April 27, 2026
Northback Holdings’ Response re: the Grassy Mountain Coal Project Water Licence Application
On April 10, 2026, Alberta Wilderness Association submitted a Statement of Concern (SOC) to the…
AWA believes that energy exploration and development must be regulated in a manner that is consistent with the maintenance of wilderness values.
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AWA’s mandate throughout its four decades has been the protection of intact, representative ecosystems across Alberta. In areas where economic development is integrated within a working landscape, AWA supports robust management, regulation, and enforcement strategies.
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We believe in a fundamental need for wilderness that is free of industrial incursion; a network of legislated protected areas is currently the only framework under which this can be ensured. Outside of such areas, exploration and development must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. Full-field life-cycle planning must be required for all new developments including phase-out, remediation, and reclamation. Adequate reclamation liability must be assessed on a per-project basis that accounts for all remediation and reclamation costs, and does not leave Albertans vulnerable to major financial risks.
AWA believes Alberta’s wilderness and natural capital are non-renewable resources of immeasurable value, and must be considered as such and given priority in land-use planning. An overarching land-use plan is desperately needed in Alberta to set targets for all sectors, determine thresholds and establish priorities for land use throughout the province. Conservation areas must be designated with legal protection.
When considering land disturbance impacts, the cumulative footprint of all past, present and planned developments upon the landscape must be considered. Energy development does not take place in isolation: it occurs on a landscape also impacted by forestry, residential and recreational developments. The combined footprint of all of these activities must be considered in planning decisions.
Collectively, we know that the economic value of the ecosystem services performed by natural ecosystems for humankind far exceeds that of industrial development.
AWA has been involved with Shell Canada as they work to restore landscapes once active with drilling and extraction; Waterton 12 is one such site (shown above). (N. Douglas)
Seen in the photo are AWA and Shell Canada employees discussing the process and early results of reclamation efforts at this site that has reached its full life-cycle. (C. Olson)
April 27, 2026
Impact Assessment Agency Response re: AWA’s concerns on the Co-operation Agreement between Alberta and Canada
On March 12, 2026, AWA sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Terence…
April 10, 2026
Joint Feedback on the Draft South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Northern Alberta, Alberta Wilderness Association, Nature Alberta and the Alberta…
April 10, 2026
Statement of Concern on Northback Holding’s water term licence request for the Grassy Mountain Project
On March 13, 2026, Northback Holdings Corporation submitted an application (33861750) to the Alberta Energy…
April 10, 2026
AWA’s Feedback on the Draft Wood Bison Recovery Plan
Alberta Wilderness Association submitted feedback on the Draft Wood Bison Recovery Plan as part…
April 2, 2026
News Release: A single additional line is the outcome of public engagement on the Co-operation Agreement between Canada and Alberta.
The finalized Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment between Alberta and Canada was signed on April…
April 2, 2026
There must be an Independent Review Panel for the Fording River Extension Project
Much like wildlife, pollution doesn’t recognize borders on a map. Although one jurisdiction may permit…
March 10, 2026
AWA’s Coal Conversations: Awareness, Advocacy, and Action – Feb. 28, 2026
Text by Kennedy Halvorson, photos by Sara Heerema and Kennedy Halvorson For the overview presentation…
March 6, 2026
Joint Statement: Alberta Government, Oil Companies’ Announcement of Tailings Cleanup Projects
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE, ALBERTA WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION, CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CAPE), INDIGENOUS CLIMATE…
March 1, 2026
Coal Conversations Presentation and Links
AWA’s Coal Conversations, held on February 28, was an afternoon dedicated to increasing awareness, fostering…
February 12, 2026
Joint Letter to ECCC: Concerns about the Proposed Coal Mining Effluent Regulations
On February 12, 2026, AWA, along with 13 other agricultural, community, environmental, health, landowner, and…
January 30, 2026
Engagement Guide for the Draft South Athabasca Sub-regional Plan Survey
CPAWS Northern Alberta, AWA, The Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society, and Nature Alberta…