A second southern Alberta town is asking the provincial government to order a stop to coal exploration work until public consultations on the issue can be held.
The town council of Turner Valley approved last night a letter making the request to several United Conservative government ministers.
The town of High River approved a similar letter on Monday.
READ MORE: Alberta town asks province for stop work order on coal exploration in mountains
The town of Canmore, about 100 kilometres west of Calgary, has also passed a resolution asking the province to restore environmental protections to land now being explored for open-pit coal mines.
At least seven communities in southern Alberta have expressed concerns about the government’s plans to dramatically expand the industry.
Those communities run from a large city to hamlets of a few hundred people.
Coal opponents fear contamination of river headwaters as well as the destruction of one of the province’s most treasured landscapes.
READ MORE: Environmental groups warn Alberta about Elk Valley coal mine contamination
The issue arose after the government revoked a policy last spring without warning that had protected those landscapes for more than 40 years.
- Posters promoting ‘Steal From Loblaws Day’ are circulating. How did we get here?
- Canadian food banks are on the brink: ‘This is not a sustainable situation’
- Is home ownership only for the rich now? 80% say yes in new poll
- Investing tax refunds is low priority for Canadians amid high cost of living: poll
Comments