Environment Lethbridge receives funding from watershed program

By Lethbridge Herald on July 12, 2025.

Al Beeber
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Environment Lethbridge is a beneficiary of provincial funding announced Friday for 20 new projects aimed at helping to restore and protect watersheds.

Only from the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program is going to help Lethbridge residents implement long-term strategies to address drought here, according to Kathleen Sheppard, executive director of Environment Lethbridge.

“By transitioning to water-wise, drought resilient landscaping, homeowners can put plans in action today that will lead to water conservation success in the future. Environment Lethbridge is thrilled to be able to use this funding to help urban residents achieve their outdoor water conservation goals,” said Sheppard in a government release.

Funding for the projects totals $3.5 million and the government says it will help the province become more resistant to drought and flood.

Two counties, one city and 17 non-profits will be sharing the money which will be used to restore watersheds and river banks, stabilize stream banks and improve the natural movement of water to mitigate both flooding and droughts.

“By investing in watersheds, we are improving community protections fro future floods and droughts. This funding not only supports landowners, it also results in cleaner water, thriving ecosystems, and a healthier environment for people and wildlife across the province,” said Rebecca Schulz, Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

The watershed program is investing in projects such as the revitalization of urban banks along the Elbow River in Calgary while in Medicine Hat, students will get hands-on experience in bio-engineering techniques for stabilizing riverbanks. The money will also support landowners along the Milk River in their efforts to design sustainable irrigation plans, says the government.

Since 2020, the government has invested about $20 million through the program providing 215 grants to 85 organizations.