Environmental

Economic Environmental Political 

Industry and sound environmental approach can coexist, Alberta MLA representing historic coal mining area says

Posted on: Staff Writer

By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The legislature spotlight stopped on Livingstone-Macleod during a week that saw the UCP repeatedly celebrate its support of Alberta’s rural and remote communities. Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic emphasized industrial diversification in her constituency as an example of a government dedicated to balancing environmental concerns with building economies that benefit all Albertans.  Petrovic called industry … Read more…

Economic Environmental Political 

Wilkinson says Canada should not scrap climate policies to appease oil and gas executives

Posted on: Staff Writer

By John Woodside, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fossil fuel industry’s call to roll back environmental policy at a time of economic crisis will hurt Canadians in the long run, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson told the executives of Canada’s largest oil and gas companies Thursday. “It is disappointing to see the CEOs of major Canadian energy companies  seemingly … Read more…

Environmental Local News 

Rate eliminated, service unchanged with recycling program

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt Change is coming April 1 to the Town of Claresholm’s recycling program, including an elimination in the monthly recycling fee and anyone with recycling issues soon having to contact the recycling company directly.Jace McLean, the town’s director of infrastructure, explained a non-profit organization called Circular Materials is promoting an extended producer responsibility program.Essentially what it is doing … Read more…

Economic Environmental News 

New rules governing coal development in the works

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Rob Vogt The provincial government has announced it is developing new rules to govern the exploration and development of coal.The province recently announced the Alberta Coal Industry Modernization Initiative, that will prohibit mountaintop removal mining and ban new open-pit mines in the foothills, while increasing coal royalties.It was stated this initiative will guide coal mining practices with a goal … Read more…

Environmental Political 

What are Alberta’s ‘contractual’ obligations to coal companies?

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Government of Alberta says it has an obligation to some coal companies to allow open-pit mining despite the practice being banned under the province’s new coal policy, but these “contractual relationships” aren’t quite formal contracts. When Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean announced details of the province’s coal industry “modernization” initiative on Dec. … Read more…

Agriculture Environmental 

The hidden cost of irrigation: PFAR’s annual fish rescue exposes gaps in Alberta’s environmental protections

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In a unique blend of tradition and conservation, dozens of people gathered Saturday near Buffalo Rock Tipi Camp in Piikani Nation to participate in the annual Peigan Friends Along the River fish rescue. This drive, founded by Harley Bastien in 1990, aims to save fish trapped in the irrigation canal after water levels drop … Read more…

Environmental History 

Hidden heritage: Potential bison kill site under dog park in Pincher Creek

Posted on: Staff Writer

By Somya Lohia, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter In the heart of Pincher Creek, a land parcel serves as a beloved community space featuring a picturesque walking trail and off-leash dog park where residents enjoy the tranquility of nature. However, beneath its surface lies a rich tapestry of history that remains largely unrecognized. According to town councillor David Green, this land may … Read more…