A modest victory
On September 4, Edmonton City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the proposed Municipal Development Plan (MDP) that would prohibit resource extraction in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System.
“Subject to federal and provincial overriding approvals, resource extraction is prohibited in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine system in order to preserve its ecological value except where resource extraction is required to be removed to the extent necessary to accommodate an approved development.”
The municipal Administration was very clear in its explanation that the amendment would prohibit resource extraction – i.e., a gravel pit – in the river valley or a tributary ravines
However, Councillors Leibovici and Hayter both asked questions that confirmed that a gravel pit could be approved before the full MDP is adopted, which is expected in the early spring of 2010, and that the prohibition would not apply if such a gravel pit was approved.
In other words, even though Qualico withdrew its application, a new proponent could make a similar application and have a gravel pit approved before Council adopts the MDP. The approval would be grandfathered and not be affected by the provisions of the new MDP.
A new proponent for the gravel pit
Kanata Métis Enterprises recently purchased the lands in the river valley that were the site of Qualico’s proposed gravel pit. It is their intention to make an application to Council to have their gravel pit project approved this fall.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society has designated these lands the Woodbend Natural Area and prepared several documents to support their protection in perpetuity.
The battle to keep the ‘ribbon of green’ from industrial and mining, the battle to save the river valley for our children and grandchildren, is still on.
What you can do
Stay involved with the NSRVCS. E-mail your friends and family with a link to this website and encourage them to join us.
For thirty years or more, Edmontonians have said that the river valley is our greatest natural asset. Edmontonians have repeatedly said that City Council must protect the river valley and ravine system.
We must continue to vocally oppose any industrial development within the river valley that would render the City’s commitment to natural areas conservation – as outlined in Natural Connections, its conservation bylaw and plan – pointless hypocrisy.
Renew your commitment today. Join the Society by clicking here. Subscribe to our e-newsletter by clicking here. Enlist your friends and family to save the Ribbon of Green.
