By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Town of Rocky Mtn. House seeks meeting with ministers for Bighorn Country plan

Feb 7, 2019 | 1:57 PM

The Town of Rocky Mountain House continues to seek a face-to-face meeting with the province regarding the Bighorn Country proposal.

In a letter dated Jan. 28, the Town requested a joint meeting with the misters of Environment and Parks, Justice, Health, Municipal Affairs and Tourism to discuss the impact of the proposal on the Rocky community.

“Questions have been raised as to the effect of the plans on public services, such as our hospitals and policing, which are currently operating beyond capacity,” the letter reads. “As the largest community near the proposed Bighorn Country, it is essential that we collaborate on an effective approach to plan development.”

The request came about a week after a letter from Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips to the Town of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County, Brazeau County and the Town of Sundre.

“Our department has taken great care to ensure this proposal better supports tourism and recreation, future economic development and diversification interests, as well as important conservation objectives,” Phillips wrote.

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She then went on to address some of the specific concerns raised by the municipalities, including potential impacts to industry from public land use zoning, parks and protected areas, and the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan.  

The Town has not received a response to its request for an in-person meeting.

The public consultation for the Bighorn Country proposal has been mired in controversy. Numerous protests have taken place calling for the process to be cancelled and restarted.

Phillips cancelled several public consultation sessions in early January over security and safety concerns. Sessions were eventually held this past week in Drayton Valley, Edmonton, Red Deer and Sundre.

The online survey for the proposed plan is available until Feb. 15.