Alberta is making it easier for communities and businesses to restore natural habitats by removing the need for a temporary diversion licence to water plants in riparian restoration projects.The change allows small-scale projects — those using less than 100 cubic metres of water per day — to water newly planted vegetation near rivers, lakes and creeks without government approval. The move is aimed at preventing delays that have previously jeopardized plant survival and driven up project costs.“Freedom to water is about cutting through the clutter of bureaucracy so real work can happen,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz. .“This change stops the waste, ends the delays and lets communities focus on restoring Alberta’s rivers, creeks and lake banks — not filling out forms.”The decision is being welcomed by restoration advocates like Andrew Renaux, CEO of Leaf Ninjas, who said the shift will help reduce drought and flood risks while supporting healthy ecosystems.Previously, projects had to obtain a temporary diversion licence to legally use water for irrigation, a process that could be hampered by drought, water shortages or administrative delays. If a licence couldn’t be secured, organizations often had to truck in water or let plants die.
