Gardiner Dam plans to double Sask. irrigation stalls

The Gardiner Dam has been reshaping Saskatchewan waterways — and lives and livelihoods — since it opened in 1967.

But a 10-year plan to use the dam and Lake Diefenbaker to more than double the province’s irrigation capacity is now more than two years behind schedule, and is just getting off the starting block.

This fall, the dam has opened a new head office, making it easier for workers from the province’s Water Security Agency to monitor the dam, get training and do regular maintenance and repairs.

Speaking at the new office, Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Jeremy Cockrill said the $6 million upgrade was badly needed.

“Drinking water for roughly 60 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population comes through this dam,” he said. “It’s very important. We have a number of staff that work here each and every day. So what this office investment does is it really gives a better working space for the people and equipment that work for the Water Security Agency, keeping the Gardiner Dam running.”