Grande Cache Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan Community Task Force

Working Together for a Balanced Future

A new Grande Cache Community Task Force has been formally established to represent the interests of the community in response to the Alberta Government’s draft Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan. This collaborative initiative brings together representatives from local industry, Indigenous communities, tourism, recreation, and community organizations—all united in their commitment to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Grande Cache.

The Task Force’s purpose is to critically evaluate the proposed plan, identify potential impacts on the local economy, workforce, and way of life, and advocate for land-use decisions that balance environmental conservation with economic vitality.

Who We Are:
Currently, the Task Force Consists of: Wally McNeil, Parker Snyder, Graham Duckers, Bob Crawford, Bazil Leonard, Susan Feddema-Leonard, Pam Brown, Marissa Fearnside, Eric Lang, Scott Stensrud, Dave Rutland, Trish Hagg, Tara Zeller, Ryan Skanes, Marko Hackenberg, Angela Beattie, Josh Hallock and Dave McPhee.

Why We Exist:
To ensure the Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan reflects community interests, economic realities, and environmental responsibility.

Guiding Principles:
Unity, transparency, collaboration, and informed advocacy.

What is the Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan?
The Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan is a land-use plan drafted by the Alberta Government that outlines how land in the Upper Smoky region—surrounding Grande Cache—should be used, managed, and protected over the coming years.

This plan is part of a larger effort under Alberta’s Biodiversity Stewardship Area framework to support environmental conservation, protect wildlife habitat, and guide development. While the goals may seem positive on paper, the draft plan presents serious concerns for Grande Cache and its future.

Timeline:

• Draft released: Spring 2025
• Community feedback deadline: June 25, 2025
• Final plan: TBD after public input is reviewed – told within 12 months

Key Proposed Changes Include:

• Restrictions on industrial land use in key zones (including coal mining and forestry)
• Increased environmental protections that could limit access to Crown lands
• Potential road closures or reclassifications
• Unclear rules around traditional land use, recreation, and future development

These changes were proposed with limited community consultation and without a completed regional plan to guide sub-regional decisions—leaving Grande Cache vulnerable to major impacts.

Why Does It Matter to Grande Cache?

Key concerns and impacts for the Grande Cache Community if this plan is passed in its current form:

Jobs & Industry

• Grande Cache’s economy has historically relied on resource-based industries, including coal mining, forestry, oil and gas, and tourism.
• The draft plan proposes restrictions that could affect these sectors, potentially leading to job losses and decreased economic activity.
• Restrictions on industrial land use will make it harder for new resource projects or business expansion to occur.

Traditional Land Use

• Indigenous land users have not been properly consulted.
• There are concerns the plan may limit hunting, trapping, and gathering practices that have been carried out for generations.
• The impact on cultural and spiritual land access remains uncertain and under-addressed.

Access to Land & Recreation

• Outdoor recreation and access to areas like Willmore Wilderness Park could be affected.
• Road closures and land restrictions could limit hiking, quadding, snowmobiling, and access to traditional routes.
• The community wants to ensure that local families, guides, outfitters, and tourists can continue to use and enjoy the land responsibly.

Housing & Services

• A shrinking industry base threatens our local economy.
• As workers leave, housing prices could drop significantly, affecting home values and community investment.
• Fewer families = reduced demand for services = loss of amenities like pharmacies, dentists, doctors, schools, and small businesses.

Economic Stability

• The plan’s limitations on industrial land use may result in reduced operations or closures of existing facilities, impacting employment rates.

• When industry slows, everything feels the ripple: small businesses, tourism operators, real estate, schools, and nonprofits.

• A decrease in population and economic activity could strain local services, including healthcare, education, and retail, potentially leading to reduced availability and quality of these services.

• The plan could discourage new investment, further limiting options for local economic growth.
• Without stable, long-term land access and economic opportunity, Grande Cache’s future is at risk.

Download the Documents:

• Draft Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan (PDF)
• Community Engagement Site (https://www.alberta.ca/upper-smoky-sub-regional-plan-engagement
• Regulatory Details (PDF)

How You Can Help:

Fill out the Provincial Online Survey here: https://your.alberta.ca/upper-smoky-sub-regional-plan-engagement/surveys/upper-smoky-sub-regional-plan-engagement-public-survey1

Paper Copies of the Survey are available at the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Office and through the Chamber of Commerce.

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