The author argues the landscape, the water and the gross domestic product of agriculture in southern Alberta are worth defending.
Tag Archives coal mining
Coal mining helps bridge the two solitudes
At the end of the Second World War, Canadian author Hugh MacLennan wrote a novel called Two Solitudes, which described the lack of communication and understanding between French and English Canadians. Currently, divides have opened up on many new fronts. Silos have formed based on political, economic, racial, national and gender issues, while social media […] Read more
Coal mine proposal risks water, health effects
On Nov. 25, 1,957 of the 6,007 eligible Crowsnest Pass residents voted in favour of Northback’s Grassy Mountain coal mining project in southwestern Alberta. This non-binding referendum excluded the 2,416 taxpayers who do not live there full-time. The result will be used by the Crowsnest Pass Municipal District to lobby in support of the mine, […] Read more
Coal mining fears resurface on Eastern Slopes
Company attempts to gain approval from Alberta Energy Regulator to begin drilling and exploration at Grassy Mountain
A company’s bid to start coal exploration at Grassy Mountain in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes has raised fears the initiative will renew a wider push for open-pit coal mining. It makes no sense to conduct coal mining that could potentially contaminate water used by farmers, ranchers and irrigation across southern Alberta, said High River mayor Craig […] Read more
Road trip through Souris Valley rich in history and scenery
The Souris Valley in southeastern Saskatchewan offers great road trips. The most convenient starting point is Estevan, known as the Sunshine Capital of Canada, said to have more hours of sunshine than any city in the country. It’s also considered the Energy Capital of Saskatchewan because of the importance of oil and gas production and […] Read more
Ranchers worry about Eastern Slope intentions
There is concern in Alberta’s agricultural community that province’s new premier may open up development in the area
A rancher fears the Alberta government under Premier Danielle Smith will focus on resource development such as forestry and open-pit coal mining on the Eastern Slopes to the detriment of watersheds relied on by farmers. “I am concerned about it, and I’m anxious to see what their thoughts and their plans are,” said John Smith […] Read more
Alberta town joins push to ban coal mining
High River endorses a proposal that would permanently ban new exploration and mine development in the province
High River has become the first municipality in Alberta to endorse a proposal backed by 30 organizations seeking to ensure new coal exploration and new coal mines are permanently banned in the province. “No plan currently presented effectively addresses all concerns that have been raised by Albertans; this includes reclamation liability, exploration, the mine financial […] Read more
Alta. gov’t defeats opposition bill to prevent coal mining
Private member’s bill would have toughened recent ministerial order restricting new development on the Eastern Slopes
A private member’s bill by the opposition Alberta NDP aimed at ensuring new coal development is prevented in the province’s Rocky Mountains was blocked and killed after government members of a legislature committee voted against it. “A stroke of the pen by a government that Albertans don’t trust is what protects the Eastern Slopes right […] Read more
Alta. extends coal mining restrictions on Eastern Slopes
Decision to restrict exploration and development in the Rocky Mountains follows release of two coal policy review reports
The Alberta government has restricted new coal exploration and development across the Eastern Slopes of the province’s Rocky Mountains in order to deal with issues such as headwater protection and agriculture. “Land-use planning is important work that takes time,” Energy Minister Sonya Savage said during a news conference March 4. “That’s why the new ministerial […] Read more
Alberta gov’t extends coal mining restrictions
The Alberta government has restricted new coal exploration and development across the Eastern Slopes of the province’s Rocky Mountains in order to deal with issues such as headwater protection and agriculture. “Land-use planning is important work that takes time,” Energy Minister Sonya Savage said during a news conference March 4. “That’s why the new ministerial […] Read more
