The Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project has received a $14.2 million boost in funding through the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) Water for Life program. The AMWWP provides cost-shared funding to eligible municipalities to help build municipal facilities’ water supply and treatment.
“Okotoks Town Council and Administration are incredibly grateful to be receiving this additional funding support from the Province,” said Okotoks Mayor, Tanya Thorn. “We look forward to continuing to work on this essential and collaborative project along with the Province, and our partner, Foothills County.”Â
The $14.2 million is in addition to the nearly $16 million in provincial grant funding that was announced in July of 2022.Â
“This substantial funding addition means that 45 percent of the project's eligible costs will now be covered by the province and will support growth and economic development to the area,” said Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. “The Government of Alberta is committed to providing financial support for municipal infrastructure through provincial grant funding programs, such as Water for Life.”
The pipeline will feed from where the Highwood River meets the Bow River into water treatment facilities in Okotoks and Foothills County. The primary water source for Okotoks will continue to be the Sheep River, while the pipeline will serve the growing population in Okotoks as a supplemental water source.
“With Okotoks and Foothills County continuing to see growth and economic development, it is essential that they have a reliable, quality water supply,” said Honourable RJ Sigurdson, MLA for Highwood. “By investing additional funding, Alberta’s government is ensuring our project is completed as soon as possible so that our region is able to continue to support residents and our growing economy for years to come.”