Saskatchewan, the land of the living skies, known for its agricultural prowess and roll your sleeves up and get to work attitude, is not as often recognized as a global leader in sustainability, food security and processing. But the reality is, Saskatchewan is poised to play a key role in feeding a growing world while securing a prosperous future for generations to come.
This sounds like a large undertaking, but it is quite simple, just add water.
As global food demand rises and the challenge of ensuring food security intensifies, Saskatchewan sits with one of the largest untapped freshwater reserves. By utilizing irrigation, it offers a unique opportunity to cultivate high-value crops, support sustainable agricultural practices and drive economic growth.
The Government of Saskatchewan announced a plan that includes various projects designed to enhance and extend the reach of irrigation. These projects support the province’s 2030 Growth Plan, which aims to increase agriculture productivity, support economic diversification and ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.
Irrigation Expansion
Irrigation expansion in Saskatchewan involves the creation of new, multi-user water supply systems. This process includes constructing new canals and pipelines and implementing modern irrigation technologies to improve water efficiency. The goal is to provide a reliable water source for agriculture and provide benefits for communities, recreation, industry, and the environment. Irrigation ensures that crops and livestock receive the necessary water to thrive even during periods of drought.
Projects Under Development
Currently, several key projects are underway as part of the province’s irrigation expansion efforts:
Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project: This project involves the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing Westside irrigation canal system, which will add 100,000 acres of irrigable land.
Duncairn Reservoir: Located near Swift Current, this reservoir supports multiple irrigation projects and municipal water supply. Recent assessments have identified additional water available for future irrigation development.
Quill Lakes Water Management: While primarily focused on addressing flooding and drainage issues, this project also explores opportunities for capturing quality water for irrigation expansion in the Quill Lakes Basin.
Old Wives Lake Watershed: A water availability and quality assessment was completed to address the growing demands for irrigation and economic development, improve water infrastructure operations, and ensure reliable water supplies for existing users. A RiverWare model was developed to evaluate current and future water management scenarios.
Lake Diefenbaker Planning Study: This project involves a feasibility study to assess the irrigation potential around Lake Diefenbaker. The study identified key development areas and cost estimates around the lake for future irrigation expansion.
Saskatoon Southeast Water Supply System (SSEWSS) Irrigation Expansion: In December 2022, 15,000 acres of allocation for non-district Irrigation was announced and is near completion in development. Currently a water management model is being developed to improve planning and operations for the SSEWSS system.
North Saskatchewan River: This project identified approximately 200,000 acres of potentially irrigable lands along the river. WSA’s next step is to engage with stakeholders in potential irrigation development blocks identified in the study to assess interest in development.
In addition to the projects the province is investing in, there has been over 81,000 irrigated acres added since the start of 2020 with the majority of those coming from private irrigation.
Benefits of Irrigation
The benefits of irrigation to Saskatchewan are significant. By “just adding water” to Saskatchewan’s fields through irrigation, it will create opportunities that extend far beyond farming. For producers, irrigation unlocks the potential to cultivate high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, which require consistent water supplies and command higher market prices. With stable water access, producers can plan with confidence, mitigate the impacts of droughts and maximize yields.
This reliability leads to the establishment of value-added industries like food processing, packaging and distribution, all of which create jobs and inject wealth into the economy.
The ripple effects of irrigation expand into the province’s long-term prosperity. Projects like the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project alone are expected to add a $5.9 billion to Saskatchewan’s economy. During its construction, the project will create 9,500 jobs and over time, it’s anticipated to generate more than 30,000 person-years of employment.
If value-added processing opportunities—such as food manufacturing—are factored in, the GDP impact could grow significantly, making irrigation one of the province’s most valuable long-term investments. The availability of water for irrigation can also act as a catalyst for industrial expansion. Industries that rely on a consistent water supply can benefit from the improved infrastructure.
The province has already seen success around Outlook. By adding water, what was once simply agricultural land has grown into a flourishing hub of value-added industries, turning Outlook into a vital part of Saskatchewan’s economy.
At Wolf Willow Winery, irrigation supports the cultivation of fruit, enabling the winery to produce fine wines and beverages. Nearby, Spring Creek Gardens operate over 2,000 acres, split between vegetables and potatoes, with facilities dedicated to washing, grading, packing and storing these crops for up to a full year. This ensures that Saskatchewan-grown produce is available well beyond harvest seasons, adding stability to the supply chain.
The numbers alone tell a remarkable story. Outlook hosts between 3,500 and 4,500 acres of potato production, yielding approximately 125 million pounds annually, a figure that underscores how irrigation fuels high-value crop production. Tuberosum Technologies Inc. takes this one step further, focusing on research and development to refine the efficiency and sustainability of potato farming. Meanwhile, Spudwyk Farms contributes to Canada’s culinary landscape by supplying The Little Potato Company, ensuring Saskatchewan-grown potatoes are enjoyed in households nationwide.
The pulse processing facility operated by Rudy Agro Ltd. specializes in irrigated crops such as marrowfat peas and dry edible beans, tapping into global markets and extending the reach of Saskatchewan’s agricultural outputs far beyond provincial borders. Additionally, Outlook’s irrigation system has supported the growth of 2,300 acres of seed canola in 2024, illustrating the broad range of crops that thrive under a reliable and consistent water supply.
This story and the benefits of irrigation stretch far beyond farming. It is about creating jobs, fostering innovation and building resilience. Irrigation enables producers to grow more, diversify their crops and reduce risks, further economic development and job creation in numerous different industries. The benefits of irrigation will be felt provincewide.
The irrigation expansion projects in Saskatchewan represent a step towards securing the future of the province’s agricultural sector and fostering economic growth. By increasing the amount of irrigable land, the project aims to provide a stable water supply, boost agricultural productivity and create jobs. As these projects moves forward, the Water Security Agency recognizes the importance to address environmental concerns and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among all stakeholders, Indigenous communities, producers and the public.
After World War II, Canada as a nation was starting a new era of economic and population growth. The war efforts created a major boost to the economy and the country was seeing surging industrial production and consumer spending.
Enter the 1950s, Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker and the South Saskatchewan River Project. As a Saskatchewan Member of Parliament, Mr. Diefenbaker understood two major components to growing a province and a nation: water and agriculture.
The construction of what would become Lake Diefenbaker was part of a broader plan known as the South Saskatchewan River Project. The project aimed to provide a reliable water source for irrigation, generate hydroelectric power and support the province’s economic growth.
For over half a century, this man-made lake has played a crucial role in the lives of Saskatchewan’s residents, serving as a vital resource for agriculture, energy and recreation. Its creation marked a significant achievement in Canadian engineering and its impact continues to resonate throughout the province.
Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution to the challenges brought by southern Saskatchewan’s arid climate, the federal and provincial governments embarked on a project to harness the waters of the South Saskatchewan and Qu’Appelle rivers.
The construction of Lake Diefenbaker involved two major dams: the Gardiner Dam and the Qu’Appelle River Dam. Work on these structures began in 1959 and the project required a massive workforce, advanced engineering techniques and substantial financial investment. The Gardiner Dam was a monumental feat of engineering, standing 64 meters high and stretching five kilometers across the South Saskatchewan River. Completed in 1967, the Gardiner Dam is one of the largest earth-fill dams in the world today. The Qu’Appelle River Dam, located near the town of Elbow, also played a critical role in the project, helping to regulate water flow and manage the reservoir’s levels.
The creation of Lake Diefenbaker provided a reliable water source for irrigation, transforming previously barren and dry lands into fertile fields capable of producing high crop yields. The lake’s waters support thousands of acres of irrigated farmland, enabling farmers to grow a diverse array of crops, including grains, oilseeds and pulses.
Today, Lake Diefenbaker continues to stand as an important resource for Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. It serves as the largest source of water for irrigation in the province, supplying six irrigation districts, numerous individual irrigation projects and the Saskatoon Southeast Water Supply (SSEWS) canal system. It supplies 166,000 acres of the provinces over 450,000 irrigated acres.
Beyond agriculture, Lake Diefenbaker is a recreational haven, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The lake’s expansive waters are ideal for boating, fishing and water sports, while the surrounding parks offer camping, hiking and wildlife watching.
The lake also provides drinking water to 60 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population. The hydroelectric power generated by the Gardiner and Coteau Creek dams is another critical aspect of Lake Diefenbaker’s importance. The two dams produce approximately 186 megawatts of electricity, supplying power to thousands of homes and businesses across the province.
The lake is also an important ecological hub in Saskatchewan, supporting a diverse range of wildlife and aquatic species. The lake is home to various fish species, including walleye, northern pike, lake trout and burbot, making it a popular destination for anglers and a crucial habitat for aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, Lake Diefenbaker provides essential nesting grounds for the piping plover, an endangered shorebird that relies on the lake’s sandy and gravelly shorelines for breeding.
While Lake Diefenbaker’s origins lie in irrigation, there is still untapped potential for the more than 225-kilometre-long freshwater reservoir.
Originally built for 500,000 acres of flood irrigation, the reservoir has only seen over 166,000 acres of pivot irrigation. To date, infrastructure for only 29 per cent of the originally planned irrigated acres from Lake Diefenbaker have been constructed.
This creates a significant opportunity for the province to realize the dreams of expanded irrigation in Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan recognized this and is investing in the expansion of the province’s irrigation infrastructure with projects like the 100,000-acre Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project that will expand and modernize existing infrastructure constructed nearly 50 years ago, including the West Main Canal, Westside Pump Station and the partially completed Conquest Reservoir.
This Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project will enhance food and water security, create jobs, boost the economy and make positive impacts to the environment. The project will also include measures to protect and preserve the lake’s ecosystem and water levels. Currently less than 2.7 per cent of water in Lake Diefenbaker is used for irrigation; to put this into perspective, 3.3 per cent is lost to evaporation. Adding 100,000-acres of irrigation from Lake Diefenbaker would require around two per cent of the average inflow into the lake. This means that Lake Diefenbaker would maintain normal water levels for generations to come.
Despite its many benefits, the expansion of irrigation around Lake Diefenbaker is not without challenges and concerns. That is why the Water Security Agency is engaging with the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities to address any potential concerns or environmental impacts.
As we look to the future, the expansion of irrigation and water management initiatives around Lake Diefenbaker represents a promising path forward. By embracing innovation, sustainability and community collaboration, Saskatchewan can ensure that this remarkable reservoir continues to thrive for decades to come.
As planning continues for the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project – the Government of Saskatchewan will be hosting a pair of public information sessions to provide important information about the project, engage with the community, encourage open dialogue and gather valuable feedback to shape the future of the project.
The sessions will give the attendees a chance to learn about the scope of the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project, what work is underway, any updates about the project and its anticipated benefits as well as the steps that are being taken to protect the environment while developing the project. Participants will be asked to share their thoughts, ask questions and provide input on a variety of topics.
The public information sessions are a critical component of this project, as they provide an avenue for open dialogue and feedback. The feedback gathered will be integral in refining the project design and addressing any potential concerns. The format of these sessions is designed to be interactive and informative, creating a platform for meaningful engagement.
The Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project aims to create approximately 100,000 irrigated acres by modernizing and expanding decades-old infrastructure. This scope includes updating 50 kilometers of underutilized canal infrastructure, building a new pump station and completing the Conquest Reservoir near the Village of Conquest. It’s an essential step toward creating water security to an area that has traditionally not had access to high-quality water resources.
Engineering and design work is already underway, with completion expected later this year. Major construction on the project is targeted for late 2026.
Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project Public Information Sessions April 15th, 2025 Conquest School located at 401 Pacific Ave, in Conquest, SK. 1:30pm and another at 6:00pm.
Choose the time that works best for you to come to learn about the project and provide your input on this important initiative.
