SMRID breaks ground on Phase 1 of Chin Reservoir expansion

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

St. Mary River Irrigation District

SMRID has announced that construction is underway on Phase 1 (Chin West Dam Rehabilitation) of the Chin Reservoir Expansion Project, marking a milestone in the investment into long-term safety, reliability and capacity of one of the District’s most important water storage assets.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Chin West Dam on Aug. 27 and equipment has now been mobilized on site. The contract for Phase 1 construction has been awarded to Greenfield Construction Ltd. who have a reputation of successfully delivering key irrigation infrastructure projects in southern Alberta.

“The Chin West Dam Rehabilitation (Phase 1) is the most significant project the SMRID has undertaken in decades, in terms of scope, engineering, and impact on the region,” said David Westwood, SMRID general manager. “It is the first phase toward the larger Chin Reservoir Expansion. Chin is the largest reservoir in the SMRID’s network, and the rehabilitation of the West Dam will ensure security and reliable water delivery to upstream and downstream users for the next 100-plus years.” 

The Chin Reservoir is SMRID’s largest reservoir, with a current storage capacity of 154,000 acre-feet. Originally constructed in 1955, the Chin West Dam requires significant upgrades to bring it up to modern dam safety and design standards and to prepare the structure for the future expansion of the reservoir (Phase 2). 

Phase 1, the Chin West Dam Rehabilitation, includes raising and rehabilitating the West Dam to accommodate the future water level rise and the complete replacement of the existing irrigation outlet structure. 

“SMRID’s Board is thrilled to break ground on the West Dam Rehabilitation, (Phase 1) of the Chin Expansion Project. This is a necessary first step toward expanding the Chin Reservoir and represents a significant investment in the future of water management in our region,” said Cory Nelson, SMRID board chair. “By invest ing in modern infrastructure and increasing storage capacity, we are strengthening the foundation for reliable, multi-generational productivity and improved water security for irrigators, communities and the region as a whole.” 

The existing irrigation outlet structure is nearing the end of its design life and poses limitations during periods of high irrigation demand combined with low reservoir levels. Rehabilitation is not considered feasible, making complete replacement necessary. 

A new, modern low-level irrigation outlet structure will be constructed in the south abutment of the West Dam. Built to modern design standards, the reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure will include modern sluice gates capable of remotely regulating flows to the downstream Stafford Reservoir and SMRID’s main canal. 

“The Raymond Irrigation District (RID) is excited Phase 1 of Chin Reservoir expansion is underway. Reservoirs are essential to water management in Southern Alberta. They help us weather periods of drought and flooding, and they allow water to be conserved and carefully released to meet the needs of communities, the environment, and crops,” said Jason Miller, Raymond Irrigation District general manager. “The Chin Reservoir is located downstream of the RID. Its expansion will support downstream water demands while helping preserve water in upstream reservoirs for RID irrigators and stakeholders. This project will strengthen water security in the region for decades to come.” 

Phase 1 is the first step toward the larger Chin Reservoir Expansion.

Phase 2 will commence once all required regulatory approvals have been granted and will involve relocating the East Dam approximately 10 kilometres east and raising the reservoir water level by 2.6 metres. 

Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the expansion will add approximately 103,500 acre-feet of additional storage capacity to the Chin Reservoir. 

“The Chin West Dam Rehabilitation is a major infrastructure rehabilitation project for the St. Mary River Irrigation District, and MPE is proud to lead the engineering design and construction management for this important initiative,” said Jeff Olitch, vice president of water resources at MPE Engineering Ltd. “The project includes replacement of the aging irrigation outlet structure between Chin Reservoir and Stafford Reservoir, along with stabilization and raising of the existing dam to support future reservoir expansion. Delivered over multiple construction seasons, the work will generate local employment and deliver meaningful economic benefits to communities in the region. By strengthening this critical infrastructure, the project will support the reliable delivery of irrigation water to Southern Alberta’s agricultural producers and enhance long-term water security across the region.” 

The Chin Reservoir is formed by the impoundment of water between the Chin West and Chin East dams, spaced 25 km apart within the Chin Coulee Glacial meltwater channel. This off-stream reservoir is supplied by the SMRID main canal which conveys diverted water from the headworks reservoirs owned and operated by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. 

Phase 2 – Relocating Chin East Dam (schedule TBD) includes construction of a new East dam relocated approximately 10 km east of the existing east dam and the construction of a new outlet spillway on the east dam. The existing east dam will be decommissioned to connect the reservoir expansion area to the existing reservoir. 

The Chin Expansion Project is funded through the Government of Alberta’s AIM Program. The Raymond Irrigation District (RID) is a 10 per cent contributing partner in this project. Under the AIM program, the SMRID secured 30 per cent grant funding from the Government of Alberta; 20 per cent of the project will be covered up-front by SMRID/RID reserves, and the remaining 50 per cent is funded by the District through a loan through the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).