The regulatory process for SR1 slowly trudges forward. Originally, we expected hearings for the project to take place this year, but with COVID-19 and the requests by regulators for a more complete study of SR1’s impact on fish, the hearings could be pushed into next year.
Under the umbrella organization of the Elbow River Sustainability Alliance (ERSA), the Springbank Community Association and community members from Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows prepared a comprehensive submission to regulators on our concerns with SR1. These submissions are available to the public on the NRCB website (www.nrcb.ca/natural-resource-projects/natural-resource-projects-listing/83/springbank-off-stream-reservoir-project) and on our website (springbankcommunity.com). This submission is the culmination of countless hours of research, document review and collaboration. Thank you to the Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Bragg Creek Community Association for participating in this important milestone. Also, thanks to the many volunteers for their tremendous commitment to this work. Although there has been a power and financial imbalance in this process from day one, we will stand up for our communities and our future. We ask for your continued support in this journey.
We remain convinced that SR1 is the worst possible outcome for our western communities, the City of Calgary, and the Elbow River watershed. Sadly, this month, Tsuut’ina Nation withdrew its objections to the project and will not participate further in the regulatory process. Although supporters of SR1 see this as a success, we point out that the environmental concerns of Tsuut’ina do not go away. Valid concerns about wildlife and water systems (among others) were raised by Tsuut’ina and do not magically disappear with the agreement between the Nation and the Government of Alberta. Details of the agreement have not been made public.
We continue to work on hearing preparation, so stay tuned for invitations to participate. We will look for people willing to submit evidence, testimony and also speak at the hearings. It is likely that hearings will be held in the Bragg Creek area and Calgary. If you would like to learn more or are interested in participating, please reach out to president@springbankcommunity.com. Finally, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Miranda Rosin for her continued advocacy of our communities in the face of a difficult political environment.
Stay safe,
Karin Hunter, President,
Springbank Communiy Association
