The Town of Blackfalds held its open house last night to explain its northwest area stormwater master plan, which would send run-off through a series of wetlands to Lacombe Lake.

The first open house was held back in June and a few changes have been made since then.

“One big physical one was that Lacombe County went and improved the northern outlet of the lake so that was one of the big issues we were dealing with -- the water level and flooding that was happening around the lake,” said Preston Weran, director of infrastructure and property services.

“As well, we’ve added additional hydrogeological studies, looking at the groundwater infiltration in this area. As well as a continuous modelling-type scenario where we’ve looked at the last 23 years of data to ensure that our plan will be realistic and will make sense going forward.”

The plan has been a controversial one, with a number of residents opposed out of fears that stormwater would pollute the lake or flood it.

Wednesday night’s event changed little for resident Anita Alexander, an outspoken critic of the project.

“We do not want any of the issues that come with surface stormwater draining into Lacombe Lake,” Alexander said.

Weran said the proposed system would meet or exceed Alberta Environment requirements for water quality.

He adds the next steps could take a few months.

“Alberta Environment and Parks will be provided all the data we’ve been gathering to date. As well as review our new stormwater management report and the details we’ve added to it,” he said.

“They will make a decision to either provide us with a Water Act approval or request for more information.”