Balzac Entertainment Complex - IntraBasin Transfers

Developers near Balzac, Alberta (north of Calgary) have begun construction on a new horse racetrack and entertainment centre. The catch? The construction began before they secured a water source.

The quest for water to feed this new development has spurred much controversy particularly with an initial request to secure water from the Red Deer river. While it now appears the water will be secured from the Bow River, the wastewater will be discharged to the Red Deer River. The issue of intrabasin transfers is now a hot topic. It even spurred Environment Minister Rob Renner to convene a special committee to evaluate existing policy on intrabasin transfers.

In this series of Bow River News articles we follow the Balzac case, and bring water issues to light: What are the ramifications of IntraBasin transfers? How do we accommodate new water users in our closed basin? Read on to learn more.

• Piping Water Between River Basins: A Growing Controversy (March 16, 2007)
• Living within the limits of the watershed: water for the mega- entertainment complex may now come from the Bow River (July 18)
• Balzac water deal open for public comment (September 7, 2007)
• Water transfer to Balzac development appealed (December 12, 2007)
• Balzac appeal denied: What's the future for the Calgary region? (April 24, 2007)

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Read our New Report: Fight to the Last Drop

Our report, co-written with EcoJustice, examines the Balzac water transfer and the recently proposed EID licensing amendment. In the face of diminishing water supplies, do pipelines and water barons represent the future for Alberta's water?

» Learn more and download the report