WC146 JanFeb 2026 - Magazine - Page 6
FIRST DROPS
Water related news,
events, and trends
from Canada and
around the world
ALBERTA HAS RELEASED nearly 300 kilometres of new flood
mapping as part of its accelerated effort to update hazard data
and support local planning across the province.
The latest maps cover Hinton, Red Deer County, Markerville, Stettler, Vegreville and Pine Creek. The province says
more than 1,850 kilometres of mapping has been completed
since 2020—more than in the previous three decades combined—and it remains on track to exceed 3,000 kilometres by
2028.
Officials say updated maps are critical as every river, stream
and lake in Alberta has the potential to flood. Updated maps
help communities understand where floodwaters are likely
to flow, which guides emergency response, land-use plan-
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WATER C AN ADA • JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2026
ning and infrastructure design. Since 2020, new or updated
mapping has been finished for 70 municipalities and five First
Nations.
Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz
said the work is being completed “at a record pace to help
communities plan better and keep Albertans safe.” Municipal
leaders added that expanded mapping strengthens resilience
and supports safer development.
Four of the five newest studies update older maps prepared
between 1994 and 2007. Nearly 600 kilometres of additional
draft mapping—including for Lethbridge, Grande Prairie,
Lamont, Ponoka, Crowsnest Pass and others—is expected
over the next two years.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Getty Images
Alberta completes nearly 300 kilometres of new 昀氀ood maps
