GrainsWest Fall 2020

Fall 2020 grainswest.com 15 BY EVAN LINTICK • PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK for farmers to want to follow through with their tile drainage projects,” said Lenz. While Alberta’s stringent regulations have tended to remove tile drainage from the list of options for farmers, other prov- inces, particularly Manitoba and Ontario, have found ways to support installation. Both provinces have allowed for more strategic environmental planning around tile drainage. As well, co-ordination between the farmer and the county allows for drainage into locations that do not interfere with wildlife or neighbouring property. For instance, Ontario’s Drainage Act additionally allows tile drainage installa- tion in co-ordination with counties and municipalities. The province has also es- tablished a loan program to aid farmers in covering the cost of tile drainage through their municipal taxes over a 10-year peri- od. The Ontario loan program is similar to one established in Manitoba, which has contributed to significant tile drainage adoption among farmers and the comple- tion of work by installation companies. Should Alberta wish to similarly adopt a less burdensome regulatory framework for tile drainage, the farm economy may benefit and the province may also save money on crop insurance payouts for unviable acres. Greater implementation of tile drainage may also benefit counties and municipal- ities in managing issues related to road grade erosion and ditch maintenance. The use of tile drainage could mitigate flooding and degradation of rural roads as well as the blockage of ditches and culverts. The co-ordination and support of the counties could ensure the creation of suitable outlets for drained water such as retention ponds and constructed wetlands. With alterations to the existing tile drainage policy, the Alberta government may further achieve its red tape reduction goals while benefitting farmers and the economy. Evan Lintick is AWC and Alberta Barley policy and markets analyst. “Tile Drainage is a viable solution to the excess moisture and has even more positives, but the provincial regulations stand as a blockage to its implementation.” —Jason Casselmen While tile drainage has beenwell utilized inOnatario andManitoba, Alberta regulations have discouraged its use in this province.