Bear Creek Dam

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The City of Grande Prairie, in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis, is reviewing five potential options for the future of the Bear Creek Dam.

Originally constructed in 1948 as a drinking water source, the reservoir has since filled with sediment, limiting its function. While the dam is expected to remain operational for approximately 30 more years, several challenges—such as sediment buildup, water quality issues, odour, erosion, flood control and fluctuating water levels—have prompted the need for long-term planning.

The study will help determine the best path forward and identify potential funding and partnership opportunities to support future improvements.

Public Engagement Opportunity

Residents are invited to attend a public engagement session on July 24, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the reservoir. This is an opportunity to view Bear Creek Dam in person, ask questions and learn more about the five proposed options.

Option Summaries

Option 1: Maintain the Bear Creek Dam

This option retains the dam with possible upgrades to extend its life beyond 30 years, with minimal changes to the site.

  • New sediment trap pond (requires maintenance)

  • Small water pond for flood storage and recreation

  • Sediment placed and stabilized on reservoir banks

Option 2: Maintain Bear Creek Dam & Partially Remove Sediment

This option keeps the dam, with possible upgrades, and creates a large open water area for long-term use.

  • Creates a large permanent reservoir

  • Supports summer and winter recreation

  • Sediment partly reused for park space, rest moved off-site

  • Includes boat launch, parking, and new trails

Option 3: Partial Removal of Bear Creek Dam

This option removes the dam gates, concrete spillway and north embankment, declassifying the dam and restoring the river to a more natural state.

  • The spillway would be replaced with a gabion (rock basket) slope

  • Reuses sediment for added park space and trails

  • Adds pedestrian bridge and retains south berm (Borstad Hill) for recreation and festivals

Option 4: Complete Removal of Bear Creek Dam

This option fully removes the gates, spillway, and both earthen dams, declassifying the dam and restoring the river to a natural state.

  • Fully naturalized river channel

  • Park space expanded with trails

  • New pedestrian bridge added

  • South berm removal impacts existing recreational uses

Option 5: Restore Reservoir

This option proposes keeping the Bear Creek Dam and fully excavating the reservoir to potentially restore its historical size and support past aquatic recreational activities.

  • Most sediment moved off-site

  • Sufficient water depth to allow for full recreational activities

  • A sediment management pond in the upstream portion of the reservoir

  • Bear Creek Dam upgraded to handle restored water levels


Comparison Tables

Click here to view benefit comparisons between all five options, including:

  • Community benefits
  • Environmental benefits
  • Flooding & stability benefits
  • Cost benefits

The City of Grande Prairie, in collaboration with AtkinsRéalis, is reviewing five potential options for the future of the Bear Creek Dam.

Originally constructed in 1948 as a drinking water source, the reservoir has since filled with sediment, limiting its function. While the dam is expected to remain operational for approximately 30 more years, several challenges—such as sediment buildup, water quality issues, odour, erosion, flood control and fluctuating water levels—have prompted the need for long-term planning.

The study will help determine the best path forward and identify potential funding and partnership opportunities to support future improvements.

Public Engagement Opportunity

Residents are invited to attend a public engagement session on July 24, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the reservoir. This is an opportunity to view Bear Creek Dam in person, ask questions and learn more about the five proposed options.

Option Summaries

Option 1: Maintain the Bear Creek Dam

This option retains the dam with possible upgrades to extend its life beyond 30 years, with minimal changes to the site.

  • New sediment trap pond (requires maintenance)

  • Small water pond for flood storage and recreation

  • Sediment placed and stabilized on reservoir banks

Option 2: Maintain Bear Creek Dam & Partially Remove Sediment

This option keeps the dam, with possible upgrades, and creates a large open water area for long-term use.

  • Creates a large permanent reservoir

  • Supports summer and winter recreation

  • Sediment partly reused for park space, rest moved off-site

  • Includes boat launch, parking, and new trails

Option 3: Partial Removal of Bear Creek Dam

This option removes the dam gates, concrete spillway and north embankment, declassifying the dam and restoring the river to a more natural state.

  • The spillway would be replaced with a gabion (rock basket) slope

  • Reuses sediment for added park space and trails

  • Adds pedestrian bridge and retains south berm (Borstad Hill) for recreation and festivals

Option 4: Complete Removal of Bear Creek Dam

This option fully removes the gates, spillway, and both earthen dams, declassifying the dam and restoring the river to a natural state.

  • Fully naturalized river channel

  • Park space expanded with trails

  • New pedestrian bridge added

  • South berm removal impacts existing recreational uses

Option 5: Restore Reservoir

This option proposes keeping the Bear Creek Dam and fully excavating the reservoir to potentially restore its historical size and support past aquatic recreational activities.

  • Most sediment moved off-site

  • Sufficient water depth to allow for full recreational activities

  • A sediment management pond in the upstream portion of the reservoir

  • Bear Creek Dam upgraded to handle restored water levels


Comparison Tables

Click here to view benefit comparisons between all five options, including:

  • Community benefits
  • Environmental benefits
  • Flooding & stability benefits
  • Cost benefits

  • Survey

    The Bear Creek reservoir is a central feature of Muskoseepi Park which was created in 1948 by damming Bear Creek. Sediments have filled in the reservoir over time and it no longer offers the same quality of recreation, habitat, and flood management. The city of Grande Prairie is looking at 5 options for the reservoir from minimal change to a natural undammed stream to a complete reinstatement of the open water feature it once was.

    Anyone with an interest in the future of Bear Creek reservoir is invited to fill out this survey. The feedback will be taken into account by council when making a decision. Please review the presentation posters to more fully explore and compare the options. 

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 24 Jul 2025, 01:06 PM