Peat harvesting operation denied by Clearwater County

Clearwater County council has denied a bid by Premier Horticulture Ltd. to develop a peat harvesting operation northwest of Caroline.

Despite several late amendments aimed at addressing public concerns, council unanimously voted to deny the development permit at its June 23 meeting following extensive public feedback on the proposal.

The amendments included a requirement that harvesting be completed in five phases, with progression to each subsequent phase contingent on the full reclamation of a previous phase.

Another amendment would have allowed the permit to be revoked if the development authority determined the operation was causing disruptions.

Before council made its decision, representatives from Premier Horticulture outlined the benefits of the project.

The delegation included former Battle River-Crowfoot MP and Upstream Strategy Group project advocate Damien Kurek, who said Premier Horticulture wants to be a good neighbour and environmental steward.

“Rural Alberta knows how to do responsible resource development right, and I think the opportunity before Clearwater County is a great showcase for what that could look like,” he said.

Kurek added people should think of peat harvesting less as a mine or extraction operation and more as a farming activity, something many area residents would be familiar with.

The delegation also noted peat remains an in-demand product used in the production of Pro-Mix growing media, supporting agricultural production across North America.

Kurek acknowledged not everyone supports the proposal. However, he pointed to Premier Horticulture’s commitments, including 100-metre setbacks, water stewardship measures around Mud Creek and a reclamation plan that would restore the site after harvesting is complete.

Following the presentation, about two dozen residents packed council chambers to voice opposition to the proposal.

Residents raised a wide range of concerns. Despite assurances from the company, several questioned the potential impact of dust on people and animals, particularly horses.

Others pointed to peat harvesting being phased out in some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, and questioned the industry’s long-term viability.

One resident, who has lived in the area for 33 years, criticized the company for dismissing local concerns. She alleged she was told during a 2025 open house that the project was a “done deal.”

Potential impacts on wildlife, including beavers, herons and moose, were also raised, along with concerns about flooding and property values.

Residents further questioned how many local jobs would actually be created and how much tax revenue Clearwater County would receive given the seasonal nature of peat harvesting.

One resident argued peat harvesting differs from oil and gas development because energy-sector workers often establish roots in the community, while peat workers would likely come from outside the area. She added economic benefits from truck traffic and employee spending would likely be felt more in the Olds area, where Premier’s facility is located, than in Clearwater County.

Others raised concerns about water quality and availability. One longtime resident described nearby creeks drying up over the past decade and questioned whether peat harvesting could further worsen those conditions.

Council also received two petitions opposing the project — one submitted in April with 67 signatures and another submitted June 22 with 134 signatures.

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In closing remarks, Kurek acknowledged residents who had “poured out their hearts” in opposition to the proposal. However, he pointed to the applicant’s track record in reclamation and regulatory compliance.

Despite voting with the majority of council to deny the permit, Coun. Lorne Humphrey said he was conflicted.

Humphrey said he understood the perspectives of both sides.

“We want responsible economic development. I see a business that does bring jobs to our community, but I also see people opposed to it being there,” he said.

Area resident Melissa Sieben said she was elated by council’s decision, adding she believes it was a proud moment for Clearwater County.

Sieben, who lives adjacent to the proposed peat harvesting site, said the decision was cathartic for residents who have opposed the project for well over a decade.

During the lengthy hearing, she was also encouraged to hear a broad range of concerns raised — from environmental and economic issues to personal impacts and growing international opposition to peat harvesting.

“All of the boxes were checked,” she said.

Although council denied the permit, the delegation indicated discussions between Clearwater County and Premier Horticulture could continue in the future.