The construction of the facility will mark the completion of Phase 2B of the Malloy Drainage Basin Implementation Plan, which addresses flood risks throughout a 22,000-hectare basin.
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The Town of Coaldale, Lethbridge County, and the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) are pleased to announce that construction will soon begin on a brand-new stormwater management facility (SWMF) in south Coaldale.
Located just west of Highway 845 and south of Township Road 91, the new SWMF is designed to intercept rural stormwater runoff before it enters Coaldale’s developed residential areas. The facility will include 100, 000 cubic meters of stormwater storage and act as a critical flood mitigation measure for Coaldale and the surrounding area in Lethbridge County. Once constructed, the SWMF will provide significant protection to over 750 residences, roadways, municipal infrastructure, and agricultural land.
“For decades, Coaldale has been vulnerable to flooding events that have impacted homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure”, said Town of Coaldale Mayor, Jack Van Rijn. “This new stormwater management facility is a long overdue and much-needed investment in public safety and community resilience. We’re proud to be working alongside our regional partners to deliver a solution that not only protects our residents today, but also positions Coaldale for sustainable growth into the future.”
“We see significant value in this project,” says Lethbridge County Reeve, Tory Campbell “This facility is an investment in our communities to keep residents safe and protect the agricultural land that is so critical to the success of our region. By working in partnership with Coaldale and SMRID, we can ensure a lasting and long-term benefit for generations. Regional collaboration is essential to leveraging our collective resources and achieving outcomes that benefit the entire area.”
“The SMRID is thrilled to see the South Coaldale Regional Stormwater Management Facility (SWMF) moving forward and are proud to support this important project”, said David Westwood, General Manager of SMRID. “The SWMF will benefit the communities in the Malloy Drainage Basin, and Southern Alberta more broadly, and play a critical role in flood mitigation in the future. The Project exemplifies the spirit of regional partnership and cooperation, and will support the Social, Environmental and Economic objectives of the area and protect homes, property, and irrigation infrastructure that is vital to economic prosperity in the region.”
“This project is an important step toward protecting southern Albertans from future floods,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “By investing in the right infrastructure today, we're building a safer, stronger province for generations to come.”
“I am pleased to see work underway for a new facility to help Coaldale manage stormwater effectively and help to keep their homes, businesses and farmland protected,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water.
The construction of the new SWMF will mark the completion of Phase 2B of the Malloy Drainage Basin Implementation Plan, which addresses flood risks throughout a 22,000-hectare basin. This area has experienced repeated and damaging floods in 1995, 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2014, with the most recent floods revealing urgent gaps in the region’s stormwater infrastructure. The new SWMF will help mitigate runoff from a 3,662-hectare rural catchment area during 1:100-year storm events, reducing the risk of future disasters.
Additional project elements include integration with existing raw water reservoirs, future connectivity to other stormwater systems such as the Cottonwood Main SWMF, and incorporation of natural infrastructure features like vegetation to enhance water quality and environmental sustainability.
The total project cost is estimated at $5.3 million, with approximately $3.73 million being funded through the Government of Alberta’s Drought and Flood Protection Program. The remaining costs will be covered by the remaining project partners.
Construction is slated to begin in the coming weeks and is expected to be complete by the fall of 2026.