Clive councillors read a letter at their Jan. 8 meeting regarding a severe drought warning from Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz, that severe drought is expected in Alberta in the spring and summer of 2024 and asking municipalities to prepare.
Schulz had a number of suggestions, but as the councillors discussed the request it became clear the village’s water supplier, the Hwy. #12/21 Water Commission, was the only body capable of answering some questions.
Mayor Lucy Henry stated, as she read Schulz’ letter, this was a good time to contact the water commission for direction. Henry added she recalled the water agreement contained details about water rationing.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Carla Kenney stated all Hwy. 12/21 member communities had to approve a similar water bylaw as part of their membership and all the bylaws would include water restriction details.
Kenney added it sounds like the drought is going to continue to be worse in southern Alberta and it also sounds like the southern parts of the province will be rationing water this summer.
During discussion several councillors stated water conservation should be a priority even in the absence of drought. It was also stated that even though drought isn’t expected to be as severe in central Alberta, councillors wanted to contact the water commission to find out what’s expected of the people of Clive.
Councillors also stated all of this information should be communicated to the public.
Councillors unanimously passed a resolution that village staff will contact the water commission about possible drought in 2024 and also bring back Clive’s water bylaw for discussion at a future meeting.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review