During their latest meeting, Okotoks Town Council passed a motion to draft a letter addressed to Premier Jason Kenney and other members of the provincial government regarding the recently rescinded 1976 Coal Policy.

The letter would request an immediate rollback on the rescinding of the policy, a consultation process on the desired changes to the policy, and an impact report on how the project may affect local water.

Another letter will be sent to the President of Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Barry Morishita. This second letter will request the formation of an advocacy strategy in order to facilitate a consultation process on the desired changes to the 1976 Coal Policy.

The Okotoks council isn't the first to suggest direct correspondence on the matter with the provincial government, with Nanton, Foothills County, and High River councils among those voicing their displeasure with the decision.

Councillor Tanya Thorn, who brought the motion forward, says the lack of consultation on the part of the provincial government sets a bad precedent.

"The lack of consultation that has occurred creates an environment where you don't understand the intentions, and when it's done behind closed doors without consultation, it causes a great deal of concern. With the fact that the Category 2 lands have a significant impact on the watershed for the Sheep River, I feel that that is something for our community that we need to truly understand how that's being mitigated if it's being mitigated, and what the long-term impacts potentially could be."

Councillor Ed Sands, while expressing his concerns over the lack of consultation and the possible effects on local water, says he can't see the letter making any real impact.

"I'm going to vote against it because I don't think it's going to happen. Yes, I understand that there's been an astounding level of breach of trust with the provincial government in their communication, but this ain't gonna happen. I can't possibly see it."

Additionally, Sands says the decision could possibly have a detrimental effect on the town's relationship with the provincial government.

"My comments have to be filtered through a concern that municipal governments exist through the provincial government... If we exist at the pleasure of the provincial government and we need them to live and survive and exist as a municipality, I'm very cautious about how I bite the hand that feeds me."

Councillor Matt Rockley, who also voted against the motion, echoed Sands' sentiments, stating the likelihood of damaging the town's relationship with the provincial government is higher than the odds of Okotoks' water supply being negatively affected by the proposed coal mine.

Mayor Bill Robertson addressed those concerns, stating this kind of correspondence between municipal and provincial governments can be done in a respectful manner.

"I think we can disagree with something respectfully. We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can do it in a diplomatic fashion because we're all Albertans... The lack of consultation is concerning so I would respectfully if this motion should pass, that would be respectfully asked for that we do a comprehensive consultation process on the desired changes to the 1976 Coal Policy. This policy has been in effect for 44 years, it's been there a long time. I don't think we should let this sit and this just go unanswered."

In her closing comments, Councillor Thorn expressed reiterated her desire to include municipalities in the dialogue surrounding decisions of this nature.

"Our first priority has to be to our residents and our community. We're dealing with water. It is a life source, and the very sheer fact that we do not know why the provincial government made this decision is the very reason we should be supporting this notice of motion."

To view the motion, click here.

Related: Foothills County Climbs Aboard Coal Mining Opposition Train

Nanton Joins Others In Demanding Answers About Mining

High River Mayor And Council Oppose Lifting Moratorium On Coal Mining

 

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