heidelberg is moving forward
As you may have seen – or perhaps struggled to see – Heidelberg has erected a sign on the Scott property formally identifying it as the “proposed site” of its gravel pit.
The sign is there, tucked in the bushes, easy to miss as you navigate our rural roads and pass the wildlife crossing signage just ahead of it. Whether you are focused on deer, cyclists, or oncoming traffic, their sign is hardly front and centre. It may satisfy a regulatory requirement, but it does little to genuinely inform the community.
This sign is part of Heidelberg’s application to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB). It does not mean approval is imminent, but it confirms one thing:
The threat to Bearspaw is active and real. Heidelberg is moving full steam ahead.
For more than 30 years, Bearspaw residents fought a proposed gravel pit on these lands and defeated it three times at Rocky View County. Our community is proud of that track record. But let’s be honest: many of us are exhausted. Tired of fighting the same battle over and over. Tired of defending what should already be protected. Tired of having to prove, repeatedly, that heavy industrial development does not belong in our rural residential community.
This time it is different.
This time, we must send a clear message to the Province. We have done the work at the County level. We now have strong policy that recognizes and protects Bearspaw’s country residential character. But, the decision now sits at the provincial level and we need to stand up for what’s right.
This is a quasi-judicial, evidence-based process before the NRCB. This decision will rely solely on expert testimony, technical reports, and experienced legal advocacy. Passion alone will not win. Preparation will.
That’s why your Coalition’s steering committee has been working diligently behind the scenes, securing respected technical and legal experts to ensure Bearspaw is fully and professionally represented. This level of representation comes at a significant cost.
That said, the cost of losing our groundwater, our air quality, our road safety, our property values, and the rural character we chose when we moved here is far greater.
Resources matter in a process like this. We need your financial support now.
Every contribution directly strengthens our ability to defend Bearspaw at the NRCB. If you have not yet contributed, please send a secure e-transfer to noscottpit@gmail.com. If you prefer to donate by cheque, contact us and we will arrange the details. No amount is too small.
We also need visible unity. A strong showing of signed consent forms demonstrates that the Coalition is not a small group – that we are an entire community standing together.
If you have not yet filled out and signed the attached consent form authorizing the Coalition to represent you at the NRCB hearing, please do so immediately.
We have defended Bearspaw before. We can do it again.
Stand with your neighbours. Donate. Sign the consent form. Make your voice count.