The following collection of official documents was acquired in response to our Freedom of Information Petition filed in September 2024. We commend the municipality’s Freedom of Information Officer for a prompt and complete response. Twelve documents have not been provided because they would require the approval of Riversdale Resources (aka Benga Mining, Northback Holdings).
August 22 2017 Original York Creek water licence transfer resolution PASSES IN PUBLIC session by Crowsnest Pass Council.
“Councillor Kovach moved to accept the recommendation from Administration to proceed with the temporary transfer of the York Creek Basin Water License to Riversdale Resources for 1.2 million dollars for the entire license of 308,000 cubic meters pro-rated for the required allocation of 258,000 cubic meters and for a period up to thirty years with the option to renew for an additional negotiated term, after which time the license will revert back to the Municipality. Carried.”
Link to 2017 story in Crowsnest Pass Herald (not part of freedom of information return)
August 23, 2017 Crowsnest Pass letter to Alberta Water Approvals
“CNP would like to keep the York Creek water licence in good standing for future non‐potable water supply for the ski hill and golf course. CNP requests that AEP provide a positive decision on the good standing of the York Creek Licence, so we may continue with our long term planning.”
June 17, 2021 Alberta Energy Regulator rejects of Riversdale application to mine coal at Grassy Mountain and specifically denies water transfer agreement.
August 24, 2021 Council agenda shows Mayor Blair Painter moved that Council discuss “business interests” of Riversdale Resources in secret session.
“In Camera
c) Business Interests of a Third Party – Riversdale Resources – FOIP Act Section 16 – Mayor Painter”
October 14, 2021 “Binding” contract shows revival of York Creek licence transfer agreement for which there was NO PUBLIC AUTHORIZATION by Council. The embedded document history shows that this contract revival was drafted and internally approved entirely by Riversdale Resources. It was signed only by Crowsnest Pass Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Thomas.
(No online archive record for October 2021in Crowsnest Pass Herald, published by councillor Lisa Sygutek)
October 18, 2021 Alberta Municipal Elections return Mayor Blair Painter and most of Council to office. There is no public record of any candidate having revealed the secret water contract to voters. In fact, mayor and councillors were bound to secrecy by their own anti-democratic decision to discuss Riversdale business affairs “in camera”, which means behind closed doors.
November 18 2024 Letter from freedom of information officer relaying Northback refusal to release 12 secret communications with the municipal government after the Grassy Mountain scheme was denied in June 2021
Email exchanges with Crowsnest Pass Freedom of Information Officer will be forwarded to journalists upon request to administrator@crowsnestheadwaters.ca
Bonus documents