02/14/2025
***IMPORTANT DATE****
To our dear community members, now is your chance to have a SAY with aggregate mining in our communities!
How to Take Action!
1. Attend a local information session (details below)
2. Fill out the survey (details below)
3. Share this post in your network the more awareness the better - we all deserve a say
Aggregate Resource Plan Project Update – February 2025
Background
In Spring 2024, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee delivered a final report to Council. The Committee report identified six areas of consensus along with 10 areas of non-consensus that should be considered as part of the Aggregate Resource Plan (ARP). During the October 8, 2024, Council Meeting, Council approved a revised Terms of Reference based on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee Report. Council directed Administration to begin work on achieving the objectives within Phase 2 of the ARP project.
What’s New?
Recommendation #1: That the County develop Performance Standards specific to aggregate development in the County.
Administration has prepared a draft Aggregate Development Performance Standards document that establishes thresholds and requirements for new or expanding aggregate sites. The Performance Standards cover a wide array of topics ranging from acoustics, air quality, water quality and transportation, among others. The document also includes items related to Recommendation #5 and other criteria.
Recommendation #2: That the County actively regulate aggregate operations through proactive site monitoring, timely expert review of submitted operating reports, and take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.
To satisfy this recommendation, Administration has drafted an Aggregate Site Monitoring Bylaw. This bylaw outlines that as a condition of an approved development permit, aggregate operators shall agree to four scheduled inspections by County representatives throughout the year. Additional complaint-driven inspections may be conducted if the County can substantiate a claim.
Recommendation #3: That the County develop updated Application Requirements specific to aggregate development applications in the County.
Administration is recommending that all new or expanding aggregate developments redesignate subject land to the Special – Natural Resource (S-NAT) land use district. As part of the submission to designate the land, a master site development plan will be required. Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan are being proposed to specify the application requirements for aggregate master site development plans. Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw are also being proposed to specify application requirements for aggregate development permits.
Any amendment made to the Municipal Development Plan or Land Use Bylaw requires the County conduct a public hearing to allow landowners an opportunity to provide comments.
Recommendation #4: That the County develop a publicly accessible online platform dedicated to aggregate development within the County.
Administration has begun to work on a new public platform that will be hosted on the County website. The platform will contain an interactive map showing all aggregate sites in the County. Relevant information regarding provincial and municipal legislation will be provided, along with a step-by-step guide on the process aggregate operators need to take to achieve final approval. The webpage will also provide a link for residents to report concerns related to aggregate development compliance.
Recommendation #5: That the County define a mandatory stakeholder engagement process for all new aggregate applications and renewals.
The Aggregate Development Performance Standards sets out engagement standards. Prior to an application submission to the County, the applicant is required to conduct community engagement with results of the engagement forming part of the application package. Operators are also required to provide updates to the community throughout the year.
Recommendation #6: That the County write an Aggregate Resource Plan with clear, accessible language.
The revised Terms of Reference identified that instead of a single-document Plan, the project deliverables can be captured in various County documents such as a new Aggregate Development Performance Standards and Site Monitoring Bylaw, and proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Development Plan. Once the documents are approved by Council, all documents and guidelines will be linked and labelled clearly with improved accessibility on our website.
Location Criteria
The proposed amendments to the Municipal Development Plan also include creating exclusion zones from residential lands within area structure plans and designated provincial parks.
How can I Engage with the Project?
Want to learn more or provide feedback? Administration will be hosting four information sessions throughout the County. The dates and locations for these sessions are as follows:
· February 24 at the Beisker Community Centre from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· February 26 at County Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· February 27 at the Bearspaw Lions Club from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
· March 6 at the Weedon Pioneer Community Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, a survey has now launched and can be found by visiting https://engage.rockyview.ca/aggregate-resource. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.
Next Steps?
Following public engagement, Administration will present to Governance Committee on March 11th to provide an update on the project. Before the end of Q2, Administration will look to finalize the proposed content and return to Council for further consideration.
If you have any questions about the Aggregate Resource Plan or next steps, please contact us by phone or email: 403-230-1401, [email protected].
