for Calgary and surrounding communities, unlike the Bragg Creek option,” Schulz explains. “SR1 also offered fewer environmental risks than the McLean Creek option, and ultimately would better integrate with existing infrastructure and emergency systems.” That integration has become a defining feature. Rather than acting in isolation, SR1 works in tandem with the Glenmore Reservoir. Together they create a two-tiered system—SR1 captures peak floodwaters upstream, while Glenmore fine-tunes water levels within Calgary. Schulz called this coordination “quite sophisticated” and emphasized that it allows for adaptive responses to shifting conditions in real time. 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 Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas 51 NOV 2025 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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