By Adam Ophus

Impact on Tourism

Clearwater County to discuss Alberta’s coal policy in March

Feb 3, 2021 | 3:20 PM

On March 9, Clearwater County council will be discussing whether to join other municipalities in requesting the UCP government bring back Alberta’s 1976 coal policy.

On January 25, council attended a video call with Environment Minister Jason Nixon regarding the public’s concerns over the environmental impacts of coal mining in the Rocky Mountains.

Councillor Theresa Laing said she felt reassured during the meeting, noting Deputy Minister Bev Yee stated that there was no change when it comes to coal, and that laws are stronger than they were in 1976.

Laing expressed her concerns over the fact that the county has invested millions of dollars in the Nordegg area as an attempt to bring in tourism for financial gain.

That had led her to ask that additional research be done regarding other coal mining towns and what that level of impact coal had on those areas.

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Councillors agreed that the motion be brought back after a month’s time, to give administration the chance to fully gather all the necessary information.

Administration had commented that they had, and continue at of the time of writing, been receiving letters from other municipalities to bring back the 1976 policy.

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