How Should the Springbank Flood Reservoir Lands Be Used?

Official title: Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Plan engagement

Closed Community Planning Environment & Climate Housing & Communities Indigenous & Northern
Alberta built a dry reservoir on the Elbow River to protect Calgary from floods like the devastating 2013 event. When it's not holding floodwater, the land sits empty. The government asked Albertans and First Nations how these lands should be used—for recreation, traditional activities, or environmental protection.

Why This Matters

Live downstream of the Elbow River? This reservoir could save your home from the next major flood. For First Nations, these lands offer a chance to exercise treaty rights and traditional uses. Outdoor enthusiasts may get new trails and recreation areas west of Calgary.

What Could Change

The final land use plan was released in February 2025. It establishes rules for flood operations, First Nations priority access for treaty rights and traditional uses, and public recreation. Non-motorized activities like hiking will be permitted. Some areas will have restricted access during flood emergencies.

Key Issues

  • How should land access be managed when the reservoir isn't being used for flood control?
  • What recreational activities should be permitted on the project lands?
  • How should First Nations treaty rights and traditional uses be accommodated?
  • What environmental values need protection on the project lands?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation has closed. Review the final Springbank Off-stream Reservoir Land Use Plan released in February 2025.

What Happened

Feedback was gathered through public online surveys (February 12 to March 17, 2024) and Indigenous engagement (February 12 to April 14, 2024, plus one-on-one meetings). Key findings included requests for clearer land access rules, desire for access opportunities for First Nations and the public, identification of environmental values, support for non-motorized recreation, and suggestions for amenities. The final Land Use Plan was released in February 2025.

View Final Decision

Key Documents