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By rdnewsNOW staff

Sand and Gravel Task Force

Province launches new task force to cut red tape for sand and gravel operations

May 22, 2025 | 11:06 AM

The Alberta government is launching a new task force aimed at cutting red tape and accelerating regulatory processes for sand and gravel operations to lay the foundation for faster approvals.

The government says sand, gravel and crushed stone are the backbone of Alberta’s construction economy – essential for building roads, the homes we live in and the infrastructure that supports our communities. Officials say these critical aggregates, often sourced from private land, play a foundational role across multiple industries.

While these materials are heavily regulated to protect Alberta’s environment, the province says landowners and operators have consistently voiced frustration that excessive red tape is creating unnecessary barriers to development and slowing down the delivery of sand and gravel to market.

To dig into these concerns and build a more efficient path forward, Alberta’s government has announced it is launching the Sand and Gravel Task Force. Officials say this dedicated group will work to streamline regulations related to sand and gravel pits located on private lands, ensuring faster project timelines while continuing to uphold Alberta’s environmental standards.

Led by Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, and Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, government officials say the task force will include representatives from industry and municipalities who understand the importance of timely access to sand and gravel resources. Over the next six months, the Sand and Gravel Task Force is expected to deliver actionable recommendations focused on reducing bureaucratic delays, supporting landowners and strengthening Alberta’s aggregate supply chain.

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By clearing away unnecessary red tape, the government says Alberta is preparing the ground for a more responsive regulatory system – one that delivers more sand and gravel, faster and smarter.

“With the launch of the Sand and Gravel Task Force, we’re paving the way for a faster, smoother process,” says Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. ” It’s time to stop graveling under bureaucracy and start building Alberta’s future. MLA van Dijken and MLA Lunty will leave no stone unturned as they dig into this important work.”

“Sand and gravel are foundational for building and maintaining a strong economy,” notes Glenn van Dijken, Task Force Co-chair and MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock. “From road infrastructure to industrial uses or residential housing, these resources are essential. Our government is determined to ensure the regulatory process around sand and gravel pits recognizes the need for efficiency and clarity.”

“This new task force will reduce red tape and answer the call to build more when Albertans need it most,” adds Brandon Lunty, Task Force Co-chair and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont. “With more than 1,000 sand and gravel pit registrations on private land, streamlining the applications and approvals will bring significant development benefits.”

“Rural municipalities are on the front lines of balancing the economic value of aggregate extraction with the need to protect farmland, infrastructure and the environment,” comments Amber Link, representative, Rural Municipalities Association. “I’m honoured to represent the Rural Municipalities of Alberta on this Task Force and committed to advancing a more transparent, consistent and practical regulatory process. This is an important step toward ensuring that the voices of rural communities are not only heard but meaningfully integrated into decision-making.”

“I’m pleased to represent the interests of our association’s 264 member communities on this task force,” exclaims Tara Elwood, representative, Alberta Municipalities Association. “I look forward to finding ways to streamline and accelerate the regulatory process for sand and gravel extraction, while upholding Alberta’s commitment to environmental excellence.”

Aggregate Pits Task Force Members:

• Brandon Lunty, Co-Chair and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont
• Glenn van Dijken, Co-Chair and MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock
• Brock Helm, Alberta Sand and Gravel Association
• Ken Kozakewich, Consulting Engineers of Alberta
• Amber Link, Rural Municipalities Association
• Tara Elwood, Alberta Municipalities Association

Alberta government quick facts

• There are currently more than 1,000 active sand and gravel pit registrations on private land across the province.
• Sand and gravel pits on private land are regulated under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act’s Code of Practice for Pits and the Water Act.
• The task force will focus exclusively on sand and gravel pits located on private lands and provincial regulatory processes.

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