Lethbridge city council has re-committed its opposition to any and all coal developments that risk damage to the Oldman Watershed.
The motion brought forward by Coun. Belinda Crowson asked council to reconfirm its opposition.
“We are stewards of the water – every one of us -- and as a municipality we have to take care of both the quality of the water and quantity of the water to ensure it is there for agri-food businesses, for the agriculture region around us and for our residents,” she said.
In October 2020, the previous city council unanimously adopted a resolution put forward by Crowson and then-councillor Rob Miyashiro directing then-mayor Chris Spearman to send a letter to Alberta’s minister of environment and parks highlighting council’s concerns regarding water quality in reference to the Grassy Mountain Coal Project.
Crowson says she brought forward her motion after being asked by residents where the city stands on potential coal mining in the Eastern Slopes.
Her motion, which includes the mayor issuing a public statement outlining the city’s concerns, was carried unanimously on Tuesday.
“Water is absolutely always on the mind of any resident, any municipality in southern Alberta, and so this has been a part of a longer-term conversation and will always be a part of the conversation,” she said.
Council voted to ask administration to present a presentation during a standing policy committee in April on potential concerns related to coal mining.
Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the presentation isn’t to change the minds of council, but rather give the community a chance to hear and learn from the city.
“This is what standing policy committees are all about,” he said. “It’s the opportunity to have community members come in and speak.”
Earlier this month, the Blood Tribe’s chief and council issued a statement opposing the Grassy Mountain project.
The Piikani Nation says it too is against mining, but open to test drilling on the site.
Hyggen says with council reaffirming its opposition, he hopes it sends a message to Alberta’s government.
“The province needs to listen to all communities and while all of this is not in our jurisdiction per se, it is,” he said.
“Water is important for us and our community.”
