Rocky View County council has approved a new framework to guide and regulate the extraction of aggregate resources, following public engagement and review by a stakeholder advisory committee.
The new framework aims to balance community and industry needs by introducing consistent standards for aggregate operations across the county, which plays a vital role in supporting infrastructure and development within the region.
Reeve Crystal Kissel called the plan a "significant step" toward stronger oversight and clearer rules for aggregate development.
“I want to thank the residents and operators who took the time to share their views," Kissel said. "Your input directly shaped this framework, and it will continue to guide how we oversee aggregate development in the future.”
The changes come following a public hearing at a Special Council Meeting on June 18, which covered potential amendments to the Municipal Development Plan and the Land Use Bylaw, which form the Aggregate Resource Plan (ARP) project.
The amendments were circulated to all adjacent municipalities and First Nations bands, who indicated no concerns or objections. RVC also held four public engagement sessions in late February and early March regarding aggregate mining, as well as an online survey.
More than 11 people-- many representing groups, families, or speaking on behalf of neighbours-- took their turn at the podium to voice support for the bylaws while three, including a representative from Quantum Place Developments, spoke in opposition of the amendment, saying regulations would lead to operation shutdowns.
The policy amendments, known as Bylaws C-8633 2025 and C-8634 2025, were passed unanimously on Tuesday, July 15, at a follow-up meeting.
New requirements will introduce buffer zones between aggregate operations and residential areas (1.6 km) within Area Structure Plans and provincial parks (800 m).
New or expanding sites will now be required to submit a Master Site Development Plan and comply with updated zoning regulations before development permits can be issued.
The County may conduct scheduled inspections, up to four per year, at active aggregate sites to ensure compliance with development permit conditions.
Operators must also meet clear performance standards covering dust, noise, stormwater, water use, lighting, and traffic.
And the operators must also demonstrate thorough public engagement has been undertaken as part of their application process, ensuring residents have an opportunity to provide input.
A group of landowners in Cochrane West has followed, and participated in, advocacy for stronger aggregate regulations in RVC, and said this marked a step forward.
"Rocky View County Council and administration have been working towards establishing an aggregate resource policy for more than ten years and we thank them for their effort and dedication," the group said in a shared statement submitted to Rocky View Weekly.
The group added approval of the Aggregate Resource Plan is a necessary and important step in balancing the need for aggregate with the need to reduce the significant risks of aggregate extraction.
"The plan was created in consultation with industry and residential and agricultural stakeholders, and received broad support across the County," the statement continued. "There is more to do, but the Aggregate Resource Plan and Site Monitoring Bylaw provide a sound foundation for continuing aggregate development. As there are around 30 active gravel mining operations in the County, the ARP will help improve the lives of many Rocky View County citizens."
More information, including the full hearing and policy details, can be found at www.rockyview.ca/news-events .
