Clearwater County to consider amendments to West Country development node bylaw
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Clearwater County council has backed down on a proposal to scrap two Nordegg-area tourism development nodes — instead opting for a future amended bylaw.
The bylaws were approved by council in July 2025, and provide guidelines for everything from day use areas and viewpoints to staging areas and restrooms at the Whitegoat Lake and the Saunders-Alexo area east of Nordegg.
However, citing a perceived lack of public engagement and awareness, the newly-elected council sought a potential repeal of the bylaws.
First reading of a repeal bylaw was considered by council Feb. 10 contingent on holding a number of public engagement sessions, which were subsequently held in Rocky, Caroline, Nordegg and Condor.
Council reviewed the final results of the public feedback and an accompanying survey — which drew over 700 responses — at its June 9 meeting.
Results showed a strong preference for environmental protection with 51 per cent indicating it is “very important” that future development strictly protects environmental values.
However, respondents were split on keeping or repealing the bylaw in its entirety.
County documents summarized some comments as seeing the 2025 bylaw as the result of 30-plus years of planning that calls for balanced, responsible growth.
Those on the repeal side voiced a desire to keep the West Country “natural,” “wild,” or a “hidden gem”. Respondents also resisted the notion of commercialization or tourism growth that could turn the area into “another Banff or Canmore”.
Respondents who were open to development voiced a preference for small-scale undertakings such as campgrounds, day use areas and trails as opposed to hotels or multi-floor buildings.
The hundreds of responses also called for the prioritization of local developers and businesses over foreign or large corporate investors. It also called for future development to serve residents first, creating local jobs and ensuring locals aren’t “priced out” of enjoying the west.
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Coun. Breanne Powell hoped the engagement efforts will quash any perception of the current council being anti-development.
“We did the right thing, we got people’s attention and got to hear what everybody had to say,” she said. “I think it’s unanimous that people don’t want to see the West Country destroyed.”
Reeve Jordon Northcott agreed, saying the large response from the community proved engaging the public was a worthwhile endeavor.
First reading of the repeal bylaw was unanimously defeated by council, with discussions on amendments for the bylaw coming to the Strategic and Planning Committee meeting June 22.
Rocky Chamber weighs in
Appearing before council earlier in 2026, Tim Hoven, the now-former president of the Rocky Chamber implored council to carefully consider any decision that pertains to local tourism.
Hoven said council’s words carry much weight, adding that the mere discussion of repealing tourism development plans could put potential investment in jeopardy.
