Calgary town hall to discuss possible coal mining in the Rockies

The Blood Tribe in southern Alberta says its members oppose any new coal development projects in the area. (Facebook/WatertonLakesNationalPark)

Calgarians are being invited to share their thoughts on the possibility of coal mining in the eastern slopes of the Rockies at a town hall meeting on Monday.

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The event is being hosted by the Alberta NDP and the Crowsnest Headwaters, an advocacy group that fights to protect the waters of the Saskatchewan River System.

The town hall comes after several protests over coal mining in the region.

“The Alberta government is reopening the eastern slopes to coal mining – without consulting Albertans,” the group said in its notice about the meeting.

“This decision puts our ranching lands, water and mountain landscapes at risk.”

In late January, Brian Jean, Alberta’s energy minister, issued an order that critics say would lift all restrictions on coal mining.

The Alberta Energy Regulator also said the province told it to lift its suspension on coal mining.

In a statement to CTV News, Jean’s office said the order was “a housekeeping change” and does not necessarily mean any change on coal development in Alberta.

The town hall meeting will take place at the Glenmore Christian Academy, 16520 24 St. S.W., beginning at 7 p.m.