CSMI – FAQs
1. What is the CSMI?
The Stormwater Management Cooperative (CSMI) is a cooperative composed of the Western Irrigation District, the City of Calgary, Rocky View County, and the Town of Strathmore. CSMI is a proactive stormwater solution which will facilitate new development, create flood resiliency and improve water quality for irrigation users. The CSMI will use a combination of existing and new infrastructure to create stormwater outfalls while minimizing flood risk and preserving the high quality of irrigation water in the WID main canals.
2. When will CSMI construction be complete?
CSMI construction is currently planned to have a duration of 25 years and be completed by 2045.
3. Where is the CSMI?
The CSMI area is east of the City of Calgary, and includes parts of Calgary, Rocky View County, and the Town of Strathmore. The map below shows the geographic region of CSMI, the Developed Lands of each municipality, and the proposed CSMI infrastructure.
4. Who needs the CSMI?
Both the municipal partners and the Western Irrigation District will benefit from the CSMI. Municipalities need a regional stormwater solution to provide outfalls for existing and future development. Municipalities also need drainage options for stormwater during times of heavy precipitation and snowmelt to alleviate flood risk. The WID needs the CSMI to maintain the high quality of irrigation water flowing through their canals and being delivered to irrigation members.
5. What are the benefits of the CSMI?
- Alleviate historical localized flooding
- Improve water quality
- Mitigate current risks and liabilities from stormwater
- Establish stormwater outfalls to allow for future development and economic growth
6. What is the positive impact of the CSMI on irrigators?
The CSMI will limit stormwater from entering the WID irrigation canals, meaning that water being delivered to irrigators will be of higher quality.
7. What is the positive impact of the CSMI on developers, private homeowners and homebuyers?
The CSMI provides a drainage solution for land developers and an alternative to ‘zero-release’ strategies that can require additional infrastructure and costly emergency pumping.
Current homeowners may see reduced localized flooding with the CSMI and improvements to water quality in natural water bodies as regional wetlands and best management practices are introduced in later stages.
Economic growth and continued development will benefit residents, current and future, of the participating municipalities.
8. What is the positive impact of the CSMI on the environment?
By controlling runoff, mitigating localized flooding and preventing pollutants from entering water bodies, the CSMI will minimize adverse impacts to communities, water quality and the natural environment. Regional wetlands that form part of the later stages of the CSMI system will attenuate flooding, enhance water quality and benefit local ecosystems. Best Management Practices (BMPs) that will be implemented in later stages of the CSMI will further increase the quality of stormwater being delivered by the CSMI to natural outlets.
9. If I have a question about the CSMI, how can I get an answer?
The CSMI “Contact” page is the most direct way to ask questions, request a presentation or provide your feedback. Join the discussion on social media to share insights and connect with other people interested in the benefits and opportunities created by this unique and exciting project.