While the intent of Environmental Reserves (ER) under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) is to avoid development on hazardous lands, prevent pollution, preserve natural drainage courses, and ensure access to water bodies, Alberta municipalities have applied ER in ways that do not necessarily benefit the environment.
The Miistakis Institute’s new discussion paper explores the intent of Environmental Reserves as per the MGA, shows how the tool is applied across Alberta, and provides observations on how the new Conservation Reserve tool may affect the use of Environmental Reserves by municipalities.
View the new report on the Community Conserve web site here.
Support Community Projects and Get Involved!
Community Conserve works with municipal administration and councillors who submit environmental and conservation research topics and ideas and then the research team works to address the top issues that emerge from the voting process. The program only works if municipal personnel participate! You can get engaged by posting ideas and voting on the ideas already there – no registration required!
The Community Conserve team converts the posted ideas with the most votes into Project Plans, and posts them back on the site.
If there is a project that looks like it could help your municipality, and you may be able to help fund it, go to the Fund a Project page and get in touch with Community Conserve to communicate your interest.
Check out the program at communityconserve.ca
Enquiries may be directed to:
Matt Dow
Policy Analyst
780.955.4085
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, External Relations & Advocacy
780.955.4094