Rocky View County (RVC) is entering the second phase of public engagement on proposed actions to improve how aggregate resources are managed.
Aggregates, such as gravel, crushed stone, and sand, are raw materials sourced from pits and quarries and are essential for roads, buildings, and infrastructure.
RVC has, however, acknowledged that their development must be carefully regulated.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback through an online survey at engage.rockyview.ca. The survey will be open until March 14, 2025.
Additionally, four community consultation events will allow residents to speak with County Administration about responsible resource management:
Community Conversation Events will be held at;
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February 24 – Beiseker Community Centre, 410 5th St, Beiseker, between 6 and 8 p.m.
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February 26 – Rocky View County Hall, 262075 Rockyview Pt, Balzac, between 6 and 8 p.m.
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February 27 – Bearspaw Lion’s Club, 25240 Nagway Rd NW, Calgary, between 6 and 8 p.m.
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March 6 – Weedon Community Hall, 42041 Weedon Trail, Rocky View County, between 6 and 8 p.m.
RVC and the Province of Alberta share responsibility for regulating the aggregate industry. RVC is considering several updates, including performance standards for aggregate operations, new public engagement requirements for future aggregate sites, an aggregate site monitoring bylaw to oversee operations, updated application requirements for new developments, and a digital portal providing real-time updates on all active sites.
Residents can review the Stakeholder Advisory Committee’s report, feedback from phase one, and the full proposed plan at engage.rockyview.ca.
County Administration will present final recommendations to Council in the Spring of this year.
"By improving these guidelines, Rocky View County aims to ensure aggregate operations are managed effectively while balancing economic needs and environmental responsibility," RVC shared on its website. "RVC is committed to ensuring that aggregate extraction is conducted safely and responsibly within the region."
The public engagement meetings come after RVC Council postponed their decision on a gravel operation expansion application submitted by Calgary-based company, Burnco. Dozens of local residents appeared before a public hearing on Dec. 3 to voice their concerns over various health and safety issues related to the mine.
Council decided the best path forward would be to wait until the County’s Aggregate Resource Plan (ARP) was finalized, leading to the four in person engagement sessions.
Burnco's operation along the Bow River west of Cochrane has additionally been brought brought before the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT), following the approval of both an asphalt plant and gravel washing plant.
On Feb. 5th, two applicants from Burnco, representatives from Rocky View County, and 10 appellants to the project presented their case at a public hearing.
Materials concerning the wash plant from both the applicants and appellants have since been submitted for review, and the LRPT hearing is set to resume on March 13 and 14.
