Gravel
Since before I was first elected in 2017, I have been a steadfast advocate for the creation of an Aggregate Resource Plan (ARP). When the previous council majority chose to shelve the initiative, I didn't back down. I stayed the course because I believe residents deserve strong locational criteria along with clear enforceable rules around gravel pit approvals and operations.
My persistence and leadership paid off. In July, the ARP was officially approved. This marks a major milestone; Rocky View now has a strong-County wide framework for oversight and accountability in aggregate extraction. This means clearer rules, better enforcement, and more accountability, especially when it comes to ongoing issues like noise, dust, and traffic from existing pits. This is a win not just for the residents of Division 4 but the County overall. In addition, I successfully championed policy within the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan that prohibits future gravel pits within its boundaries. This is a critical safeguard for Bearspaw's future.
I want to thank every resident who participated in the ARP and Bearspaw ASP processes. From attending open houses, writing letters, making videos and attending public hearings - your involvement was the backbone of this success. Together, we proved that community engagement can drive real change.
That said, the work isn't done. I remain committed to advancing the next phases of the ARP to ensure long-term protection and responsible development throughout Rocky View. I would like to see better rules around identified haul routes, stronger locational criteria outside of Area Structure Plans, and continued advocacy to ensure road upgrades along Provincial highways.
In response to Heidelberg's NRCB application for the Scott pit, I have been unwavering in my advocacy for Rocky View to actively defend its residents. I have spoken directly to Ministers to make it clear; gravel is not a scarce resource in our region and our policies must be respected. This not just a Bearspaw issue - it's about protecting the integrity of Rocky View's planning framework.
The Scott pit has been refused three times, most recently when I sat on Council in 2021. Trying to bypass the County by appealing to the Province should not result in weaker rules - it should trigger stronger, united action from all of us. If re-elected, I will continue to push to ensure that the hard-won policies we have put in place are honoured and not overridden. This sets the tone for how gravel applications are handled in the future, and and I am committed to making sure that tone reflects the will and well-being of our communities.
On October 20th, vote Samanntha Wright for Division 4 Councillor, Rocky View County!