After ‘Yes’ vote on coal, Crowsnest Pass council now wants to annex land of proposed mine

Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter recently announced that the council will be exploring the possibility of annexing the nearby Municipal District of Ranchland, the location of the proposed coking coal mine at Grassy Mountain. This decision comes after Crowsnest Pass residents voted in favor of the Grassy Mountain coal project in a non-binding vote, with over 70% of voters showing their support.

Despite the overwhelming support from Crowsnest Pass residents, the Grassy Mountain coal project is actually situated in the southwestern ranching community of Ranchland. Ranchland has been opposed to the coal project for months, leading to strained relations between the two municipalities. Mayor Painter explained that the narrow layout of Crowsnest Pass has prompted the council to consider annexing Ranchland to the north for housing expansion.

The discussions around the potential annexation are still in the early stages, with Councilor Lisa Sygutek initiating the motion to investigate the move further. The next step will involve seeking a legal opinion on the annexation process to determine the feasibility of the proposal.

Ranchland, with a population of just over 100 residents compared to Crowsnest Pass’s 6,000 residents, has expressed skepticism towards Crowsnest Pass’s recent vote in support of the coal project. Reeve Ron Davis of Ranchland deemed the vote as “preposterous” and highlighted the stringent guidelines for annexation outlined in the provincial Municipal Government Act.

Furthermore, the Alberta Energy Regulator has been conducting public hearings this week related to exploration permits from Northback Holdings, the company behind the Grassy Mountain mine project. Ranchland has contested the acceptance of Northback’s applications by the AER, leading to a ruling by the Alberta Court of Appeal to hear arguments on the matter.

The proposed coal mine at Grassy Mountain has sparked mixed opinions among Alberta communities, with High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass expressing unanimous council support for a letter to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith advocating for the consideration of all community views before proceeding with the project. Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean’s office has emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a balance between environmental preservation, water conservation, and responsible coal development.

As the discussions and hearings continue regarding the Grassy Mountain coal project, the potential annexation of Ranchland by Crowsnest Pass remains a point of contention between the two municipalities. The outcome of these deliberations will shape the future development of the region and the mining industry in Alberta.