Non-Binding Vote of the Electors on a Question
At the September 10, 2024 Council Meeting Council passed a motion to hold a Non-Binding Vote of the Electors on a Question within the next 90 days. The Vote of the Electors process is similar to a plebiscite or referendum and is held in accordance with the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA).
The question that will be asked on the ballot is “Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain.”
Councillor Ward put forward the motion with the following comment “In the last 10 years Northback and its predecessors have attempted to develop a coal mine to the north of our community. Many individuals, organizations and levels of government have expressed an opinion on whether the project should move forward or not and its time the residents of the Crowsnest Pass were taken into consideration on this issue.”
Read his full statement in the Council Package of September 10, 2024, item 10a.
Residents of the Crowsnest Pass who meet the criteria in the LAEA Section 47 will be eligible to vote which includes being at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen that resides in Alberta in Crowsnest Pass on voting day. If a person has more than one residence, the rules that govern which one is their place of residence under the act is detailed in section 48.
The vote on a question will take place within the next 90 days. Details on the voting dates and times will be released once confirmed.