Projects

Why Irrigation?

Reliable moisture will unlock tremendous potential for agriculture and businesses in Saskatchewan. Irrigation supports the growth of diverse, high-value crops and increases employment, business attraction, investment, and value-added processing.

This 10-year, multi-project is the continuation of the vision that first created Lake Diefenbaker. In addition to completing and opening the existing Westside Irrigation Project, the Qu’Appelle South Water Conveyance Project will expand the reach and result in a completely new canal system extending all the way to Buffalo Pound Lake to serve the areas of Tugaske, Eyebrow, and Marquis. In addition to its key role in global food security, irrigation also improves climate change resiliency. Lake Diefenbaker offers a large, sustainable supply of good quality fresh water. When the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects are completed, that water will provide over 500,000 acres of agricultural land in southern and central Saskatchewan.

The Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects announced in July 2020 are only possible because of the existence of the Gardiner Dam and Qu’Appelle River Dam, constructed between 1958 and 1967. Gardiner Dam, one of the largest earth filled dams in the world, has played a significant role in irrigation, flood control, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and recreation since it officially opened in July of 1967.

Construction of irrigation infrastructure continued until 1973. Most of the work done in the intervening years was construction of the South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District and the Westside irrigation canal and pump station. The Westside project was originally intended to deliver water from Lake Diefenbaker to producers as far north as Delisle and Asquith.

Environmental Impact of Irrigation

Responsible agricultural practices are vital to climate change resilience and environmental sustainability. Widespread irrigation can help mitigate drought and control flooding. In semi-arid areas of Saskatchewan, irrigation is one of several agricultural practices that helps prevent soil erosion. Irrigation also makes it easier to diversify and rotate crops, contributing to long-term soil health.

One of the indirect environmental benefits of irrigation is improved food security. As more value-added crops are harvested across Saskatchewan, we will improve food security not just for our province, but for all of Canada. Lessening our reliance on imported agricultural products is a big step towards climate change adaptation.

See what was built in the 1970s and where the future could go . . .