Irrigation development is woven inextricably into the history of southern Alberta and is a major influence on the social and economic fabric of the province. The St. Mary River Project is an extensive irrigation development that collects, stores, and conveys water for approximately 500,000 acres of irrigated agriculture. In October 1988, the provincial government introduced the Small Power Research and Development Program. The program assured a guaranteed price and market for power thus making small power projects in Alberta viable. In order to benefit from this program the Irrigation Canal Power Cooperative Ltd. (Irrican Power) was formed to develop hydropower projects on the existing water conveyance infrastructure in southern Alberta. Irrican is a cooperative subject to the laws of Alberta. Its members are: Raymond Irrigation District, St. Mary Irrigation District, and Taber Irrigation District. The common thread between these three irrigation districts is that they all draw water from the St. Mary Main Canal. It is on this canal that the greatest potential for hydropower development exists. The power produced at the three Irrican plants: Raymond Reservoir Hydroelectric plant, Chin Chute Hydroelectric plant, and Drops 4,5and 6 Hydroelectric plant. All three plants are Eco -Logo certified as green power.
Please click here for a copy of the Irrican Power Financial Statements for the year ending Oct, 2011
February 23, 2011
Re: Request for Expression of Interest
IRRICAN is issuing a Request for Expression of Interest to explore the development of other potential hydro electric sites on the St. Mary Main canal. This action is being performed to gauge the level of interest from industry and to serve as advance notice to allow developers to adequately examine these projects over the next several months. It is planned to release a formal request for proposals in late 2011 or early 2012 with a submittal deadline 4-5 months thereafter.
Further information can be viewed by clicking on the following links:
- 1. Background Information on existing IRRICAN hydro plants.
- 2. Potential Sites
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3. Request for Expression of Interest
Upon request, a detailed information package will be mailed out. This includes hard copies of select reports, a CD with relevant flow data and high resolution scans of select drawings.
M. Tom Crooks, Manager
Irrigation Canal Power Co-operative Ltd.
1210 36th Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Y7
Ph. 403-328-4401