McKILLOP: Area's future in balance at opening day of Northback mine hearings

By HEIDI McKILLOPSpecial to the Western StandardPINCHER CREEK — The atmosphere in the room is formal and tense. Supporters of the project occupy one side, while those opposing the Grassy Mountain Coal Mining Project sit on the other. The debate touches on numerous issues, with water and other environmental concerns dominating the discussion. It was the first of two days of Alberta Energy Regulator hearings in the proposed mine on Grassy Mountain.On November 25, residents of Crowsnest Pass voted overwhelmingly in support of the development of the Grassy Mountain Coal mine located a few kilometers north of that town.Many opposed to the project seem to position mining company Northback as the focal point for all environmental and corporate missteps in the region. Presentations frequently drew comparisons between Northback and oil and gas operations, as well as to practices by the larger Teck Resources. Yet, little was directly addressed about Northback itself or the specific exploration permit under discussion today. The anti-coal groups appear more aligned with a broader anti-development stance for the region rather than focusing solely on this project. Interestingly, many of those presenting environmental statistics and research are retired professionals. Having built their own financial security, they seem less engaged with the economic realities facing families in the Crowsnest Pass, where providing for children and sustaining livelihoods remains a pressing concern. Some of the comments made Tuesday dismiss the heartfelt concerns of local coal mining families. The vision of feeding your family, maintaining a home, and building a legacy for the next generation is the essence of the Alberta dream, in this region. Many local residents in the Crowsnest Pass are not seeking great wealth. Instead, they value the simple yet profound goals of preserving their history and keeping their local legacy alive. An issue that stands out as an observer in Crowsnest Pass is the visible wear and tear on its historical buildings. Many downtown structures are in dire need of care and restoration to prevent them from being lost forever. If these buildings crumble, so too does a piece of the region’s history, which would be an irreplaceable loss. For local municipalities to address these pressing issues, they need revenue — something resource development can provide. Without the financial support that industries like coal mining bring, it becomes increasingly difficult for towns to maintain their historical identity or invest in their future. Without resource development in Alberta, many towns and regions face the grim reality of disappearing altogether. Many families in the region don’t want to abandon their dreams, their communities or their children’s futures. It is obvious individuals who presented here care deeply about the land and environment. However, many of them are retired and no longer face the same concerns as families who are raising children, running businesses, or working to make ends meet. They’ve built their wealth and now advocate against any development in the region, but many families simply do not have that same luxury. For those still working toward financial stability and building a future for their children, a development such as this project, can mean opportunity and security. As many have mentioned, the demand for metallurgical coal is central to this discussion. If the Grassy Mountain project does not proceed, the demand for steel and natural resources needed for Canadian infrastructure will simply be displaced to other jurisdictions around the world — jurisdictions where environmental and human rights standards are far lower. This is a critical point to consider. It’s troubling to think that if we fail to carefully develop projects here in Alberta, we may inadvertently support environmental destruction and human suffering elsewhere to build our cities, wind turbines, and cell phones. This is a reality we must confront with both responsibility and compassion.

McKILLOP: Area's future in balance at opening day of Northback mine hearings

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