RMA has undertaken further analysis of the potential impacts of Bill 28 changes on the aggregate pit approval process to provide members with a deeper understanding of the municipal and landowner risks associated with the changes. This follow-up analysis, Bill 28 Impacts on Aggregate Pit Approval Process: Overview and Recommendations, highlights RMA concerns with the Government of Alberta’s decision to erode the municipal aggregate pit approval process, specifically in the following areas:
- Lack of consideration of increased municipal and landowner risks and costs associated with centralized decision-making.
- Lack of foresight, planning, and coordination between the Government of Alberta’s decision to introduce section 619.1 under the Municipal Government Act, ongoing changes to the Code of Practice for Pits, and the recommendations of the provincial Sand and Gravel Task Force.
- Existing risks and challenges associated with centralized provincial approvals of other regulated developments (such as confined feeding operations, renewable energy projects, and oil and gas development) that may become relevant to aggregate approvals under section 619.
The report concludes with five recommendations for the Government of Alberta that, if implemented, would help to mitigate the local risks and negative impacts of the initial Bill 28 changes by ensuring that the provincial approval processes properly considers local land use perspectives and ensure companies are accountable to neighbouring landowners.
This follow-up resource builds on RMA’s initial Bill 28: RMA Analysis released in April and provides a more detailed examination of how aggregate provisions in the Bill may affect rural municipalities as the legislation moves toward implementation. Members are encouraged to review the document to better understand the implications of the proposed changes.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.