scott pit is a threat again - help protect bearspaw!

Bearspaw residents - please read, your action is required:

For more than 30 years, Lehigh Hanson and its parent company, Heidelberg Materials, have sought to develop a gravel pit at the Scott Property (Burma Road between Range Road 25 & Rocky Ridge Road).  This mining and crushing operation would produce disruptive noise and light pollution, release carcinogenic dust and risk human health, and threaten our surface and ground water.  It would destroy property values and quality of life for several decades and would permanently damage an environmentally sensitive area.  This industrial operation does not belong in the heart of Bearspaw's country residential setting.

Rocky View County Council has rejected three separate Scott Pit applications since 1994, and the County is taking steps to ensure future applications would be prohibited under the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan, and the Municipal Development Plan.  We applaud the County's desire to permanently protect Bearspaw families from this threat.

However, Heidelberg has successfully lobbied the provincial government to refer the Scott Pit application to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB).  If the NRCB finds the Scott Pit to be in the “public interest”, Heidelberg will argue that this approval overrides Rocky View’s clear and consistent rejection and their 600-acre open pit gravel mine can proceed.  To stop this devastating possibility, it is essential for Bearspaw residents to come together now to protect our community!

The residents who successfully coordinated the last fight against the Scott Pit application in 2021 have reconvened and are already working on this new challenge.  We are a group of well-organized, directly-affected landowners living adjacent to the Scott Property, and we are seeking your support.

The NRCB process differs significantly from the County’s public hearing process.  The NRCB strongly prefers coalitions representing affected residents, rather than overlapping input from many individuals.  As a result, the most effective approach will be one strong community voice.

Please join us as we fight to ensure that the quality of life in Bearspaw is not sacrificed for the profit of a German company.  If you want to maximize our impact and be part of the Bearspaw Community Coalition, please send your contact information to the group’s email: noscottpit@gmail.com

We will contact you with information on how to get involved, and keep you updated with information as it becomes available.  The process will take several months, with Heidelberg’s application expected in Fall 2025 and the NRCB public hearing expected in early 2026.  But planning and input is required now, as the NRCB is currently finalizing application requirements, Heidelberg will be establishing its plans for public consultation, and technical studies will be starting.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbours - it is important to get this information out to as many in the Bearspaw community as possible.  If you have any questions, please send them to noscottpit@gmail.com