Saskatchewan plans to invest $4 billion to expand irrigation around Lake Diefenbaker.
It would enable farmland to be converted from cereals and oilseeds to produce such as carrots, potatoes and lettuce.
The government estimates it will boost the province’s economy by $40 to $80 billion over the next 50 years.
The timing could be excellent because California farmers continue to be squeezed out of water by demands from cities that continue to grow.
The Diefenbaker Lake plan will begin with $22.5 million for engineering and construction, then $500 million for the first phase which involves refurbishing and expanding the irrigation canal on the west side of the lake.
“We’re committed to seeing this through because of what it can do for enhancing our economic fortunes in this province and really changing the face of agriculture,” said Premier Scott Moe while announcing the plan.
The next two phases will take 10 years to complete. It’s the province’s biggest infrastructure project ever. They will add 380,000 acres of land that can be irrigated.
