County councillors are raising concerns over provincial changes on oil well assessments that could cut local tax revenue by millions.
During the Sept. 9 council meeting, elected officials voted to draft a letter to MLA Nate Horner and Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams, for a face-to-face meeting to address Bill 28.
Reeve Larry Clarke also warned that changes within the legislation on gravel pits will effectively strip “the teeth” from local land-use planning.
The legislation passed in May has made headlines over changes to provincial library oversight and municipal councillor code-of-conduct rules.
Provincial EPEA Gravel Pit Registrations
Changes introduced in Bill 28 would see provincial registrations for gravel pits override municipal zoning bylaws and statutory plans.
The bill also eliminates mandatory public hearings, and opportunities for neighbors or councils to submit statements of concern.
Clarke emphasized that because rural municipalities bear the brunt of road maintenance and community impacts from gravel extraction, local councils must retain oversight.
Industrial “Mature Oil Asset” Assessment Changes
Compounding concerns is a provincial policy shift on tax assessments on “mature oil assets”, specifically on wells producing under 10 barrels of oil equivalent per day.
The legislation grants the Minister of Municipal Affairs regulatory powers to create new assessment categories, which is causing concern at a local level.
Estimates show the change could eliminate up to $3.5 million in municipal tax revenue, representing roughly a 15 percent hit to the county’s overall budget.
With provincial implementation possibly arriving as early as November, Clarke cautioned that relying solely on the Rural Municipalities of Alberta fall resolution process might come too late.
The county’s letter will press Horner and Williams for a sit-down to discuss the aggregate planning changes and the mature oil asset tax adjustments before final regulations are enacted.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
