August 27, 2025
TABER, AB – The Municipal District of Taber is indeed pursuing a forward-looking initiative that reflects the municipality's commitment to responsible land ownership, economic growth, and long-term infrastructure investment. The Municipal District of Taber has endorsed an initiative that would result in approximately 3,100 acres of municipally owned land near Scope Reservoir of additional irrigated cropland—an exciting opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity and generate sustainable revenue for municipal service delivery for the benefit of all residents.
Importantly, it is noted that more than 69,280 acres of municipally-owned and 160,800 acres of Crown-owned (Provincial) lands are currently accessible for ranching and grazing operations within the municipality, which continues to support the grazing and ranching segments of the community.
This block of land, privately owned by the MD of Taber, represents the last significant undeveloped block downstream of the reservoir inlet. Its strategic location and historical cultivation make it uniquely suited for responsible development. Additionally, the Bow River Irrigation District (BRID) has hoped to add additional irrigation downstream of Scope Reservoir to improve the efficiency of water use for many years, because the area currently irrigated downstream of the reservoir is too small to use all the water that enters the reservoir, despite efforts to operate the upstream system as efficiently as possible.
This frequently results in water in the reservoir being spilled to avoid overfilling. This block of land owned by the MD of Taber is the only significant additional area of privately owned land that can be irrigated downstream of the reservoir inlet, and its development for irrigation will make valuable use of excess water in the reservoir, instead of spilling it. In partnering with the BRID, the MD is unlocking the land’s potential to support our thriving agri-food sector while reinforcing our role in Canada’s Premier Food Corridor (CPFC)—a regional alliance driving innovation, investment, and global market access in southern Alberta.
The MD of Taber’s decision regarding this initiative reflects the agricultural values within our community. Many Council members are farmers and ranchers themselves, deeply attuned to the importance of responsible land use and ownership. This initiative reflects a balanced approach to agricultural advancement and responsible land stewardship, ensuring that agricultural growth is both productive and respectful of our region’s natural heritage.
The anticipated rental revenue from this project will be invested directly into critical municipal infrastructure improvements, including transportation, drainage, and water management systems. These enhancements will strengthen municipal service delivery that residents rely on, support economic resilience, and improve quality of life across the MD of Taber.
Importantly, this initiative complements—not replaces—existing grazing operations. The MD of Taber continues to support a robust network of grazing leases, with tens of thousands of acres currently being leased for livestock production. Our ranching families have been—and will continue to be— key stakeholders in preserving biodiversity, soil health, and the agricultural legacy of our region.
As this initiative moves forward, the MD of Taber continues to review relevant policies to ensure they remain responsive to emerging opportunities. This dynamic and balanced approach to governance allows us to adapt to changing needs while maintaining transparency and engagement with stakeholders.
The MD of Taber is excited about the possibilities this project presents. It is a testament to proactive governance leadership, our commitment to community prosperity for the benefit of the residents as a whole, and our belief in agriculture as a cornerstone of our identity and economy.
We look forward to continued collaboration with residents, industry partners, and other stakeholders as the MD of Taber moves forward.
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Quotes
“This initiative reflects our Council’s commitment to responsible growth, land ownership, and long-term municipal viability for service delivery. By investing in this land, we’re investing in the future of MD of Taber residents.”
~ Tamara Miyanaga, Reeve of the Municipal District of Taber
Contact
For further related media inquiries, please contact our Communications Officer at cgrant@mdtaber.ab.ca
