Coal development in the West Country could have significant economic impacts on the region.

That’s according to a report presented to town council, which estimates between 1,500 and 3,300 full-time jobs could be created, along with up to $8.5 million in additional tax revenue.

The report outlines potential economic spinoffs, as well as the municipal services that could be required if a major coal operation were to express interest in setting up shop nearby.

During the construction phase, the report anticipates a sharp but temporary spike in employment and local spending over 18 months to two years, with a total economic impact estimated between $31 million and $64 million.

The report, presented by Kevin McPhillips, director of research and innovation with McSweeney and Associates, outlines several development scenarios.

In a scenario involving 1,550 new full-time jobs, the report estimates approximately 3,800 new residents would move to Rocky Mountain House, requiring about 940 new dwellings, 77 additional daycare spaces and 11 new early childhood educators.

If employment were to reach 3,300 new jobs, the town could see roughly 8,050 new residents. That level of growth would require one new K–12 school, 163 new daycare spaces, and between nine and 17 new parks. The report also estimates additional water and wastewater capacity of 1.5 million litres per day would be needed.

McPhillips cautioned the figures are estimates and actual impacts could vary.

Deputy Mayor Dale Shippelt raised concerns that the report was “incomplete,” noting it did not address impacts on recreation facilities, local First Nations or traffic.

He adds, while looking to the future is important, the Rocky area has many existing benefits that would be important to highlight to any prospective developer.

Mayor Shane Boniface agreed.

“I’ll be quite frank — you’ve told me what I already know,” he said. “You’ve told me there will be jobs and housing needed. I was hoping for more information on what I didn’t know.”

Dean Schweder, director of planning and development, said the report is expected to serve as a tool to help attract investment, but will not be the town’s primary guiding document.

Schweder said administration has had further discussions with McSweeney about impacts to residential and industrial land, traffic and local First Nations, and that information will be shared with council.

Council accepted the report as information at its Jan. 13 Governance and Priority Committee (GPC) meeting.