A delegation from the Rocky Mountain House and District Chamber of Commerce appeared before Clearwater County council on Jan. 13 with a stark warning against abandoning tourism development.
The group argued that tourism strengthens local businesses, supports jobs, enhances recreational infrastructure, and helps diversify the local economy— particularly during times of uncertainty in other sectors.
In opening statements, the group said the West Country’s four main industries — agriculture, oil and gas, forestry and tourism — create employment beyond their individual operations in other sectors like hospitality, retail, trades and medical.
Back in July, Clearwater County council approved Area Structure Plans (ASP) for tourism development in the Whitegoat Lakes and Saunders-Alexo areas.
However, since then, the newly-elected council has raised questions about the appetite for further development in the region.
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Rocky Chamber President Tim Hoven said if the new council sends mixed messages about tourism development in the West County, they do so at their own peril.
“We had a tourism operator who had secured a [provincial] grant, but found out that the grant was in danger of being pulled from them,” he said. “All of this happened from the mere discussion of repealing those plans.”
Hoven adds, as Banff and Canmore get more crowded and expensive, people are looking for other options to explore the outdoors in Alberta, and the West Country offers the perfect alternative.
Indeed, council members indicated that tourism development became a ballot box issue during the 2025 municipal election with residents voicing their displeasure.
“I’ve spoke with a lot of people while I was out campaigning, and I would say 95 per cent of people I spoke to are opposed to this,” said Ward 1 councillor Breanne Powell during a Nov. 12 council meeting. “The people I spoke to do not want to see this happen in the West Country.”
Reeve Jordon Northcott concurred, saying he also heard much disapproval from residents.
“The concerns have mainly focused on the intensity of the developments — up to 5000 overnight stays — considerably more day users, and the potential impact of Clearwater County’s rural character and local infrastructure,” he says.
Northcott also said residents felt that information regarding the cost and magnitude of the projects were not clearly communicated, as well as the added demand on emergency services.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, council passed a motion to take a “second look” at the development proposal, with a focus on how potential development would affect the lives of residents.
The motion also called for a report to be drafted before council considers repealing the two development node bylaws passed in July.
Proposed Whitegoat Lake ASP (purple), Saunders-Alexo ASP (red) with Nordegg in yellow. (Clearwater County)
Discover Rocky in David Thompson Country has also added its voice to supporting increased tourism.
“Tourism is not here to displace other industries that are vital to this region,” said Trevor Imeson, chair of Discover Rocky’s tourism committee in a provided statement. “Agriculture, resource development, recreation, and tourism have always coexisted in Clearwater County, and we firmly believe they can continue to grow together.”
The Rocky Chamber invited council members to a Jan. 15 Unstoppable Conversations meeting in Rocky to hear directly from West Country business leaders.
Chamber officials also encouraged all businesses to speak to their respective councils about their business priorities to continue to make Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County a destination for residents and businesses to live, work and play.
Clearwater County council accepted the presentation for information.
You can read about ASPs around the region on Clearwater County’s website.
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