Status of Qualico’s Application
We were previously informed that Qualico had allowed their option to purchase the land expire.
Since release of the last notice a few days ago, we have just been informed by Qualico’s legal
counsel that Qualico will not be pursuing the applications they have with the City and the
Province. The Society and community should be congratulated. This is very good news –
however we are also aware that the landowner group continues to seek alternate options.
Dunhill Group Inc. Seeks Alternate Buyers for Gravel Extraction
The landowner group, led by Dunhill Group Inc., continues to actively seek alternate proponents
to buy the land for gravel extraction. Their efforts are in direct opposition to existing land use
policies.
Subsection 3.5.2 of Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment
Plan Bylaw No. 7188 states that, “it is a policy of this Plan that natural resource extraction
industries shall not be developed unless their location within the River Valley is deemed essential
by Council.” We feel there is no legitimate argument that the gravel extraction at this location in
the river valley is “essential”.
We have increasing support of politicians at all levels of government opposing gravel extraction in
Edmonton’s river valley. Nonetheless, we anticipate a long hard fight. In order to justify a high
purchase price for the land, it is likely that Dunhill will continue to push for a land use approval
that allows gravel extraction. It appears, therefore, that the fight will be ongoing until the city
bylaws explicitly and unconditionally prohibit natural resource extraction in the river valley.
