Overwhelming local support.

In 2024, the people of Crowsnest Pass did something important—they made their voices heard. In a local referendum, nearly 72% voted “yes” to the Grassy Mountain Project, with more than half the community turning out to vote.

That’s a strong show of support by any measure. This wasn’t about politics or pressure. It was about the future of the Pass. Mayor and Council wanted to hear directly from the people who live here—those raising families, running businesses, and trying to build a better life. And the message was clear: this community supports responsible development.

No, the town doesn’t get the final say. But we’re not just a checkbox on a regulatory form either. This mine would rely on the Pass for housing, roads, rail, and a skilled local workforce. We’re the ones who will feel the impact—good or bad—and that’s why our voice matters.

People here are tired of being talked over by those who don’t live here and don’t understand what this region needs. We’ve made our choice.

We’re ready to work, to grow, and to build a future that works for our kids and grandkids. It’s time decision-makers listened.

We’ve spoken. Loud and clear.

Understanding the referendum.

Opponents of the Grassy Mountain Project have complained that the 2024 Crowsnest Pass referendum was flawed because it didn’t include voters from outside the community.

But that’s not how democracy works—and it’s not how referendums work in Alberta. Under the Alberta Referendum Act, votes like this are intended for municipal electors—the people who actually live in the community, pay taxes, and are directly impacted by the outcome. It wasn’t an oversight. It was by design.

This wasn’t a province-wide opinion poll. It was a focused, legal vote that gave residents a voice in a project that will shape their local economy, infrastructure, and future.

Criticizing the vote because it didn’t include outsiders is just another tactic to discredit the overwhelming support shown by the people who matter most in this discussion: the residents of Crowsnest Pass.

They spoke clearly, and they followed the rules. It's time others respected that.

Strong support for coal development in Alberta.

Albertans continue to show strong support for responsible coal development—especially when it comes to metallurgical coal used in steelmaking.

A recent poll highlighted in the National Post shows that over 60 per cent of Albertans are in favour of coal mining for steel production, with only 18% opposed. This widespread support comes at a time when global trade tensions, like tariffs on Canadian steel, have reminded us how important domestic supply chains and resource development really are.

What’s striking is how consistent the support is across different regions of Alberta. Even in urban centres like Calgary and Edmonton, the majority of respondents backed the continued development of metallurgical coal. In rural areas, where the economic impact of coal projects is felt most directly, support is even stronger.

Albertans understand that responsible coal development isn’t about going backward—it’s about building the materials we need for modern infrastructure, while creating jobs and long-term economic opportunity here at home.

Despite vocal opposition from activist groups, the reality is clear: the majority of Albertans support moving forward with projects that are done right—environmentally, socially, and economically.

The message from Albertans is simple: let’s stop the delays, cut through the noise, and get back to building.