Crowsnest Pass Residents Vote Overwhelmingly in Favor of Grassy Mountain Coal Mine
A scenic view into the future
In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, residents of the Crowsnest Pass voted decisively in favor of the Grassy Mountain coal mining project, with 72% backing the proposal. Despite a heavy snowfall, the voter turnout reached 53.6%—a significant increase from the 38.5% seen in the last municipal election. This result marks a critical moment in the community’s longstanding debate over the economic promise and environmental risks of resurrecting coal mining in the area.
The referendum posed a simple but weighty question: “Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain?” For many residents, the answer was a resounding "yes," driven by the promise of jobs, economic growth, and a return to the community's historic coal-mining roots.
Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and outcome, emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from the electorate. “This vote was about hearing from the people living here and finding out once and for all what this community wants,” Painter said. While non-binding, the results provide a clear mandate for local leadership as they navigate higher levels of government and regulatory bodies.
Supporters of the project, including many with deep personal or family ties to coal mining, see the mine as a lifeline for an economy struggling with high taxes and limited job opportunities. Steve Arbuckle, whose grandparents were miners, voiced a sentiment shared by many: “The economy could sure use something. Taxes are crazy for a person who owns a home.”
Similarly, Tony Vastenhout, nearing 70, recalled the thriving community of his youth when coal mining jobs were plentiful. “There were a lot of opportunities then, and there are none for our kids now,” he said.
However, opponents of the project, led by groups like Crowsnest Headwaters, argue that the mine poses significant risks to downstream water quality and the broader ecosystem. David McIntyre, a vocal critic and longtime resident, pointed out the potential for noise, carcinogenic particles, and limited long-term benefits. “If it’s a go, it won’t be the future of the Pass,” he warned, predicting only short-term gains.
The Grassy Mountain coal project, spearheaded by Australia-based Northback, remains under review by Alberta’s energy regulator and faces ongoing legal challenges. The company has promised to reclaim the land during the project's lifespan, touting the essential role of metallurgical coal in steel production. Yet, opposition groups like Crowsnest Headwaters plan to escalate their fight, focusing on raising awareness among downstream communities and irrigation districts about the potential impact on water resources.
The vote has undeniably shaped the narrative, but it has also underscored the divisions within the Crowsnest Pass. For now, the community stands at a crossroads, grappling with the complex balance between economic revival and environmental stewardship. The final decision rests not only in the hands of regulators but also in the strength of local voices advocating for their vision of the Pass's future.