The Town of Okotoks and Foothills County marked a major milestone today in the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project with a valve turning ceremony celebrating the completion of approximately 25 kilometres of watermain and the start of interim seasonal water delivery to Okotoks.
The milestone represents a significant step forward in securing a reliable and sustainable regional water supply to support long-term growth, economic development and environmental stewardship in the region.
The newly installed pipeline connects an interim well on the intake lands to the Okotoks Water Treatment Plant, enabling limited, interim seasonal water to begin flowing to Okotoks while construction continues on the remaining components of the regional system.
Work is ongoing on key infrastructure elements, including the intake pump station, midline pump station, Okotoks raw water reservoir, Aldersyde Water Treatment plant and watermain connection, which will bring the full regional system into operation once complete.
The Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project is a collaborative effort between the Town of Okotoks and Foothills County. When operational, the system will draw water from the Bow River and deliver it to treatment facilities in both municipalities, strengthening long-term water security and supporting sustainable growth across the region.
The project is funded through a combination of federal and provincial grants, partner contributions, and off-site levies, which are charged to developers to pay for infrastructure required to support growth.
Quotes
“Our government is making investments that build strong, resilient communities across Canada. Today’s milestone is an important step forward for the Foothills region, and we are proud to support the infrastructure that will provide a reliable water supply, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve quality of life for residents now and into the future.”
— Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation
“The Government of Alberta is proud to support infrastructure that strengthens water security and enables responsible growth. This milestone demonstrates the importance of investing in projects that benefit communities across the province.”
— The Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
“Foothills County is pleased to partner with the Town of Okotoks on this important regional initiative. The progress achieved to date highlights the value of a coordinated approach to infrastructure that supports both communities.”
— Reeve Rob Siewert, Foothills County
“This is a significant milestone for our community and the region. Securing a sustainable water supply has long been a priority for Okotoks, and this progress reflects the strength of our partnerships and shared commitment. Together, we are building the infrastructure needed to support a reliable water supply for residents, businesses and future generations.”
— Mayor Tanya Thorn, Town of Okotoks
Quick facts
- The project includes a regional water pipeline, a water intake from the Bow River, a pump station and a large above-ground raw water reservoir with a capacity of approximately 300,000 cubic metres.
- Approximately 25 kilometres of regional watermain have now been installed, enabling interim seasonal water to begin flowing to Okotoks.
- The project received $30.2 million in provincial funding through Alberta’s Water for Life program.
- An additional $5.8 million was received in federal funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.