated Premier Jason Kenney. “SR1 will help protect tens of thousands of Albertans from potential major floods. We are proud to bring this project to life.”
“Investment in flood mitigation continues to be a priority for Calgarians and city council,” added Calgary’s mayor, Jyoti Gondek. “Moving the Springbank Reservoir flood mitigation project forward to construction phase is welcome news. Strengthening critical infrastructure like this will help reduce our vulnerability to a changing climate and extreme weather events, preventing future widespread damage.”
Gondek estimates that the reservoir and other efforts undertaken by the city will reduce Calgary’s overall flood risk by roughly 70 per cent from 2013.
The province’s 2022 budget included a pledge of $473.6 million over the next three years for SR1. Vinci Infrastructure Canada Ltd. was selected after presenting the lowest bid at $379 million.
“We are extremely proud and honoured to be awarded the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project and to once again collaborate with the Province of Alberta and its communities,” stated Patrick Kadri, CEO, Vinci Infrastructure Canada Ltd. “Our teams are highly motivated by the challenges of this major project, creating local jobs and building a sustainable infrastructure which will serve the people of Calgary and surrounding areas.”
The expectation is for the reservoir to be partially operational in 2024, and fully operational in 2025, and that more than 2,200 jobs will be created during its construction.
