One Hundred Years of Dam Proposals in Alberta: A Historical Analysis
The history of dam proposals in Alberta spans more than a century, reflecting the province's evolving needs for water management, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. From early 20th century developments to contemporary proposals, Alberta's relationship with dams has been shaped by changing economic priorities, environmental awareness, and shifting governance approaches. This analysis explores the rich history of dam proposals, their successes, failures, and the ongoing challenges that continue to influence water infrastructure development in the province.
Early Dam Development (1910s-1940s)
The earliest significant dam developments in Alberta emerged in the 1910s, primarily driven by hydroelectric power needs and irrigation requirements in the southern portions of the province.
The Kananaskis Legacy
The story of modern dam development in Alberta begins with Calgary Power (now TransAlta Corporation), which completed the 14-MW Horseshoe hydro plant on the Bow River in 1911. This was quickly followed by the 9-MW Kananaskis facility in 1913, constructed in response to Calgary's growing energy demands during a massive real estate boom[1]. The Kananaskis facility has now operated continuously for over 100 years, earning it a place in the Hydro Hall of Fame in 2013, and representing one of Alberta's earliest successful dam proposals[1].
During the development of these early facilities, engineers quickly identified a critical challenge that would influence dam proposals for decades to come: the irregular water flow of the Bow River. The river's levels fluctuate dramatically between spring and winter, making consistent hydroelectric generation difficult[2]. This led to the construction of a dam at Lake Minnewanka in 1912, creating Alberta's first major reservoir specifically designed to regulate river flow[2].
Early Opposition and Competing Interests
Even in these early years, dam proposals faced opposition. As detailed by Christopher Armstrong and H.V. Nelles in their book "Wilderness and Waterpower," significant resistance to hydro development within Rocky Mountain National Park emerged in the 1920s[2]. Tourism was becoming an important economic driver, and opponents argued that additional dams and reservoirs would detract from the landscape's natural beauty and undermine the region's appeal[2]. This early conflict between energy production and environmental/tourism concerns presaged debates that would characterize dam proposals throughout Alberta's history.
Irrigation Development
Parallel to hydroelectric development, irrigation systems were being established in southern Alberta. The first large-scale irrigation project began operating in 1900, when water from the St. Mary River began flowing through 185 kilometers of canals toward Lethbridge[3]. These early irrigation projects laid the foundation for later dam proposals focused on agricultural water security.
Mid-Century Expansion (1940s-1970s)
The post-war period saw continued development of water infrastructure across Alberta, including the construction of the Bearspaw Dam in the 1950s[4]. Unlike many of Alberta's dams that are now approaching or exceeding 100 years of operation, Bearspaw represented a newer generation of infrastructure[4].
During this period, dam proposals were increasingly shaped by a government-led approach to resource development. The water management paradigm evolved through several phases, transitioning from corporate enterprise to irrigation districts, followed by significant federal government involvement that brought renewal and stability to water infrastructure development[5].
This era saw the consolidation of provincial control over headworks and increasing district autonomy, setting the stage for rehabilitation and growth of water infrastructure[5]. The development of dam proposals during this time reflected optimism about Alberta's economic future and the role that water management would play in agricultural prosperity.
Controversial Dam Projects (1970s-1990s)
The 1970s and 1980s saw increasing controversy around dam proposals in Alberta, with the Oldman River Dam becoming perhaps the most contentious water project in the province's history.
The Oldman River Dam Conflict
The Oldman River dam was proposed by the Alberta government to facilitate the expansion of irrigation networks in southern Alberta[6]. Phase II studies for the project were released in August 1978, with two potential dam sites identified: Brocket (on the Peigan Reserve) and Three Rivers[6].
Opposition to the project emerged from multiple fronts. The Environmental Council of Alberta (ECA) conducted hearings in 1978, with 238 opinions submitted[6]. In August 1979, the ECA concluded that "an onstream dam is not required at this time nor in the foreseeable future," presenting a significant challenge to the government's plans[6].
Despite this opposition, construction began in fall 1986 with two large tunnels to divert the Oldman River[6]. In August 1987, the Friends of the Oldman River (FOR) was established to oppose the dam, initiating legal challenges against the project[6]. These included claims that Alberta Environment had improperly issued licenses for construction without public notice and that archaeological studies had recommended designating the Three Rivers site as a Provincial Historical Resource[6].
The conflict escalated when in July 1988, the Oldman River was diverted through the twin tunnels, allowing dam construction to begin[6]. This project illustrated how dam proposals in Alberta had become focal points for environmental activism, Indigenous rights concerns, and debates about public consultation processes.
Modern Dam Proposals (2000-Present)
Recent decades have seen both a continuation of traditional dam proposals and new approaches that reflect contemporary challenges of climate change, flood mitigation, and changing water needs.
Bow River Reservoir Options
Following the devastating floods of 2013, which nearly destroyed the century-old Bassano Dam[7], Alberta has explored new reservoir options on the Bow River. The provincial government has focused on the Relocated Ghost Dam option, an expansion of the existing Ghost Reservoir designed to protect downstream communities and provide water security for the Bow River basin[8]. This project is moving forward to Phase 3: Engineering and regulatory approval process, beginning in 2025[8].
The Bow River Reservoir Options project demonstrates how modern dam proposals increasingly emphasize flood mitigation alongside traditional irrigation and water supply priorities. The feasibility study identified three preferred dam site options: Morley option, Relocated Ghost Dam option, and Glenbow East option[4]. However, in 2024, the province announced it was no longer pursuing the Mînî Thnî dam option (Morley option) upstream of Mînî Thnî[9], illustrating how Indigenous concerns and other factors continue to shape dam development decisions.
The Eyremore Dam Proposal
In 2023, the Alberta government committed $5 million to study the feasibility of constructing the Eyremore dam southwest of Brooks along the Bow River[10]. The proposed dam would be located approximately 43 kilometers downstream of the Bassano dam and would have a capacity between 370 million and 740 million cubic meters[10][11].
According to Richard Phillips, general manager of Bow River Irrigation District, "The way we envision it is that it would be a multi-purpose reservoir owned and operated by the province of Alberta... That's what's missing on the Bow River in terms of water management is any provincially controlled storage"[10]. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in summer 2025, with Hatch Ltd., a Canadian multi-disciplinary professional services firm, serving as the consultant[11].
Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Project
Another notable modern proposal is the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir, designed to provide flood protection along the Elbow River in Calgary and other downstream communities[11]. This project represents a different approach to water management, focusing specifically on flood mitigation rather than year-round water storage. The facility is expected to be operational in spring 2025, working together with the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary to accommodate water volumes equal to the 2013 flood on the Elbow River[11].
Recurring Dam Proposals: The Case of Ardley Dam
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Alberta's dam proposal history is the recurring consideration of projects that have been studied for decades but never constructed. The Ardley dam on the Red Deer River exemplifies this phenomenon.
The idea of a dam and reservoir east of Red Deer has been contemplated since at least the 1940s[12]. In 2024, the provincial government revived this long-discussed proposal by issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for a new feasibility study[12]. The $4.5-million study was announced in the 2024 provincial budget, with the government stating it would "look at whether a new dam near Ardley can be designed, constructed and operated for a cost that provides value to Albertans and the economy"[12].
Kraymer Barnstable, a Red Deer city councillor, noted, "I think sometimes when you're in periods of drought like we have been, it brings these conversations back to the forefront"[12]. This observation highlights how recurring dam proposals often resurface during periods of water stress, reflecting the cyclical nature of water management challenges in Alberta.
Factors Shaping Dam Proposals
Throughout Alberta's 100-year history of dam proposals, several key factors have consistently influenced development decisions, opposition, and implementation challenges.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental concerns have grown increasingly important in dam proposal considerations. Modern assessments now routinely include detailed environmental overviews covering wildlife impacts, biodiversity, and aquatic ecosystems. For example, the Bow River Reservoir Options assessment noted that "the entire Bow River valley is a key wildlife and biodiversity zone" and that "several wildlife species of concern that are listed provincially and federally could breed in the Study Corridor"[4].
Historical dam operations have also come under scrutiny for their environmental impacts. As Reed D. Benson and Stewart B. Rood note in their research, many of Alberta's dams "provide important socioeconomic benefits, but can also degrade downstream aquatic and riparian ecosystems"[13]. Their work advocates for revisiting dam operations to better balance environmental needs with traditional water management goals.
Water Allocation Challenges
The roots of current water management challenges date back to 1894 with the creation of Canada's Northwest Irrigation Act, which tied water licenses directly to land claims with few expiry terms[14]. This "first-in-time, first-in-right" system created a hierarchy of license holders that continues to influence water allocation today[14].
Water allocation proceeded for decades with little understanding of the instream flows needed to maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems[14]. Only when drought conditions led to water licenses exceeding the available supply for the first time in 2001 did the government begin to look more seriously at water conservation and efficiency measures[14].
Climate Change and Water Security
Recent dam proposals increasingly cite climate change and water security as motivating factors. As Richard Phillips observed regarding the Eyremore dam proposal, "What we're seeing is an increasing awareness that the water supply is really highly variable, and all the climate modelling predicts that it will become even more variable in the future"[10].
This perspective represents a significant shift in how dam proposals are justified, moving from pure economic development to adaptation and resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. As the study of the Ardley dam proposal notes, considerations around "irrigation, drought management, water security and flood protection" are now central to dam proposals[12].
Regulatory Evolution and Future Directions
Alberta's approach to regulating dam proposals has evolved significantly over the past century. In 2025, the provincial government directed the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to hold an inquiry on the regulatory process for hydroelectric power generation development[15]. This review aims to address "the potential for development of hydroelectric power as a clean source of energy," the complexity of the approval process, and the desire for an "effective and efficient regulatory approval process that considers the interests of all Alberta stakeholders"[15].
This regulatory review signals a potential overhaul of Alberta's hydroelectric regulatory system, with implications for future dam proposals. The inquiry will identify current applicable legislation, regulatory processes, stakeholders, and issues with potential impacts on neighboring provinces and territories[15].
Conclusion
The hundred-year history of dam proposals in Alberta reflects the province's continuing efforts to harness water resources for economic development, energy generation, and community protection. From the early hydroelectric facilities on the Bow River to contemporary multi-purpose reservoirs, dam proposals have evolved in response to changing societal needs, environmental awareness, and governance approaches.
Several trends emerge from this historical analysis. First, dam proposals that serve multiple purposes (flood control, drought management, and water security) appear more likely to gain support in the current era. Second, increasing consideration of environmental impacts and Indigenous rights has altered how proposals are developed and evaluated. Third, climate change and extreme weather events are now central justifications for new water infrastructure.
As Alberta moves forward, the balance between water development and conservation will continue to shape dam proposals. The recurring nature of proposals like the Ardley dam suggests that water infrastructure development remains cyclical, with old ideas reconsidered in light of new challenges. What's clear from a century of dam proposals is that Alberta's relationship with its water resources continues to evolve, with each generation seeking to address the water management challenges of its time through innovative, if sometimes controversial, infrastructure solutions.
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- https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/hydro-power/kananaskis-celebrates-100-year-power-generation-legacy/
- https://history.alberta.ca/energyheritage/energy/hydro-power/evolution-of-an-industry/default.aspx
- https://albertawilderness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20240822_ar_wla_trapped_still_jmclennon.pdf
- https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/64a3fb66-ef4c-4f5e-85a3-27299acba5c1/resource/84c7abdc-eeba-41f2-a4d7-d18c45715807/download/aep-bow-river-reservoir-options-phase-1-conceptual-assessment-main-report.pdf
- https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/FILE/report2.pdf
- https://www.parc.ca/mcri/pdfs/HistoricalChronologyoftheOldmanRiverDamConflict.pdf
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bassano-dam-flood-spillway-alberta-eastern-irrigation-district-1.5336583
- https://www.alberta.ca/bow-river-reservoir-options
- https://www.rmoutlook.com/stoney-nakoda/province-scraps-plans-for-bow-river-dam-near-mini-thni-9069689
- https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/5-million-feasability-study-proposed-dam-near-brooks
- https://www.alberta.ca/improving-water-storage
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/could-the-ardley-dam-proposal-studied-for-nearly-a-century-actually-get-built-1.7324727
- https://scholar.ulethbridge.ca/sites/default/files/rood/files/bensen_rood_2018_bringing_twentieth-century_water_projects_into_the.pdf?m=1569512162
- https://albertawilderness.ca/issues/wildwater/
- https://elc.ab.ca/post-library/who-gives-a-dam-about-hydro-in-alberta/
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