Powering Communities with Water
For more than a century, TransAlta has harnessed water to deliver clean, reliable hydroelectricity. Our hydro plants generate renewable energy, manage water flows and support communities across our operating areas. Hydro plays a unique role in our electricity system. Our facilities do more than generate clean, renewable power — they provide flexibility and resilience to the entire grid.
Hydro at Work
We rely on our hydro operations to:
- Balance the grid – backing up intermittent resources like wind and solar
- Respond quickly – ramping up during spikes in demand or when other generating units trip offline
- Manage water – supporting flood control, drought mitigation and irrigation across southern Alberta and beyond
- Support communities – conveying water to license holders, including irrigation districts and municipalities
By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, we deliver reliable power while ensuring responsible water use and protecting public safety.
Protecting Public Safety
Safety—for our people, the public and the environment—is central to how we operate.
Hydro facilities can look inviting for recreation, but sudden water changes, strong currents, undertows and unstable ice make them dangerous.
How we protect public safety:
- Safety buffer zones near dams and reservoirs
- Warning signs, fencing, booms and barriers
- Regular patrols and inspections
- Safety audits and infrastructure maintenance
- Coordination with regulators, law enforcement and emergency responders
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship guides everything we do at our hydro facilities. We focus on:
- Healthy water and habitats – monitoring aquatic systems and supporting fish populations
- Biodiversity – preserving vegetation and wildlife corridors
- Collaboration – working with regulators and communities to safeguard sensitive ecosystems
- Continuous improvement – adapting operations through ongoing assessments and engagement
Current Projects & Safety Updates
TransAlta is committed to keeping the public informed about access restrictions and safety measures around our hydroelectric facilities. This section provides updates to specific projects. Stay tuned to this page for updates as they happen.
Spray Canal Maintenance Project
TransAlta is conducting necessary and routine maintenance to the Spray Canal from July 28 to September 26, 2025.
The work is essential to ensure the long-term safety, efficiency and reliability of the Spray Hydro facility. This will be an active construction site. During this time, water levels will be reduced and you may notice increased construction activity and intermittent traffic disruptions in the area.
TransAlta has been working in collaboration with the Town of Canmore during the maintenance work.
For more information, please visit the Town of Canmore’s website.
The Bearspaw Dam
The Bearspaw Dam and Reservoir are part of the Bow River Hydroelectric System, which includes 11 facilities supplying power, irrigation, flood control and drinking water for Calgary.
Why it’s risky:
- Water levels can rise or fall by up to 2 metres in a short time
- Strong currents and sudden changes pose serious safety risks
- Emergency services are limited in the area
To protect the public:
- TransAlta maintains an 8 km buffer strip around the reservoir
- Recreation such as boating or swimming is strongly discouraged
- We’re working with Calgary and Rocky View County on a long-term safety plan
