More southern Alberta communities voice concern over province’s plans to expand coal

Some municipal officials, along with many environmental groups, say they are worried about selenium from any mines that may be developed, as well as the permanent loss of some of the province’s best-loved wild landscapes.

“Once you start digging out a mountain, you can’t replace it,” Wight said. “Polluting the water, that’s not ever good.”

Wight and her council represent the latest community to voice opposition to the provincial government’s plan. At least six cities, towns and municipal districts in southwest Alberta have expressed concern about the decision and the lack of consultation.

Lethbridge — a city of 128,000 — did so last week.

“Economic benefits must be considered together with risks to the environment (and) risks to the health of those living downstream,” said a Jan. 14 letter from city council to Environment Minister Jason Nixon.

Craig Snodgrass, mayor of High River, has also sent a letter of concern to the province. A second letter expressing the same sentiments will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.

Nearby Nanton has also done so. So has Foothills County.

Ranchlands County has joined a legal action trying to convince a judge to force the government to rethink its decision.

Others, such as Black Diamond and Clearwater County, plan to discuss the issue at upcoming meetings after hearing concerns from residents.

“We’re in the gathering information stage,” said Jim Duncan of Clearwater County, where the local member of the legislature is Nixon.

“Our inboxes are lit up, that’s for sure. There are residents voicing concern.”

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass, which sits in the southwest corner of the province where coal has been mined for generations, is a strong supporter of the one mine now before an environmental review. The Grassy Mountain project by Benga Mining is planned for a site that has seen previous mines and is considered crucial to the town’s economic future.

Mayor Blair Painter said council hasn’t considered larger issues around coal.

“Council has not discussed the coal policy changes,” he said.

The communities now protesting Alberta’s right-of-centre government are considered conservative bedrock.

With one exception, every seat south and west of Calgary went to the United Conservatives in the 2019 election. Even when the New Democrats formed government from 2015-19, they only managed to win three seats south of Edmonton and outside Calgary.

Still, Wight warned that her council and the residents they represent aren’t happy with the way the UCP has handled the issue.

More southern Alberta communities voice concern over province’s plans to expand coal

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