There is also a strong environmental dimension to this operational strategy. Careful water management not only protects urban assets but also reduces riverbank erosion and shields aquatic habitats. As Schulz noted, “Carefully managed water releases help minimize riverbank erosion and protect aquatic habitats, balancing flood mitigation with environmental stewardship.”
Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
From the outset, Indigenous knowledge shaped how SR1 was planned and built. Schulz said she was “so grateful for the participation and contribution of the First Nations. Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 First Nations from nine different communities participated as environmental monitors, contributing traditional knowledge and cultural insight throughout the project.”
One of the most important contributions was the principle of “resting and healing the land” for two years after construction or any flood event. This practice, along with the establishment of a First Nations Land Use Plan Implementation Committee, ensures that traditional perspectives continue to guide stewardship long after construction is complete.
Environmental mitigation was another core priority. SR1 was deliberately designed to reduce disruption to the Elbow River’s natural flow, protecting fish populations and aquatic habitats. Regulatory processes required detailed plans for managing potential impacts on water quality, wildlife, and vegetation, and these plans were reviewed by Indigenous groups as well as government regulators before construction began.
“The area is closed to unauthorized access for at least two full growing seasons after construction,” Schulz explains, “allowing vegetation time to regenerate and give wildlife time to adapt to the altered landscape. Environmental monitoring was conducted throughout construction and continues during operations to ensure long-term protection of the environment.”
Looking Ahead
With construction complete, attention now shifts to how SR1 lands will be used in the years ahead. The land use plan strikes a balance between treaty rights, ecological stewardship, and limited recreation. “The plan designates the area as Crown land, allowing First Nations to exercise Treaty Rights and engage in traditional practices,” Schulz said. While it is not intended as a recreational hub, low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, and hunting will be permitted in designated areas.
The focus remains on ecological protection, through measures such as vegetation management, wildlife-friendly fencing, and ongoing environmental monitoring. Importantly, ongoing operational costs are already covered: “Operations and maintenance for SR1 fall within the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation’s existing budgets.”
For Alberta’s business community, SR1 provides protection against the financial and operational shocks of natural disasters. It reinforces economic stability across the region while also demonstrating how government and Indigenous partners can work together on shared priorities.
For more information, please visit www.alberta.ca/springbank-off-stream-reservoir
