Over time, several key events have occurred in the Athabasca watershed and elsewhere that have contributed to today’s system of water and watershed management in this basin. Although by no means comprehensive, we list some of these events below. If you have an event or initiative you would like to see added, please contact us at science@awc-wpac.ca.
Date |
Key Water Management Events in the Athabasca Watershed |
1975-1976 |
Weirs are constructed on the Rivière des Rochers and the Réveillon Coupé, outflowing channels linking Lake Athabasca to the Peace/Slave system. |
1997 |
The Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement is signed and the Mackenzie River Basin Board is established. |
2003 |
The Water for Life Strategy is released by the Government of Alberta. |
2007 |
The Athabasca River Conference, organized by the Crooked Creek Conservancy, Athabasca University, and several other partners, is successful is raising awareness about water management in the Athabasca River. |
2008 |
The Government of Alberta facilitates a Watershed Planning and Advisory Council Initiators Group to undertake planning for an Athabasca WPAC. |
2009 |
The Athabasca Watershed Council is established and its first Board of Directors is elected. |
2012 |
The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan is approved by the Government of Alberta. |
2012 |
The Lower Athabasca surface water quality management framework is approved and a monitoring framework is established. |
2015 |
The Alberta-NWT Mackenzie River Basin Bilateral Water Management Agreement is signed. |
2015 |
The Lower Athabasca surface water quantity management framework is approved and implemented. |
2021 |
The Lac La Biche Watershed Management Plan is approved by Lac La Biche County and its partners. |
2021 |
Development of an Upper Athabasca Surface Water Quality Management Framework is announced by the Government of Alberta. |
2022 |
The Athabasca Watershed Council approves and begins implementing the Athabasca Watershed Management Plan. |