scott pit - action required: wed. may 20th

Heidelberg is hosting a public open house for its proposed Scott Project on Wednesday, May 20th in the gymnasium at the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre – 253220 Bearspaw Road. The open house will have an informal, drop in format, meaning that attendance any time between 5 and 8pm is effective. 

This Open House is not optional!  Your neighbours can’t do this for you!  The Coalition can’t do this for you!  You need to make yourself seen and heard. Heidelberg needs to directly face the scale of community opposition to its plan to impose one of Canada’s largest open pit gravel mines in our backyard.  The project will impact Bearspaw for the next 30 to 50 years. If we don’t show up in force, Heidelberg will minimize our concerns and portray them as manageable. Don’t let that happen. Be there. It matters.

Heidelberg is only holding the open house because the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) requires it. They will treat it as a mere formality unless we make that impossible. It is up to every one of us to ensure this is not reduced to a “box ticking” exercise.  You need to attend, ask pointed questions, and/or clearly state your concerns.

The Coalition’s steering committee has already put Heidelberg on record and will be representing you at the NRCB hearing.  But right now, to help us be as effective as possible, it’s up to you to attend the open house.  Our detailed information request is available here. It provides a strong foundation for questions that need clear answers. Please use it.

If you’re comfortable, come prepared with written questions, insist on direct responses, and wherever possible, request those answers in writing. This is critical to hold Heidelberg accountable and prevent them from softening, deflecting or later reinterpreting what is said.

If you’re not comfortable asking questions, that’s okay – your presence still matters. Show up, listen, and make sure you are counted. Being there and clearly registered as opposed is just as important to demonstrate the depth of community concern. Bring your friends and neighbours.

If you cannot attend, you can still have your voice heard by dropping Heidelberg a note (scott.project@heidelbergmaterials.com) stating your opposition. Of course, copy us (noscottpit@gmail.com) to make sure your comments are captured and on the record.

This is a pivotal event – the future of our community is directly at stake. Its character and environmental integrity and our health and property values are all on the line.  A strong, visible presence at the open house will make it much more difficult for Heidelberg to downplay or dismiss the real and lasting negative impacts of its proposal.

This is the time to step up and make a difference – have your voice heard!  We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday evening.