Share Coal is a big industry in B.C. and it is on the verge of getting even bigger with the proposal of five coal mines along the Rocky Mountains. Photo: Callum Gunn
Explainer
Coal mining is big business in the B.C. Rockies. It could get bigger if these projects are approved
Four proposed projects are undergoing environmental review in the Kootenay Rockies, where open-pit coal mining is tied to longstanding pollution concerns 11 min read
In the face of widespread public backlash, the Alberta government agreed to rethink its plan to open parts of the Rocky Mountains and foothills to open-pit coal mining but it’s a different story just across the provincial border, where an already massive industry could get bigger.
Sparwood Council Facts
The following is a synopsis of what occurred during the Feb. 16 District of Sparwood council meeting.
DELEGATIONS
New Commons Development
Dion Whyte, Director of New Commons Development Small Communities Initiative, provided an overview of an affordable housing project. The company is working with the Elk Valley Family Society on a proposed development at 400 Evergreen Crescent in Sparwood.
MP Rob Morrison
MP Rob Morrison
MP Rob Morrison, Member of Parliament for Kootenay-Columbia riding updated council on federal government issues including new gun control legislation, infrastructure funding projects, COVID vaccines, Canada – USA border closures, and environmental assessment process support.
Coal workers defend mining
Poll
Yes
Coal mine workers in Alberta say they understand the need to balance environmental concerns about their industry with the financial benefits derived from the product they produce. “We have been clear on this: mining yes, but not everywhere, everytime,” says United Steelworkers Western Canadian director Stephen Hunt, whose union represents miners at the Wabaman Highvale mine. “You also have to balance the interests of the broader public that are affected by mining. That is something we consider as well, and we think we are responsible in that (as an industry). If you can’t do it safely, and you can’t protect the people who are downstream, then maybe you shouldn’t mine there. With the technologies we have today, I don’t see a reason why we should be contaminating anybody’s water source.”
Coal workers defend mining
Poll
Too strict
Coal mine workers in Alberta say they understand the need to balance environmental concerns about their industry with the financial benefits derived from the product they produce.
“We have been clear on this: mining yes, but not everywhere, everytime,” says United Steelworkers Western Canadian director Stephen Hunt, whose union represents miners at the Wabaman Highvale mine. “You also have to balance the interests of the broader public that are affected by mining. That is something we consider as well, and we think we are responsible in that (as an industry). If you can’t do it safely, and you can’t protect the people who are downstream, then maybe you shouldn’t mine there. With the technologies we have today, I don’t see a reason why we should be contaminating anybody’s water source.”