Residents of Crowsnest Pass will take part in a non-binding vote on whether the municipality should support a new coal mine. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Crowsnest Pass residents to vote on coal mine development

Sep 11, 2024 | 2:52 PM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB – The people will have their say on whether a new metallurgical coal mine should be developed in southwestern Alberta.

Municipality of Crowsnest Pass council passed a motion on September 10, 2024, to hold a non-binding vote of the electors on a question, which is similar to a referendum.

Residents will be asked the following question, “Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain?”

The motion was put forth by Councillor Dean Ward, who says the last major industry in Crowsnest Pass closed many years ago. Because the commercial and residential tax bases in the community are minimal, he states that residents have been faced with a high tax burden.

He argues that moving ahead with a proposed coal mine in the Grassy Mountain would bring significant economic development to the area.

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The project by Northback Holdings has been controversial with various levels of government mulling whether or not it should be approved.

Those in opposition claim the mine would be bad for the environment and cite existing bans on the development of new mines in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.

READ MORE: New coal mine restrictions announced for Alberta

The courts have been involved multiple times in the process.

Ward says very few of the organizations have asked for the opinions of the residents of Crowsnest Pass directly.

The exact date for when the vote will happen has not been set, but it will take place within the next 90 days.

The full motion from council can be found on the September 10, 2024 Municipality of Crowsnest Pass council agenda on pages 115-116.

READ MORE: Top Alberta Court allows appeal of coal miner’s exploration applications in Crowsnest Pass

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