A motion from Clearwater County’s newly-elected council is tapping the brakes on tourism development in the West County.
Citing concerns from residents during the recent election campaign, council is set to revisit a previously approved Area Structure Plan (ASP).
The ASP, which lays out plans for tourism development in the Whitegoat Lakes and Saunders-Alexo staging areas, was approved by the previous council back in July 2025.
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Reeve Jordon Northcott says he 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 says residents feel that information regarding the cost and magnitude of the projects were not clearly communicated to residents.
Councillor Breanne Powell concurred, saying “95 per cent” of people she spoke to on the campaign trail opposed the idea.
Reasons for opposition include increased costs for emergency services and road improvements, as well as concerns about increased traffic and overnight stays, says Powell.
She adds, residents overwhelmingly prefer maintenance of current levels of recreation out west.
Northcott proposed a motion that council — which includes five new members — take a “fresh look” at the proposal.
The motion instructs county administration to prepare a report and draft bylaws for council’s consideration regarding the repeal of the Saunders-Alexo and Whitegoat ASPs.
The ASP bylaw for Saunders-Alexo, which passed third reading in July 2025, includes potential amenities such as day use areas, staging areas, rest stops and viewpoints overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.
It would also offer access to the fledgling Rocky to Nordegg Trail.
A similar bylaw for the Whitegoat node, 48 km west of Nordegg, also called for viewpoints, day use and rest stops.
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The report and new bylaws will be presented to council at a future meeting.
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