Two weeks after announcing the final approved version of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) on Aug. 22, energy companies, environmental groups and opposition politicians are split on the controversial outcomes for Alberta.
The Alberta Government released their final plan, a document that was three years in the making, and one that looks at future development in the most important economic region of the province. The LARP boundaries start at Fort Chipewyan, continue through Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche County and end just before the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.
The plan will provide new Provincial Park designation and industrial restrictionsin Lac La Biche County near Seibert Lake and Pinehurst Lake. The plan also singles out Lakeland County as a future tourism destination due to the large amount of high quality lakes, and promises to continue working with local governments to enhance the tourism potential for the region by developing more attractions.
“This plan is a huge step for us in properly and effectively managing the province’s resources,” said Andy Weiler, the Director of Communications for Environment and Sustainable Resources. “With this plan Alberta can achieve long-term economic, environmental and social growth.”
A large portion of this developmental plan features the creation of six new conservation areas that will cover an estimated 22 per cent of the province.
Lac La Biche Wildrose MLA Saskiw is worried that the plan will prevent economic growth in the region and continue to take land and development away from Albertans.
“I have listened to many folks in Lac La Biche on this issue and they are concerned that the government won’t stop rescinding oilsands leases in the north. Conservation is important but this plan will hurt industry and revenue in the area,” Saskiw said.
The insecurity comes from the displacement of land leases that will affect 19 different energy companies. The proposed two million hectares of new conservation area already displaces existing land leases, and Saskiw believes this type of power will rub Albertan’s the wrong way.
“The Premier forged ahead with a centralized plan that rescinds leases and gives her ministers sweeping powers to dictate to landowners what they can and can’t do on their property,” said Wildrose MLA Shayne Saskiw.
While the government has yet to release the names of the 19 energy companies that will have leases displaced, Saskiw believes that Cenovus, well known for supporting local events in Lac La Biche will be one of the companies affected.
“Cenovus was on the list composed after the August 2011 draft was released, along with several other prominent oil companies near Lac La Biche,” Saskiw said. “And they will probably be on this final list of 19 as well.”
CAPP cautiously optimistic with plan
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) came out largely in favor of LARP, noting that the plan will allow for more clarity in the application and approval process for developing the oilsands.
“Anytime we can get clarity for applications that is a huge benefit, and I believe this is a very comprehensive strategy put in place by the Alberta government that will lead to many benefits over time,” said David Pryce, the Vice President of Operations at CAPP.
Pryce was less positive about the leases that were lost in the process, but thought there could be some compromise.
“It is a lost opportunity for these companies, but there are creative ways to address this, perhaps the government will look at giving adjacent land to these companies as compensation,” he said.
