Alberta’s government will spend $8.7 million to build new wetlands and restore damaged ones across the province in a move officials say will improve flood and drought protection, water quality, and local ecosystems.The funding, delivered through the province’s Wetland Replacement Program, will be available to municipalities and non-profits for projects beginning as early as this October. Applications for funding are due by August 15.“Wetlands are one of Alberta’s best natural defenses against droughts and floods,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “Our wetland replacement funding is safeguarding clean water, biodiversity and the well-being of our communities for generations to come.”.Wetlands serve as natural water storage systems, absorbing runoff during heavy rains and gradually releasing moisture during dry periods. They also help filter pollutants before they reach lakes and rivers and support wildlife and biodiversity across Alberta.The province engaged Albertans in late 2024 and early 2025 to hear input on improving water management. Feedback showed consistent public support for continued spending on wetland projects.The Wetland Replacement Program, launched in 2020, has already restored 609 hectares of wetlands. Since its inception, Alberta has spent more than $20 million on 43 projects led by eight municipalities and two non-profits, including $6.2 million in landowner payments to rural Albertans..Ducks Unlimited Canada, a major partner in the initiative, praised the new spending. “Wetlands play a critical role in the delivery of key ecosystem services to Albertans and are foundational to the economic prosperity of our province,” said Thorsten Hebben, manager of Alberta operations.Dr. Bin Xu of the NAIT Centre for Boreal Research added that the program creates jobs and advances restoration science. “This not only achieves the goal of replacing disturbed wetlands, but contributes to the advancement of reclamation science and practice in Alberta and across Canada,” he said.In addition to wetlands, Alberta is also spending on broader water infrastructure, including $5 million over three years for the Water Storage Assessment Program and $25 million this year through the Drought and Flood Protection Program.
