SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) announced nearly $5 million to rehabilitate a portion of the M1 Canal on Monday.
Originally constructed in 196o’s, the M1 Canal transports water to the Saskatoon South East Water Supply (SSEWS) system via the Broderick Reservoir near Outlook. The 22.5 km canal supplies 37,000 acres in the South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District.
“The M1 Canal is a vital piece of infrastructure for irrigators in the province,” said Rodger Pederson, Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association Chair.
In 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture contracted an engineering consultant to develop an asset management plan for the M1. This plan recommended the complete replacement of the surface liner and water control structures as well as the rehabilitation of the canal’s culverts.
A water balance study was also completed that indicated the capacity of the M1 should be increased by 50 per cent to 28 cubic metres per second in order to address the region’s anticipated increase in water demand.
The Ministry of Agriculture has said canal rehabilitation ensures a reliable supply of water for central Saskatchewan and meets existing needs and future growth.
“Our government is committed to ensuring the economy continues to grow by providing producers, municipalities, industrial clients, parks and wildlife a reliable water supply,” said Ken Cheveldayoff, minister responsible for the WSA.
Rehabilitation work consists of enlarging a 1.3 km portion of the canal, installing a buried liner to prevent seepage and installing two concrete check structures. The project is expected to start in September and finish by summer 2014.
The SSEWS system supplies water from Lake Diefenbaker via the East Side Pump Station and M1 Canal through a system of gravity canals and reservoirs serving six communities, three potash mines, Blackstrap Provincial Park and approximately 55,000 acres. It is over 110 kilometres in length.
With an initial project completion date of 2020, the M1 Canal will be able to service municipal, agricultural and industrial development in the province for an additional 50 years.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested over $11 million into the rehabilitation of the M1 Canal since 2010.
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