Title: Work on Buffalo Lake expected to cost $13M

Description: Work on Buffalo Lake expected to cost $ 13M Cottages near Getty's home likely to BRIAN LAGHI / nftH. Journal Staff Writer " 7% Edmonton A plan to stabilize the level of Buffalo Lake is a $ 9- million bo­nanza for Premier Don Getty's cot­tage neighbors and will cost taxpayers $ 13 million. " With stabilization, it is expected that the marketability of cottage lots would improve, even though this may not lead to an increase in the price of lots," said the report of Environmental Management Asso­ciates of Calgary. Lakeside cottage properties will see a benefit $ 9.6 million, if the government spends the $ 13 million needed to raise the lake. The analysis also found the scheme will return benefits of about $ 11.1 million to the local economy. The analysis is part of an envi­ronmental impact assessment done for the province's environment de­partment. The study is an update of an earlier report, which gave the plan environmental approval. Getty would not comment on the John Mclnnis report, saying the government has appointed a three- person panel to hold public hearings on the scheme. New Democrat environment crit-increase in value ic John Mclnnis criticized the idea in the legislature, saying Getty's Stettler home is located near the lake. " Now, I'd like to ask the premier in view of the fact that he has prop­erty within a short five- iron shot off the lake, if he would indicate how-he feels about taxpayers' money going to support a project which is an economic loser and benefits only the property owners in the area?" The study found that camping activities at the lake will only slightly increase, primarily due to promotional efforts. " The recent downward trend in camping at provincial park facili­ties is expected to continue since the popularity of camping is declining," said the report. Under the stabilization plan, wa­ter from the Red Deer River would be diverted through a local creek to the lake, which has seen its wa­ter levels fluctuate for years. An initial environmental assess­ment found the diversion would create too much algae on the lake, but a later study found increased salinity inhibiting algae growth.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-03-28

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Waste of taxes

Description: Waste of taxes I would like to know how the Getty government can j usti fy spending $ 13 million to raise the water level at Buffalo Lake when our universities are going broke, our hospitals are closing beds for lack of money, and old- age benefits are being cut, cuts which most se­niors cannot afford. All senior citizens should re­member this come next election day. They could use that money to relieve some of the pressure on the university and hospitals, and not rob from the senior citizens. On the other hand, I suppose Don Getty and his cohorts have to have some place to play, and he has his home on that lake. I do not think it will do much for anyone else in this province. It is a waste of taxpayers' money. Dick Thomas Tofield

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-07-13

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Cartoon

Description: [not supplied]

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper / Cartoon

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-09-22

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Cabinet OK's Buffalo Lake stabilization

Description: B L o c a l / B2 Classifleds/ B3- BS • • Red Deer Advocate • Local RED DEER ADVOCATE, Saturday, July 6, 1991 Bl City editor: Carolyn Martlndale Assistant city editor: Mary- Ann Barr, 343- 2400 Cabinet OK's Buffalo Lake stabilization By JIM LOZERON of The Advocate STETTLER — A controversial plan to raise the level of nearby Buffalo Lake has been approved by the provincial cabinet. The $ 13.1- million water project in Premier Don Getty's Stettler riding had been considered for at least 20 years before getting the official go-ahead. Environment Minister Ralph Klein said Friday construction and engineer­ing work will begin some time this year on the scheme to divert water from the Red Deer River through Parlby Creek to Buffalo Lake. The project is designed to improve water supplies in Mirror and Alix, in­crease recreational benefits of Buffalo Lake and boost area agriculture. The on- again, off- again project, re­jected several times as too costly and environmentally damaging, is still un­dergoing a federal environmental as­sessment. But Jeff Stein, head of the resource impact section of the Fisheries and Oceans Department, said the review by three federal agencies won't likely af­fect the Getty government's decision to stabilize the lake. " It is no different than the Oldman River dam," Mr. Stein said in an inter­view from Winnipeg. " The fact that we had to conduct a review of the dam did­n't stop construction." By law, all projects which could potentially affect fish habitat must be screened by the federal government. Mr. Stein said the federal report as­sessing the effect of the project on water quality, waterfowl and the fish habitat should be released in two weeks. In approving the scheme, the cabinet agreed with the findings of a public re­view panel headed by former Lacombe mayor Don Thorne. The panel said the project will im prove drinking water in nearby vil­lages, but will have a minor negative effect on waterfowl and birds. Mr. Klein announced the cabinet decision in a prepared statement. He was attending he Calgary Stampede and was unavailable for further com­ment. Opposition politicians, noting that Premier Getty's home is located on the south shore of the lake, said the deci­sion smacks of pork- barrel politicking. But in the Buffalo Lake area, sup­porters of the project welcomed the news that the plan, shelved in 1984, was going ahead. " I believe in the future people will be thankful that the province has acted to save the lake and the resource will be available for future generations," resort owner Jean MacDonald said. New Democratic critic John Mclnnis recalled that the project was revived just weeks after Mr. Getty won the 1989 Stettler byelection. " I think it is a phenomenal abuse of the premier's power," he said. Grant Mitchell, Liberal environmen­tal critic, called the decision base poli­tics and said he is not convinced the project won't kill fish in the lake. " Premier Getty is using taxpayers' money as if it were his own," he said.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / Red Deer Advocate

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-07-06

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Buffalo Lake stabilization project approved

Description: Buffalo Lake stabilization project approved • Defiant environmentalists may challenge decision in By ANDREA M A Y N A R D ^ * } of The Advocate Defiant environmentalists may try to block the province's plan to raise the level of Buffalo Lake after the project re­ceived necessary approvals. Alberta Environment announced Friday that the $ l.'!- million project has been granted long- awaited approvals from federal and provincial govern­ments. " There is very strong local support for the project. It has recreational and eco­nomic benefits," said Alberta Environ­ment spokesman Donna Babchishin. The water stabilization plan will raise the level of Buffalo Lake, near Premier Don Getty's Stettler- area home, about half a metre to enhance its recreation potential. Work will begin in September after the project received an interim licence under Alberta's Water Resources Act about two weeks ago. A permanent li­cence will follow. The province granted the crucial li­cense when the federal government gave permission under the Fisheries Act, said Ms. Babchishin. A federal fisheries and oceans official said his department, which has been screening the project for a year, decided this summer a full environmental assess­ment was not necessary. But Burton Ayles, regional director, said he couldn't go into details. In another ruling that cleared the way for the plan, the federal transportion de­partment has allowed the project to pro­ceed without a permit under the Naviga­ble Waters Protection Act. Well- known environmentalist Martha Kostuch said an environmental assess­ment may have been required under law. The Rocky Mountain House veterinar­ian plans to seek legal advice on chal­lenging the decision in court. " It ( the approval) certainly indicates how low government departments will fall to pay off the constituents of Pre­mier Don Getty's riding." Environmentalists say the project is a waste of money and could destroy habitat for animals like the endangered piping plover. Michael McNaughton, head of the Red Deer River Naturalists, said his group would support court action to block the project. " I think approving the project was a political decision. The feds don't want to rock the boat. It's Premier Getty's riding and the project is nearly finished." Work to raise Buffalo Lake is part of a water management project that began in 1985. The final step is to raise the lake's level for recreational uses. As well, water for such uses as irrigation will be avail­able from Alix Lake. Water will be pumped from the Red Deer River through a channel to Alix Lake and into Parlby Creek before enter­ing Buffalo Lake. Supporters lauded the government. They believe the project will boost tour­ism and help struggling farm communi­ties. Ray Kerber, regional administrator with Alberta Environment, said the gov­ernment has already received tenders for construction of a pumphouse near the Red Deer River. Work should take about three years.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Advocate

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1992-08-29

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Buffalo Lake Stabilization Project

Description: ^ O C BUFFALO LAKE STABI­LIZATION PROJECT. Do you have concerns about the environmental Impacts of the Buffalo Lake Stabili­zation Project? Are you in­terested in forming a group or in providing financial assistance to oppose this proiect? If so, please con­tact R. M. Hanson at 346- 1594.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Advocate

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1992-10-16

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Resurrection of lake a coincidence: Klein

Description: A8 CALGARY HERALD Thurs., September 21, 1989 Resurrection of lake a coincidence: Klein By Jim Cunningham ( Herald Edmonton bureau) EDMONTON - Ralph Klein says it's just a coincidence that his department resurrected plans to stabilize Buffalo Lake right after Premier Don Getty became the area's MLA. " It really hasn't got anything to do with Mr. Getty." Klein told reporters Wednesday when ques­tioned about Environment De­partment plans to do an environ­mental impact assessment of the $ 14- million, scheme to pump wa­ter from the Red Deer River into the lake. The lake is 19 kilo­metres northwest of Stettler. " Something would have been done with that lake whether or not the premier was the MLA," Klein said. " The problem isn't with Mr. Getty. He didn't create the prob­lem,. God created the problem. And Environment can fix the problem." The Environment Department unveiled plans for an impact as­sessment of the diversion after getting a report earlier this year which claims the scheme won't cause algae growth to choke the lake water. KLEIN: Plan defended Three earlier studies by the government had concluded that water from the river, which con­tains phosphorous, would pro­mote the growth of algae and effectively destroy the lake as a recreational area despite stabili­zation of the water level. Getty was elected Stettler MLA last May in a byelection after losing his home riding of Edmonton Whit em ud in the March general election. He is currently in the process of buying land for a home overlook­ing Buffalo Lake. In July, the Transportation Department announced plans to pave the Secondary Highway near the land Getty is buying. Klein admitted there is " still some doubt" about the effect of river water on the lake. " That's why we have to do the environ­mental impact assessment and go through the public hearing pro­cess." But the minister said action to stablize the lake is likely, despite the concerns, Klein said angry cottage own­ers have swamped his office with demands for action to curb fluctu­ations in the lake level. Buffalo Lake is " a mess. It's diminishing," he said, adding that $ 14 million isn't too much to pay to correct the problem. " In fact, l think that's cheap at twice the price."

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / Calgary Herald

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-09-21

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Buffalo Lake scheme too costly, study says

Description: A12 CALGARY HERALD Thurs., March 28,1991 Buffalo Lake scheme too costly, study says By Ashley Geddes ( Herald Edmonton bureau) EDMONTON — A plan to boost the water level in Buffalo Lake near Premier Don Getty's country estate will cost more than it's worth, a study shows. A consultant's study released Wednesday estimates the econom­ic benefits at $ 2 million less than the $ 13.1 million project's cost. The cost- benefit analysis in the study by Environmental Manage­ment Associates shows that most of the quantifiable benefits of the project would accrue to existing and future cottage owners near the lake. Getty, who built a home over­looking the lake after winning a byelection in the Stettler riding, shrugged off opposition criticism of the project, saying it's still be­ing reviewed and no final decision has been made. But New Democrat environ­ment critic John Mclnnis ques­tioned why the government is pushing ahead with a project that's a loser from an economic point of view. Mclnnis noted the study shows nearly all of the $ 11 million in economic benefits will go to prop­erty owners in the vicinity of the lake. Mclnnis asked Getty in the legislature to justify why taxpay­ers' money is going " to support a project which is an economic los­er and benefits only the property owners in the area." But Speaker David Carter pre­vented Getty from answering the question, saying: " That's not within your responsibility to answer." Later, Mclnnis said it's clear the only reason the government is pursuing the project is because the premier lives on the lake. Mclnnis noted that numerous previous studies showed the proj­ect wasn't advisable, and could cause algae growth on the lake. The government only resurrect­ed the project after Getty moved into the area, Mclnnis said. Environment Minister Ralph Klein announced Wednesday a three- man panel will conduct pub­lic environmental hearings on the project. But Mclnnis argued the proj­ect should be reviewed by the province's new Natural Resources Conservation Board, established to review the environmental im­pact of development projects. Getty said the NRCB is not ready to proceed with its man­date, adding " this item has all the documents and all the informa­tion to go ahead."

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / Calgary Herald

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-03-28

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Premier won't back off lake stabilization plan

Description: The Edmonton Journal, Wednesday, December 12,1990 A7 Premier won't back off lake stabilization plan ' Healthy Buffalo Lake' would help tourism, recreation RICHARD HELM Journal Staff Writer Edmonton Premier Don Getty says he won't stop promoting a stabilization plan for a recreational lake near his Stettler property. Under questioning from the Opposition Tuesday, Getty pre­dicted the Buffalo Lake project would proceed even though envi­ronmental hearings on the proposal have not yet been held. Getty told the assembly he wants to see Stettler develop as one of Alberta's top tourism areas. " One of the keys to it is having a healthy Buffalo Lake as a recre­ation- tourism attraction, and we're going to do all the necessary things from an environmental point of view, and then we're going to make it happen," he said. " Isn't it too bad?" The premier aimed the last barb at West Yellowhead New Democrat Gerry Doyle, who had questioned the propriety of Getty's lobbying efforts. Last summer, Getty purchased four quarter sections of land south and west of the Rochon Sands Provincial Park and summer village, about 160 km southwest of Edmonton. The premier has said he purchased the 640 acres to graze cattle but some locals have speculated he plans to develop a golf resort there after he leaves politics. In light of Getty's land invest­ment it is no longer appropriate for the premer to actively push for the $ 15- million lake project, Doyle said. Doyle also suggested the stabili­zation of the water level in Bufalo Lake will increase the value of the land surrounding the lake. Outside the house, Getty scoffed at the suggestion he stands to ben­efit from work to stabilize the lake overlooked by his hilltop residence, a few kilometres north of Stettler. " I think it's going to meet all the environmental standards and it's going to be a great project for cen­tral Alberta," Getty told reporters. But Doyle charged that Getty stands to benefit if the project should proceed. " It sounds like there's been deci­sions made already," Doyle said. " I think they're going to go ahead with it no matter what the cost to the environment" Environment Minister Ralph Klein said he's aware Getty is. a keen supporter of the Buffalo Lake proposal. But he insisted the pro­ject will only proceed if it passes proper environmental standards.. " I'm sure that he wants it to go ahead and I'm sure that Ron Moore, the member for Lacombe, wants it to go ahead, but if it's environmentally unsafe then it simply won't happen," Klein told reporters. " There will be public hearings on it. It will go through the normal process and if indeed it can be done then we will do what we can to stablilize Buffalo Lake." Klein expects a panel will be convened and public hearings held in February. The question of whether the wa­ter level of Buffalo Lake should be stabilized with water diverted from the Red Deer River has been un­der government consideration off and on for 12 years. Prior studies of the proposal have concluded it would be envi­ronmentally harmful and make no economic sense. About a year ago, a new study concluded the diver­sion project could proceed.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Edmonton Journal

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1990-12-12

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: River water to raise 2 lakes

Description: B2 The Edmonton Journal, Thursday, November 2,1995 River water to raise 2 lakes TransAlta to pay $ 12M Wabamun tab; province gets Buffalo Lake bi DON THOMAS Journal Staff Writer Wabamun Lake River water will be piped into two central Alberta lakes which have shrunk drastically in recent years. But while a power company pays at Wabamun Lake, taxpayers will foot the bill at Buffalo Lake. TransAlta Utilities will spend at least $ 12 million to help restore the level of Wabamun Lake, 60 km west of Edmonton, which has fallen more than 70 cm since 1992. It will use water from the North Saskatchewan River. Drought conditions are mostly to blame for the falling lake level. But TransAlta — which generates most of Alberta's power at three coal-burning plants bordering the lake — admits it is responsible for more than 40 per cent of the drop. The operating licences for its Wabamun and Keephills plants expire April 1,1996. The licence for the Sundance plant expired last year. Alberta Environment has said it won't renew the three licences until the lake level problem is resolved. TransAlta expects to spend at least $ 10 million to build a treat­ment plant so it can pump water from the Sundance plant's cooling pond into the lake. It could cost more, depending on its capacity and the level of treatment. Other mea­sures will cost about $ 2 million. The treatment plant's operating cost will be at least $ 250,000 a year. Water is already pumped from the North Saskatchewan River into the Wabumun Power Wabamun Lake Possible site of treatment plant Cooling pond Cooling pond North Saskatchewan^ River Sundance cooling pond. Excess water — dirtied by the plant's boil­ers and natural pollutants — is now returned to the river. Cooling pond water will have to be treated before it can be put in the lake, says Dwayne Dychkowski, manager of the Sundance plant. The plan has the approval in principle of a review committee of lake users and summer cottagers, he says. The plant may be approved by residents and the Environment Department by Dec. 31. But it would be at least another 18 months before water starts flowing into the lake. Water from the Red Deer River will start flowing next spring into Buffalo Lake, 110 km southeast of Edmonton. The project honors a promise to area residents by former premier Don Getty, who lives near Rochon Sands, a summer village on the lake's west shore. Untreated water from the Red Deer River will be pumped over a height of land into a system of enlarged creeks draining into the lake. The capital cost is about $ 9.5 million. Pumping will cost at least $ 200,000 a year while the lake is being filled. That's expected to take at least three years, says Ray Kerber, an Alberta Environment engineer. The lake has dropped half a metre in the past six years. Drought conditions have lowered it so much that Rochon Sands resi­dents built a nine- hole golf course on land that was under water six years ago. Screens will be used at the pump house to block fish not native to the lake. An acoustic device will also be used to scare fish away from the intake. Studies show the river's water quality is better than the lake, which is quite alkaline, says Kerber. River water has more phosphorus but it's not expected to harm the lake. Buffalo and Wabamun Lakes will be the second and third in Alberta to be stabilized by river diversions. Gull Lake has been stabilized at tax­payer expense since 1974, using water from the Blindman River. Pumping costs $ 50,000 a year. Using public money to restore Buffalo Lake is justified because all Albertans benefit, not just those with cottages on the lake, says John Lund. He's mayor of Alix, 15 km southwest of the lake, and a mem­ber of a lake stabilization advisory committee. It will improve recreation on the lake which has a provincial park on its southeast shore. It would be no more reasonable to ask local resi­dents and cottagers to pay for it than it would be to ask them to pay for primary and secondary highways in the area, he says.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Edmonton Journal

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1995-11-02

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Klein shows he's worth it

Description: Klein shows he's worth it Re " Resurrection of lake a coincidence: Klein," Herald, Sept. 21. Just when many people are questioning whether our MLAs are worth their self- inflicted 30- per- cent pay raise, Environment Minister Ralph Klein provides us with evidence that he, at least, is worth every penny. Klein tells us that Buffalo Lake, just down the road from Premier Don Getty's proposed new residence, is " a mess." He goes on to explain that " the prob­lem isn't with Mr. Getty." Klein lays the blame for this environ­mental mess squarely on the shoulders of " God." God created the problem. Yikes! As if we didn't have enough problems trying to cope with all the man- made pollutants and garbage! Now we have to clean up God's messes as well. But don't despair. The Environ­ment Department, under the lead­ership of Ralph Klein, " can fix the problem." . . . And I thought Getty had guts . . . LORNA STEFANICK Calgary.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-10-19

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Buffalo Lake a political blunder

Description: Buffalo Lake a political blunder I skipped the legislature Monday and drove to Lac La Biche instead to take a first- hand look at a couple of things ( which I hope to write about soon). But question period was on CKUA so I listened in for a while. Hearing it on the radio caused a surge of relief— happiness about being free and out in the world. Most people around the legislature feel that way. The hallways are thick with the pleasant sensation of MLAs and observers rediscovering their humanity. A warped and vicious frame of mind sets in after about two or three weeks of any session. People start to act like over­crowded laboratory rats — lots of biting and clawing; strange obsessions such as Treasurer Dick Johnston's insistence on calling the NDP " Marxist- Leninists." Suspicion creeps in everywhere. Even the public gets into a bad mood. The mail recently brought a clipped newspaper advertisement for a travel out­fit called Elzinga Adventure. The corre­spondent theorized that Economic Devel­opment Minister Peter Elzinga had started a business with heritage fund mon­ey. As it turns out, his nephew owns it, but that's a far cry from the reader's first thought. Then there's the reader who asks why people like me, when they write about Jim Dinning's and Rick Oman's private fund-raising, don't mention the " extra $ 100,000" a year going to Liberal Leader Laurence Mark L i s a c The Province Decore. This is an erroneous reference to the Liberal party's approval of a $ 60,000 annual salary for Decore before he was elected to the legislature. He never did collect, although the party did pay for a few hundred dollars' worth of refinishing for his office furniture. Why do voters harbor these nasty suspi­cions? Maybe it's because they see things like the Buffalo Lake business, which culmi­nated Tuesday in an announcement timed for midway through last question period of the session, possibly of this year. The Buffalo Lake project will solve some genuine water concerns in small communities like Alix. But everything else about it is repellent — the personal involvement of the premier, the fact one of the major tourist businesses on the lake involves a family he counts as friends and political supporters, the way years of envi­ronmental study suddently went out the window^ because of what environmental officials called " renewed interest" in the project, the booster- like atmosphere sur­rounding the review board hearings ( chairman Don Thorne applauded one pro- development presentation and, after one of the few critical presentations, asked if there was any audience rebuttal), the way an economist recanted on a finding of a negative cost- benefit ratio. It's a sad fate for a lake region which. I'm told, was considered as recently as the early 1970s for a possible national park. ( The province was not enthusiastic.) There was even the typical rural- urban rhetoric now used as a red herring any­time someone outside a city wants some­thing. " I guess it's possible sometimes to be in large urban centres and not realize that for people in east- central Alberta, Buffalo Lake is their only lake for bathing, boat­ing and so on," Thorne told reporters Tuesday. Clever pluck at the heart strings. But the environmental impact study in March said the greatest potential for tourism growth at Buffalo Lake lay in cottaging and: " Most of the increase in demand appears tied to economic growth in Cal­gary with city residents accounting for many of the new cottages developed."

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-06-27

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Waterfowl group left out of lake project

Description: Waterfowl group left out of lake project ADRIENNE TANNER of The Advocate After suggesting the government appoint a management team to guide the Buffalo Lake stabilization project, Ducks Unlimited was shocked to be left off the roster. The conservation group was absent from the list of names announced by Environ­ment Minister Ralph Klein last week. The list included two government officials, three local councillors, a farmer and mem­bers of three lake- side community groups — all project supporters. " I really think it was an oversight and I'm really hoping it will be corrected," said Kim Schmitt, the south- central manager for Ducks Unlimited Canada. " I can't believe it any other way." Buffalo Lake and the surrounding wet­lands is one of the top three areas for water­fowl in the prairie provinces. To ensure it stays that way, Ducks Unlim­ited has spent about $ 3 million to help pre­serve waterfowl habitat. The Buffalo Lake stabilization project will change water levels in the area by di­verting water from the Red Deer River to Alix Lake and then through Parlby Creek to Buffalo Lake. At a cost of $ 13 million, the project, which lies in Premier Don Getty's riding, has been widely criticized for benefitting too few Al-bertans at too great a cost. Concern about possible effects of the proj­ect on prime waterfowl habitat fueled Ducks Unlimited's push for a management team. Mr. Schmitt pitched the idea to Alberta Environment project managers attending the public hearings held in Alix last May. On Monday he said he's still hopeful for a spot. After spending eight years in the area, " we really feel we've got something to offer." Rod Love, executive assistant for Envi­ronment Minister Ralph Klein, said the de partment didn't realize the conservation group was upset. " Ducks Unlimited hasn't contacted us." He said the minister would likely be open to the idea of adding a representative from the conservation group to the team. Red Deer River Naturalists president Mike McNaughton said the selection pro­cess has slighted all environmental groups. " My gut reaction is, being in the pre­mier's riding they wanted things nice, neat and tidy." Mr. Love said the team was chosen to rep­resent a good cross- section of stakeholders in the stabilization project. " Everybody's got their own ideas as to what is an environmentalist or conserva­tionist. " Ask any farmer and he'll tell you he's the original conservationist." An overwhelming majority of people in the area support the project so choosing three opponents for the management wouldn't make any sense, Mr. Love said. A u S II, I ? ? /

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Advocate

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1991-08-14

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Premier buoyant over water level

Description: Premier buoyant over water level • Getty still pushing for upgrade of lake near country home By Ashley Geddes q£ C / * ( Herald Edmonton bureau) /*?< ir$ EDMONTON — Premier Don Getty has dismissed calls to exclude himself from pushing for provincial funding to raise the level of water at Buffalo Lake adjacent to his country estate. And while the $ 15- million project has yet to undergo environmental impact hearings, Getty told the legisla­ture Tuesday he's determined to see the lake upgraded to make it a recre­ation attraction for central Alberta. " And we're going to do all the necessary things from an environmen­tal point of view, and then we're going to make it happen," Getty said defiant­ly. " Isn't it too bad?" The comment raised the ire of New Democrat tourism critic Jerry Doyle, who had questioned whether it was appropriate for Getty to be pushing for the project to proceed. Doyle said there's an " appearance" that Getty could benefit personally from the project, since raising the water level will increase the value of land surrounding the lake for tourism and recreational use. Doyle also questioned whether Get­ty has overruled Environment Minis­ter Ralph Klein, who says the project will be subject to a full environmental impact assessment before any go-ahead is given. A series of government studies over the last decade rejected proposals to raise the water level on economic and environmental grounds. However, new life was pumped into the plan when a new Alberta Environ­ment study was released within months of Getty's byelection victory in the Stettler riding, where the lake is located. That study contradicted the earlier studies by concluding Red Deer River water could be diverted into the lake without harming the environment or lake water quality. A consultant was then hired to conduct an environmental impact as­sessment. The consultant's final report has yet to be released, but the draft report concluded the water diversion wouldn't harm water quality. The report also noted there would be few economic benefits to the proj­ect, except for some recreational inter­ests around the lake. Getty told reporters he's optimistic the project will proceed and that it will meet environmental standards. " It's going to be a great project for central Alberta," he said. Klein later downplayed Getty's comments, insisting a final decision on the project won't be made until hear­ings are held next year. " But if it's environmentally unsafe, then it simply won't happen," Klein said, suggesting Getty was only speak­ing as M L A for the area. Getty recently built a home over­looking the lake..

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1990-12-12

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Water diversion project 'cheap' at $14 million

Description: Water diversion project ' cheap' at $ 14 million Lake ' mess' in Getty's riding deserves cleanup- minister LYNDA SHORTEN Journal Staff Writer Edmonton A $ 14- million water diversion project to improve the fishing near the premiers Stettler home is " cheap at twice the price," says Alberta Environment Minister Ralph Klein. Klein told reporters Wednesday Buffalo Lake is " a mess," and de­serves a $ 14- million fix- up. The lake is " a resource in Central Alberta." " It's an area that has very, very few lakes," Klein said. " In my mind, yes, it's worth $ 14 million. As a matter of fact I think it's cheap at twice the price if we can do something and do something right." Premier Don Getty's planned new Stettler home overlooks the lake. An Alberta Environment re­port commissioned just months af­ter Getty won the Stettler byelection contradicts all earlier studies by saying the lake won't be harmed by the diversion. Government studies in 1982, 1984 and again in 1987 all con­cluded that diverting Red Deer River water into the lake would cause algae to choke the waters. Recreation would be hurt, and not helped. The new study, released earlier this week, said that while algae will bloom, it will not be in levels as unacceptable as first predicted. Klein acknowledged his depart­ment remains concerned about the environmental impact of the pro­posed diversion. " There is still some doubt right now. That's why we have to do the environmental impact assessment and go through the public hearing process and see if it works out." Klein said Getty did nothing more than any other Stettler MLA has done to draw attention to the Buffalo Lake problem. " He acted no differently than any other MLA who might have a problem in their constituency. Just because he is the premier, is he not then entitled to addresss a problem in his constituency?" Klein added: " The fact is some­thing would have been done with that lake whether or not the pre­mier was the MLA." Cabin owners on the lake, 19 km northwest of Stettler, have com­plained since 1978 that fluctuating water levels interfere with their boating, fishing and swimming. The diversion was mothballed in 1984. Klein said the assessment process should be complete in about six months. The environment minister's cost estimate for the diversion is $ 1 million lower than the estimate given out by department spokesmen earlier in the week.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-09-21

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Are we being buffaloed so Getty can be Santa?

Description: P r o v i n c i a l a f f a i rs ^ re we being buffaloed so Getty can be Santa? B uffalo Lake apparently irritates the people who use it because the water level goes up and down. In recent times it has been down. I'm told the smell is strong and boats scrape on rocks. Too bad. Why should the rest of the prov­ince cough up $ 14 million or $ 15 million to stabilize the lake level for a few hundred cottage owners, and maybe owners of shoreline property that's ripe for devel­opment? That's the question that theore­tically gets asked when the provin­cial cabinet sets spending prio­rities. It won't be asked this time. Pre­mier Don Getty's Stettler constitu­ency includes the east side of Buf­falo Lake, where all the cottages are located. He likes the project. Wj're dealing with political influence. Buffalo Lake isn't unique. The province already regulates the lev­els cf about 20 other lakes. Most are regulated with weirs but two have water pumped into them. Part of the stabilization work has already been done. Any water pumped from the Red Deer River into Buffalo Lake will flow through Parlby Creek. Two- thirds of the creek has beer, cleared and straightened over the past few years, for rea­sons that have nothing to do with Getty. Ron Moore, the Conservative MLA for the neighboring constitu­ency of Lacombe, says the creek work has been one of his top prio­rities for the least seven years. " Its initial benefit would be to farmers because it controls the flooding of hundreds of acres of hayland," Moore says. Even if the project extends to Buffalo Lake, there's more involved than just fixing the lake level. " The name Buffalo Lake stabili­zation is a little misleading," Moore says, " because it addresses the whole water level in that whole Parlby basin." Pumping extra water down Parlby Creek would solve the worsening water supply problems of the communities of Alix and Mirror in Moore's constituency. " There's all these problems that the stabilization of Buffalo Lake addresses," Moore says. Moore has obviously been chip­ping away at this for years. Lake users have complained since 1978. But the Environment Depart­ment's report on water quality at the lake talks about " renewed in­terest" in the project as the reason for its latest study. A reasonable person assumes the " renewed in­terest" came from Getty. ( The de­partment is not clear on this mat­ter.) The first studies said fixing the water level would cause unaccep­table algae growth. Is a message from Getty's office powerful enough to bend the results? M a r k > L i s a c One hopes not. It is clear, how­ever, that the new report requires careful reading. Sampling of river water has been less frequent in recent years; the report acknowledges some high concentrations of phosphorus could have been missed as a re­sult. Some conclusions are based on assumptions. There's a bald admission that the algae effects are difficult to predict. The scientific side will presu­mably be sorted out in the envi­ronmental assessment, as will the effects on the abundant waterfowl. As for whether the result looks and smells good, the province has some experience with this kind of project. Gull Lake has been topped up with water pumped in from the Blindman River since the mid- 1970s. The stabilization has not been perfect, according to Gull Lake Mayor Ken Fargey. Water levels still fluctuate. There are more weeds and algae than before. Tou­rism has not shot up. On the other hand: " If we hadn't tried to stabi­lize we may not have had a lake." Fair enough. Like Moore says, there are too many people around for a pure environment and there's got to be compromise. Still, it seems like a good bet that one factor in this compromise is Don Getty's Santa Claus concept of politics. Want something expen­sive? Uncle Don will get it for you. But does he ask any other ques­tions along the way?

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-10-03

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: EIA figures incorrect say lake's supporters

Description: A 6 C A L G A R Y H E R A L D , July 3 1 , 1 9 9 2 Let Editor: Bill Muss EIA figures incorrect say lake's supporters Re " Tory plans to raise Buffa­lo Lake face opposition," Vicki Barnett, Herald, July 5. The projected benefits of $ 13.6 million from the Buffalo Lake stabilization project out­weigh the costs, $ 13.1 million, and more than 90 per cent of the benefit accrues. to the Province. The benefit essentially results from incremental economic activ­ity occurring i n the community, which is paid for by the cottage arM lot owners, and which may not occur i f the water is not sta­bilized. Additionally, there are spin­off benefits which are not includ­ed i n the above numbers, such as employing unemployed laborers for construction, and increased tax revenues, which would fur­ther enhance the benefit. In various articles, including the above, The Herald reported the benefit/ cost ratio of the pro­ject, basing its figures on the original Environmental Impact Assessment report. However, at hearings held over a year ago our economist identified an error in the benefit calculation which was acknowl­edged by the author of the bene­fit/ cost report. These new num­bers are accepted as correct by a l l except those who are not aware that the calculation had been corrected. This project was under consid­eration long before Don Getty bought his property, which is not lake front, some three years ago. The majority of the cottage own­ers do not even vote in the Stet­tler riding yet his presence has attracted media coverage and po­litical criticism. We who live on the lake are concerned about its environ­ment. We recognize that both negative and positive impacts would occur, but after studying the E IA are satisfied that the negatives are either minor or mitigatable. Further, many of the negative impacts identified would be more severe without stabilization, in flood years. It is important to recognize that the stabilization proposal does not seek to create a new lake nor raise the water beyond historical levels. Rather, the stabilization project seeks to enhance the recreational and economic benefit of Buffalo Lake by eliminating nature's ex­tremes. C. J. C. PAGE, Pelican Point Community Association, Calgary.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / Calgary Herald

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1992-07-31

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Walking on the water

Description: Walking on the water fo oor old Buffalo Lake. It never had any preten­sions of grandeur like Lesser Slave Lake or Lake Athabas­ca. It was never a brash, upstart lake like Sylvan, nor did it beg to have its picture taken like that vain Louise. No, Buffalo Lake was perfectly con­tent to be little more than an over­grown prairie slough. Albertans who stumbled upon Rochon Sands Provin­cial Park accepted the lake for what it was: a lovely hideaway for bird- watch­ing and wading. Nobody expected Waikiki, so no one was disappointed. Buffalo Lake prospered in relative obscurity, sparkling under the sum­mer sun without a care in the world, until Premier Don Getty won the Stettler byelection. That's when its troubles began. All of a sudden somebody in Ed­monton resurrected a plan to raise the water level, and stabilize the lake for boaters and swimmers. The idea had been tossed out years earlier be­cause of the environmental consequences, but with the election, it bobbed to the surface like a pop can in Pigeon. Then the premier built his new homestead on land overlooking Buf­falo Lake, later buying 640 acres adja­cent to his property for a reported $ 209,000. His aide said he planned to " throw a few cattle on it" or use it for hunting, but Stettler rumor had it he was planning something bigger — much bigger. Alone at night, Buffalo Lake started to ripple with apprehension. The government began to plan a new environmental study just in case — by some slight error in judgment — the scientific experts had been wrong the first time ( accidents happen, don't they?). Albertans were told that the timing of the new study after the bye­lection was just another coincidence. When West Yellowhead MLA Gerry Doyle questioned the propriety of Getty's lobbying efforts for the $ 15 million Buffalo Lake project so near his own property, the premier replied he was only defending the interests of a community with the potential to be one of Alberta's top tourism areas. Think of it. Majestic Banff, breath­taking Jasper, magnificent Kana-naskis — and Buffalo Lake. " One of the keys to it is having a healthy Buffalo Lake as a recreation-tourism attraction, and we're going to do all the necessary things from an environmental point of view, and then we're going to make it happen," the premier said in early December, taunting his NDP critic: " Isn't it too bad?" Well, Buffalo Lake thought so. The signs were everywhere that the pre­mier just wouldn't leave it in peace. Since Getty had come to the constituency, Stettler had been awarded the 1991 Alberta Summer Games, a $ 500,000 alcohol and drug abuse treatment centre, and $ 750,000 in grants for a new tennis court and other recreation facilities. • Getty has asked environment offi­cials to try to build an experimental waste incinerator for the county. A Calgary firm wants to construct a $ 48 million greenhouse in the area. With all this busy activity, would anyone leave a little lake alone? These days Buffalo Lake sees the writing on the wall. Pitch- and- putt golf courses. Water slides and pony rides. Hot dog stands in the Rochon Sands. Goodbye to the ducks, hello to the weekend yahoos. If bodies of water could weep, this one would weep buckets.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1990-12-31

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Endangered bird may affect project

Description: Endangered bird may affect project By MICHAEL LAU of The Advocate An endangered bird is being used in an attempt to derail a $ 13.1- million plan to stabilize water at Buffalo Lake. The Red Deer River Natural­ists Society has filed an objec­tion to the scheme, aimed at in­creasing the lake's recreational benefits, improving water sup­plies in Mirror and Alix, and boosting agriculture. Board member Michael O' ­Brien said the lake is a popular habitat for ducks, geese and the piping plover, an endangered species. Plants around the lake are an important food source for the waterfowl, said Mr. O'Brien, of Red Deer. " Many of these plants depend on a fluctuating water level. If the level is stabilized, this at­tractive habitat won't survive over the long term." He said the economic benefits of the project are minimal ex­cept to engineering firms. " The environmental damage to many species and in particu­lar, the rare and endangered piping plover, is a very poor trade- off." Environmentalist Martha Kostuch questioned the proj­ect's merits, saying it makes no economic sense. " The project would alter, dis­rupt or destroy fisheries habi­tat," said the Rocky Mountain House veterinarian, also pro­testing the plan. " Most importantly, there is the negative impact on shore birds, and in particular, the en­dangered piping plover." The provincial government is asking opponents of the project to make their views known in writing. Statements can be filed with the Controller of Water Re­sources, Alberta Environment, 2nd Floor, Oxbridge Place, 9820- 106 St., Edmonton, T5K 2J6. Monday is the deadline. The piping plover, a small shoreline bird that feeds on micro- organisms at water's edge, has been a threatened spe­cies since 1978. It was listed as endangered in 1985. However biologists from Canadian Wildlife Services and Alberta Fish and Wildlife say water stabilization could raise the number of piping plovers. The scientists say plovers don't use Buffalo Lake. They nest instead on two adjacent lakes which could benefit from the project.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article / The Advocate

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1992-02-21

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only

Title: Preliminary river plan 'feasible'

Description: Preliminary river plan ' feasible' Continued from Page 1A The average flow measured near Red Deer's CP Rail bridge in June for the five- year period through 1988 was 1,620 cubic feet per sec­ond, said Roger Drury of the Al­berta River Forecast Centre. On a normal summer day, the city consumes water at the rate of 15 cubic feet per second, Gordon Stewart, city public works man­ager, said. " The plan at the present time is preliminary because we don't have all the answers," Mr. Grover said of the water transfer scheme. " But all the indications that we have are that it is feasible and we should go ahead with phase two to determine all of the problems that there are." The water resources commission, which less than five years ago held public hearings on the South Sas­katchewan River basin, concluded that the river could support a water transfer plan, Mr. Grover said. And he said initial studies by Al­berta Environment suggest water can be withdrawn at the rate pro­posed without adversely affecting other downstream users. A preliminary engineering in­vestigation and design of a pre­ferred canal or pipeline route will also form part of the stage two study, scheduled for completion in a year. At that point, the committee should be in a position to decide if the proposed water transfer plan is economically and environmentally sound, Mr. Grover said. Although Mr. Grover acknowl­edged the idea could not be pur­sued without the flow regulation provided by the Dickson Dam, he dismissed the notion that irrigation is the main purpose of the plan. " There will be some irrigation for the purpose of raising feed which is in very short supply in the area," he said. But the main goal of the multi­purpose plan is to supply water to the normally dry Berry and Sound­ing Creeks for livestock watering while boosting dwindling munici­pal water supplies and increasing the region's recreation potential. The committee studying the plan was set up late last year when the special areas board and the Prairie Association for Water Manage­ment raised their concerns with several MLAs and cabinet minis­ters who were visiting the area. Ernie Isley, then minister of pub­lic works, supply and services and now minister of agriculture, Glen Clegg, Dunvegan MLA who is water commission chairman, Shir­ley McClellan, MLA for Chinook, and Tom Musgrove, Tory member from Bow River, met with the group. Mrs. McClellan, whose consis­tency takes in the special areas, is a member of the steering committee. " I don't think it is a pie in the sky idea at all," the associate agricul­ture minister said. " I am fully sup­portive of their ( the committee's) work in getting an assured supply of water to stabilize the area." The Prairie Association for Water Management, a nearly four-year- old umbrella group formed to develop water strategies, and the special areas board are also repre­sented on the committee along with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration and Ducks Unlim­ited. An in- office study by Alberta En­vironment identified four possible ways to transfer water south. Three of the alternatives involve digging a 90- km long canal. The least preferred option is a $ 194- mil-lion pipeline from the river just upstream of the Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. The precise size of the canal de­pends on the amount of water it would carry, however, preliminary estimates indicate it could be five metres wide and nearly two metres deep. The most attractive of the three suggested canal alternatives is the Nevis route because of lower proj­ected construction and operating costs. It has an estimated $ 86- mil-lion price tag, including the two- km pipeline from a pumping station at a site at the Red Deer River just east of Ardley. The Big Valley canal route, beginning southwest of the village, carries an anticipated $ 99- million construction cost while the longer Stettler plan would cost $ 104 mil­lion. Mr. Grover said the provincial government would be counted on for most of the construction dol­lars, but argued a drought- proofing plan would reduce the annual bill for provincial drought assistance in the special areas. He said the special areas board has spent about $ 200,000 on its ap­plication to the provincial energy board for a 14.9- megawatt $ 34- mil-lion power station at the Dickson Dam. But approval of the application over rival bids from three private firms would give the water trans­fer scheme added momentum, Mr. Grover said. He said profits from selling the electricity to TransAlta Utilities would be used to cover the energy costs of pumping water from the Red Deer River, thereby making the proposed pumping station self-sufficient.

Creator: [not supplied]

Subject: Newspaper Article

Location: [not supplied]

Relevant Dates: 1989-09-12

Rights: For Research and Private Study Use Only