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Municipal Collaboration and Infrastructure Modernization

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Lac Ste. Anne County and the Darwell Lagoon Commission (DLC) are undertaking a priority initiative to address critical capacity issues and establish a resilient utility system to support the region's future growth.

Specifically, the DLC is transitioning to a regionalization strategy that leverages local infrastructure into a broader wastewater servicing network.

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The Challenge

The Darwell Lagoon, originally constructed 30 years ago, currently serves several member municipalities, including Lac Ste. Anne County, the Village of Alberta Beach, and the Summer Villages of Sunset Point, Ross Haven, Yellowstone, and South View.

This facility is now operating at 110% capacity.

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Under normal circumstances, the system would discharge into the Sturgeon River; however, persistent drought conditions over the last several years have made this impossible. Without a long-term regional solution, the lagoon would face closure, requiring all influent to be diverted and trucked to other facilities.

The Regional Solution

The County and the DLC are transitioning to a regionalization strategy that leverages local infrastructure to expand the wastewater-servicing network.

This strategy is being executed in two primary phases:

  • Darwell Phase B: Includes a lift station and a 28km wastewater transmission line from the Darwell Lagoon to the Sturgeon River/TriVillage area.
  • Phase B Extension: A 38km connection from the Sturgeon River to the North East Lagoon. This extension uses the ample capacity of the North East Lagoon as the endpoint for the regional system.

Project Benefits

  • Environmental Protection: High treatment standards and the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) minimize impacts on shared rivers, lakes, and sensitive ecosystems.
  • Fiscal Responsibility: By pursuing a regional approach, the project has successfully leveraged over $28 million in combined Provincial and Federal grant funding.
  • Planning for Growth: This new infrastructure ensures the region can support long-term population and economic development.

Learn More About the Project

On May 7, 2026, the DLC hosted a public information session during which Stantec (a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm) presented its findings and recommendations.

For a detailed look at the technical specifications, population projections, and regional mapping for this initiative, click the thumbnail below to view and download the full Stantec presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Darwell Regional Wastewater Strategy

What is the current status of the Darwell Lagoon?
  • The lagoon was constructed 30 years ago and is currently operating at 110% capacity.
  • It serves Lac Ste. Anne County and regional summer villages.
  • Due to several years of drought conditions, the system is unable to discharge effluent into the Sturgeon River as it normally would.
What happens if a solution isn't implemented soon?
  • Estimates suggest the Darwell Lagoon will need to close in the Fall of 2026.
  • If closed, wastewater from the Darwell townsite and truck haulers would need to be diverted to the North 43 Lagoon, located approximately 30km away.
What exactly is wastewater regionalization?
  • It is a strategy that leverages local infrastructure and lagoons to create a larger, shared utility system for the region.
  • This approach helps multiple communities plan together for long-term benefits, similar to systems like the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission.
What are the two main phases of this project?
  • Darwell Phase B: Involves a new lift station and a 28km transmission line running from the Darwell Lagoon to the Sturgeon River.
  • Phase B Extension: Adds another 38km of pipeline to connect the system to the North East Lagoon.
Why is the North East Lagoon important?
  • It has been operational for twelve years and has significant available space.
  • Its storage cell can hold 141,000m³, providing ample capacity needed to handle flows from the Darwell Lagoon and other areas.
How will the pipeline be installed?
  • The project uses Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD).
  • This method allows for pipe to be installed in roughly 300-meter sections, which reduces the environmental impact and minimizes disturbances to roads and existing infrastructure.
How are sensitive ecosystems being protected?
  • Construction is planned for frozen or dry conditions to minimize impact.
  • To reduce costs and avoid private land acquisition, the pipeline is primarily placed within county road right-of-ways.
  • The use of fused HDPE pipe creates a single, continuous line that significantly reduces the risk of future leaks.
Who is paying for these upgrades?
  • The project is heavily supported by government grants to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.
  • Phase B: Funded by a 50% Provincial grant ($5.98M) and a 40% Federal grant ($4.72M).
  • Phase B Extension: Funded by a 90% Provincial grant ($14.81M), with the Darwell Lagoon Commission (DLC) covering the remaining 10% ($1.64M).
Where does the project stand today?
  • Detailed design drawings for the Extension are 95% complete.
  • Geotechnical investigations and studies on receiving water bodies have been finished.
  • Applications for environmental compliance and various crossing agreements (Highways, Rail, and Utilities) have already been submitted.
What comes next?
  • The DLC is working to finalize Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) approvals.
  • Once approvals and designs are finalized, the project will move to contractor prequalification and tendering, followed by construction.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of May 2026, the Phase B Extension is currently in the advanced stages of development:

  • Detailed design drawings are 95% complete.
  • Environmental and regulatory compliance documents have been submitted.
  • Geotechnical investigations and water body studies are finished.

Upcoming milestones include finalizing Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) approvals, project tendering, and the commencement of construction.

Stay Informed

Please check this section of the County website regularly, as all future project updates and opportunities for community input will be announced here.

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