Parkland County secures funding for new wetland construction

PARKLAND COUNTY -- Parkland County has received new provincial funding to construct a new wetland. 

The funding is courtesy of the Wetland Replacement Program and will see the County receive $343,750 to construct a 1.25-hectare wetland northeast of Spruce Grove. This comes as part of seven projects announced by the province to strengthen natural flood and drought defences, improve water quality, and support healthier communities.

"Restoring wetlands is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce future flood and drought risks," said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "These projects show what's possible when governments, local partners, and landowners work together. By rebuilding wetlands where they matter most, we’re creating a stronger province."

Wetlands act as nature's "sponges." They store and slowly release water to help reduce the damaging effects of flooding and drought, and filter runoff to help keep our rivers and lakes clean. Wetlands also recharge our groundwater and provide diverse habitats for plants and animals.

In total, the province is investing $5.3 million to add 67 hectares of new wetlands -- roughly five times the size of West Edmonton Mall -- across central and southern Alberta. They note that the Wetland Replacement Program provides a way to restore wetlands across the province and prioritizes areas with the highest rates of wetland loss. If a wetland is impacted during the construction of a project, the proponent can choose to pay a wetland replacement fee to the Alberta government in lieu of replacing the lost wetland.

$414,975 has also been secured by Sturgeon County to construct a 1.65-hectare wetland northeast of St. Albert.