MP for Foothills Opposed to the Springbank Dam Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31st, 2016

High River, AB – Official Opposition Deputy Critic for Workforce, Employment and Labour and Member of Parliament for Foothills, John Barlow, today announced he cannot support the Springbank Dam project proposed by the Alberta NDP government.

“The proposed dry dam is intended to protect part of Calgary from future flooding and I appreciate that,” said MP Barlow. “But this proposal fails to protect rural communities devastated during the flood of 2013. These include Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows and the Tsuu-T’ina First Nations.” Barlow continued, “I am calling on the Liberal government to conduct a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Springbank Dam, and I am asking the Provincial government to explore alternate options to this project in open consultation with Foothills residents. We must have the most cost effective and environmentally sound option that will protect as many communities, farms, ranches and businesses as possible.”

Background:

• Since its announcement in April of 2014, the Springbank Dam project has been growing in size and cost.
• Prior to change in government, project land requirements were announced to have increased up to 6,884 acres, at a cost of more than $600 million.

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For additional information and media inquiries, please contact:

John Barlow Member of Parliament for Foothills
Deputy Critic, Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario
(PH) 613-995-8471
(E) john.barlow@parl.gc.ca