On October 9, 2025 the Western Irrigation District (WID) and Strangmuir Farms celebrated the completion of the Strangmuir Storage Project. The celebration began with a BBQ followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. Troy Tangedal, CEO of WID, Justin Geeraert, WID Board Chair, Rick Thiessen, owner/president Strangmuir Farms, Karen Thiessen, Sr. Accountant Strangmuir Farms, Brent Chaffee, Operations Manager Strangmuir Farms and Councilor Donna Biggard took part in the ribbon cutting.

Project Summary

Located in Wheatland County, near Strathmore, Alberta, this project is part of a broader effort to modernize irrigation systems and enhance water management for irrigation in the district.

Key Features

• Location: Strangmuir Farms, Wheatland County, South of Strathmore, Alberta
• Purpose: Improve water storage and delivery, support irrigation expansion, increase water security and availability, provide winter feedlot water, improve flood control, improve water efficiency
• Benefits:
  • Reliable and expanded irrigation
  • Flood mitigation
  • Drought resilience
  • Reduce return flows
  • Enhance water efficiency
  • Improve environmental benefits
  • Enhance local wildlife habitat
• Infrastructure:
  • Storage volume
    • 54 acre feet
    • 66,600 cubic meters
    • 66.6 million litres
    • 1.5 million gallons

 Timeline

• Planned and designed in 2024
• Constructed winter 2024 to summer 2025
• Completed August 20, 2025 (first water)

Partners & Support

• Strangmuir Farms: A 24,000-head feedlot operation with over 50 years in cattle feeding
• Western Irrigation District (WID): Project management and oversight
• Funding Partners:

• Western Irrigation District
• Strangmuir Farms

 Development Impact

The project is designed to support sustainable agriculture by expanding water storage capacity, enhance cattle and crop management, flood management, and supports the efficiency of the WID distribution system.

 Water Reliability: Ensuring consistent, efficient water delivery

Sustainability & Stewardship: Promoting long-term environmental and operational sustainability.

Innovation & Modernization: Advancing infrastructure through modern design, construction, and operational practices.

Collaboration & Community: Highlighting the power of local partnerships and regional development.