Residents of Fort Kent and Ardmore are one step closer to enhanced regional water infrastructure following a provincial funding announcement supporting upgrades to the area’s water system.

The Government of Alberta is providing up to $668,432.83 through its Water for Life program for the Fort Kent-Ardmore Regional Water Connection project.

The funding will be matched by local partners, with the Municipal District of Bonnyville contributing $500,000 and the Bonnyville Regional Water Services Commission contributing an additional $500,000, bringing the total project funding to more than $1.66 million.

Modernizing regional water infrastructure

The project will upgrade existing water infrastructure serving Fort Kent and Ardmore, strengthening the regional water network while improving reliability and system capacity.

According to Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr, the improvements will better position the communities for future growth while ensuring residents continue to have access to safe drinking water.

“Access to safe, reliable drinking water is one of the most essential services a community can provide,” Cyr said.

“Every family should have confidence that when they turn on the tap, safe, dependable drinking water will be there.”

Investment in rural communities

Cyr said projects like the regional water connection may not receive the same attention as larger developments but have a significant impact on daily life for rural residents.

“These improvements will strengthen the regional water network, improve operational flexibility, and help ensure the system has the capacity to support residents and future growth for years to come,” he said.

He added that reliable infrastructure remains critical to supporting rural communities of all sizes.

“I’ve always believed that every community matters, regardless of its size,” Cyr said. “Whether you live in one of our larger centres or in a smaller community like Fort Kent or Ardmore, you deserve reliable infrastructure and the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Partnership drives project forward

Cyr credited the funding announcement to continued collaboration between provincial and municipal partners.

He thanked Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen, M.D. of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski, Vice-Chair Byron Johnson, CAO Mark Power, the Bonnyville Regional Water Services Commission Board and M.D. of Bonnyville Council for their work advancing the project.

“Working together, we’re delivering results for rural Alberta,” Cyr said.

Supporting future growth

The Water for Life program helps communities across Alberta improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly in rural municipalities.

Once complete, the Fort Kent-Ardmore Regional Water Connection is expected to improve operational flexibility, strengthen long-term water reliability and support continued residential and economic growth in both communities.

For local leaders, the project represents another investment in the infrastructure that allows rural communities to grow while maintaining essential services for residents.