Tsuut’ina Nation opposes Bragg Creek berm project
The Tsuut’ina Nation has submitted a statement of concern to Alberta Environment and Parks over a proposed flood mitigation project along the Elbow River at Bragg Creek.
The First Nation said in a statement Wednesday that a study conducted by PGL Environmental Consultants showed berms planned for the site could cause negative effects on Tsuut’ina.
The First Nation is asking for the issue to be referred to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
“We would like the federal government to step in,” said Tsuut’ina spokesman Kevin Littlelight.
“We would like to be consulted on a number of projects, this one especially.”
Grant Kaiser, spokesman for Rocky View County, said the berm project in Bragg Creek is funded by the federal and provincial governments as part of their approach to flood control in the Calgary region.
The county said it has not seen the Tsuut’ina statement of concern.
“Rocky View County has always followed a ‘good neighbour’ policy in our dealings with the many municipalities and First Nations peoples who share our borders,” Kaiser said. “We have been in contact with the Tsuut’ina, and had planned to begin engagement sessions with them on April 30.”
MAY INCREASE FLOODING
The PGL study concluded the proposed flood mitigation project “could increase flooding and flood debris on Tsuut’ina reserve lands and negatively impact water quality,” the statement of concern reads.
“The Elbow River directly downstream from the Project is very vulnerable to flooding (and) involves significant groundwater issues, and so the impacts of flooding under changed river conditions may have implications for Tsuut’ina’s water wells, the Nation’s Powwow and Rodeo Grounds, and the Redwood Meadows town site, golf course and water treatment plant,” the document states.
Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips said the submission will be assessed as part of the province’s review process.
“I understand Alberta Transportation plans to move forward with discussions and planning of the Redwood Meadows flood mitigation project with the Tsuut’ina Nation in the near future,” she said in a written statement.
“We remain committed to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir for mitigating flood impacts and protecting residents in Calgary and other downstream communities.”