Comprehensive Water Act Approval brings cost-savings to the County

The County of St. Paul has received approval under the Comprehensive Water Act for all County boat launches. This is a blanket approval from Alberta Environment to perform all maintenance activities related to boat launches within the County along the beds and shores of lakes – including Floatingstone Lake, Lac Bellevue, Stoney Lake, Vincent Lake, and Garner Lake – reducing both costs and time for the County.

Prior to the designation, the County would have to obtain approval each time there was a planned maintenance activity, costing the County roughly $6,000-$10,000 per boat launch. These activities include the repair and replacement of a boat launch pad on the shore; access road upgrades; drainage corrections; maintenance brushing; and rip-rap erosion control.

“Before, each project would require an environmental biologist to conduct tests on the water, the surrounding bed and shore, and complete a report for review and approval before any work could go ahead,” explains Andy Petterson, Construction Manager for the County, “Now, all of that information is on one list for Alberta Environment’s review.”

The County is still required to notify Alberta Environment when “in water” activities will be conducted on a boat launch. However, thanks to the compiled information under the County’s designation, approval time is greatly reduced. In 2025, the County will complete the installation of a new boat launch at Garner Lake in the Melnychuk Subdivision, which received approval from Alberta Environment within two weeks – something that used to take 3-6 months.

The County of St. Paul is the second municipality in Alberta to receive the designation. “I worked with Tim Mahdiuk to start the process four years ago, when he was still a director here at the County. It’s been a long time coming,” Petterson notes.

Jason Wallsmith, Chief Administrative Officer for the County of St. Paul, added, “We’re very excited that we could obtain this and the efficiencies that will come with it.”