Preparations are currently underway for the repair of the St. Mary Canal siphon, a crucial piece of infrastructure that supplies water to southern Alberta. The siphon, which is responsible for transporting water from the St. Mary River to the Milk River, has been in operation for over 100 years and is in need of significant repairs.
According to officials from the St. Mary Rehabilitation Working Group, the repair work is expected to begin in the fall of 2021 and will take approximately two years to complete. The project is estimated to cost around $16 million and will be funded by the Canadian and Alberta governments, as well as local irrigation districts.
The St. Mary Canal siphon is a vital component of the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID), which provides water to over 130,000 acres of farmland in southern Alberta. The siphon is responsible for delivering water to the SMRID’s main canal, which then distributes it to farmers for irrigation purposes.
The need for repairs to the siphon was identified during a routine inspection in 2019, which revealed significant corrosion and deterioration of the structure. This prompted the St. Mary Rehabilitation Working Group to conduct a thorough assessment and develop a plan for repairs.
The repair work will involve replacing the siphon’s steel pipe with a new, larger pipe made of reinforced concrete. This will increase the siphon’s capacity and ensure its longevity for years to come. In addition, the project will also include the installation of a new control gate and the construction of a new access road for maintenance purposes.
The repair of the St. Mary Canal siphon is crucial for the continued operation of the SMRID and the irrigation of farmland in southern Alberta. Without this repair, there is a risk of water shortages and potential damage to crops, which could have a significant impact on the local economy.
Officials are assuring residents that the repair work will not disrupt water supply to farmers during the irrigation season. However, there may be some temporary disruptions to traffic and access to the area during construction.
In conclusion, the repair of the St. Mary Canal siphon is a necessary and important project that will ensure the continued supply of water to southern Alberta. The repair work is expected to begin in the fall of 2021 and will take approximately two years to complete.
