DIDSBURY – Town council has approved a new bylaw that will allow the municipality to borrow $3.5 million to help fund the town’s new $7.4 million water reservoir project.
The approval came by way of motions at a special council meeting on May 29, held in person and online with Mayor Rhonda Hunter and all councillors present.
The new reservoir will be located next to the Didsbury Memorial Complex.
Bylaw No. 2025-07 authorizes the municipality to borrow the money from the government of Alberta for the purpose of financing the construction of the East Reservoir Project.
“The project is required for the continuity of providing clean and reliable drinking water to the residents of Didsbury as the Butte Reservoir reaches the end of its useful life,” acting chief administrative officer Amanda Riley told council.
To fund the project, the town will be allocating $1,144,000 from water reserves, $215,000 from offset levies, $2,541,00 from grants, and the debenture of $3.5 million.
“To complete the project, taking on long-term debt is absolutely necessary,” she said. “Therefore, the passing of this bylaw is essential for the project to commence.”
As part of the bylaw process, the town was required to advertise the bylaw. Following that, administration did not receive any petitions in opposition and is not expecting any to be forthcoming, she said.
The bylaw received second and third reading, with mayor Hunter and all councillors voting in favour.
“I’m excited that the project is moving forward,” said deputy mayor Curt Engel.
Lisa Bastarache, the town’s communications coordinator, told the Albertan, “Debenture payments of approximately $240,000 annually are expected to begin in 2026. However, one half payment has been approved in the 2025 budget.
“It is important to note that the debenture payments will be drawn from the water department budget and will be paid through water utility fees and not through property taxes.”
Construction of the reservoir will begin this month and commission of the reservoir is expected in later 2026, she said.
The complete borrowing bylaw is available for viewing on the town’s website.
