Industrial Heartland Utility Construction

Sturgeon County’s vision is to provide world-class energy and business investment opportunities, and the growth of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is a vital piece of this vision.

The Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland (AIH) launched in 2022 to streamline regulatory approvals and support infrastructure development while maintaining world-class environmental standards. As part of the DIZ, rigorous environmental protection and management measures are in place, including an Air Emissions Requirement Policy, enhanced guidance for air modelling, and a Water Quality Management Program.

Established access to water is needed for this area to grow. No new water intakes have been developed in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland for more than a decade, even though demand by industry has grown. Sturgeon County has been identified as a potential site within the DIZ for a new water intake facility, which will provide non-potable, untreated water for industrial growth. Using untreated river water for industrial development is better for the environment and helps keep potable water for its intended use – for everyday tasks like drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

This project is fully funded through a project specific grant for over $16 million from the Government of Alberta.

The water intake design is subject to regulatory applications that will require approval from municipal, provincial, and federal authorities.

Sturgeon County is committed to environmental stewardship. Water returned to the river will meet or exceed water quality in the North Saskatchewan River.

Updates will be posted on this page as the project progresses.