The City of Lethbridge has reaffirmed its opposition to any coal developments that risk damaging the Oldman Watershed. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge remains opposed to new coal mines, wants to protect watershed

Feb 25, 2025 | 2:36 PM

Lethbridge City Council is speaking out against the potential development of coal mines in the Rocky Mountains.

Members voted at Tuesday’s meeting to re-affirm its opposition to all coal developments that risk damage to the Oldman Watershed.

Councillor Belinda Crowson says council has passed several motions on the matter in recent years, but based on the number of inquiries the city has recently received, she felt this was a good opportunity to make their position clear once again.

“Lethbridge and surrounding communities are downstream from the proposed mining site and these proposed projects have the potential of affecting the water in the entire Oldman Watershed,” says Crowson.

She continues, “There is, at present, little scientific information on how to address selenium at the water treatment level. Major irrigation systems in southern Alberta obtain their water from the Oldman Watershed and southern Alberta’s economy and jobs may be impacted long-term if water quality issues affect the quality of our irrigation water and the reputation of our agri-food processing hubs.”

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The Official Business Motion also directs Mayor Blaine Hyggen to issue a public statement, outlining the City of Lethbridge’s concerns relating to coal mining.

As well, he will ask the Government of Alberta to ensure that there are no coal mine projects allowed on the Eastern Slopes.

“In my previous letter to the Province, I wrote that the City of Lethbridge requests that the Government of Alberta thoroughly consider the potential for selenium contamination, monitoring and mitigation of the Oldman River headwaters and watershed prior to giving the most recent application by Northback Holdings any consideration,” says Hyggen.

“As we have heard further opposition in the community recently, we will again discuss this matter through the proper City Council process,” the mayor continued. “As per this Council’s continued direction regarding the safety of our water supply, I will write another letter providing our re-committed stance.”

At the April 10 Economic & Finance Standing Policy Committee meeting, city administration will provide a presentation on potential concerns related to the development of coal mines and its impacts on water supplies.

The issue of coal mining on the Eastern Slopes has proven to be controversial.

Residents of Crowsnest Pass voted nearly three-to-one in November 2024, saying they support the proposed Grassy Mountain coal mine due to the economic benefits it would bring.

READ MORE: ‘A decisive decision’: Crowsnest Pass residents vote overwhelmingly for new coal mine

The Alberta Government lifted is ban on coal mines in the region in January as Energy Minister Brian Jean said he wanted to “reduce regulatory confusion.”

READ MORE: Alberta government lifts coal mining moratorium, critics say it’s ‘open season’

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