Those with questions or concerns about the health and future of the Medicine River are invited to an upcoming community presentation at Gilby Hall.
Presented by the Medicine River Watershed Society (MRWS), the evening will feature presentations on the use of fresh water from the river, as well as the overall supply of water for wells and dugouts.
Additionally, Dana Kreil, Lacombe County Division 7 councillor, says they will be revealing the latest 2025 water sampling data at the event.
Abisola Allison from the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance will present on the current status of the river, while Todd Shipman from the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will speak about the impact of seismic activity — including fracking — as it relates to the water body.
Sampling in 2024 raised concerns that the persistent drought conditions have stressed the river, with dissolved oxygen levels too low, and the river’s average temperature too high.
Kreil says warning signs about the condition of the Medicine River have dated back years, with sampling from as far back as 2006 rating it as in poor condition.
“The Medicine River is not mountain water fed, it is only fed from rain or snow runoff,” says Kreil. “Otherwise it is fed from the aquafir — that is where our water wells are.”
The talks follow 2025 efforts to unite communities served by the river, with representatives from Clearwater County, Red Deer County, Lacombe County, Ponoka County, and the town of Eckville serving on a panel to advocate for its long-term health. Kreil says the towns of Sylvan Lake and Bentley have now joined.
–
RELATED
–
The meeting is Thursday May 21 at 6 p.m. at Gilby Hall.
A complimentary supper will be provided, with those interested asked to RSVP to medicineriverwatershed@gmail.com.
Comments