The conversation about contentious West Country development nodes continued as Clearwater County moved to update its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alberta government.

Members of council and administration met with Alberta Tourism and Sport and Forestry and Parks to discuss changes to the Development Node Area Structure Plans (ASP).

Discussion about next steps was based on feedback received at open houses the county hosted in the spring.

Public feedback showed a strong preference for environmental protection, as well as keeping the West Country “natural,” “wild” or a “hidden gem.”

Ultimately, county officials said the province agreed with council that changes could be made to the ASPs to suit the needs of both the county and province.

To that end, council passed a motion to work with the provincial government to update the current MOU, aiming to better identify pressures associated with the project, such as infrastructure, capital and operational supports, emergency response and visitor management.

The original development node bylaws were approved by council in July 2025 and provided guidelines for potential development in the areas surrounding Whitegoat Lake and Saunders-Alexo near Nordegg.

However, following public outcry, council began the process in early 2026 of amending the bylaws.

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At the Sept. 8 meeting, Coun. Hazen Letwin voiced his preference that the MOU reflect council’s vision for the projects. Kim Gilham, planning and development manager, assured council that the county and province are on the same page.

“I think [the Alberta government] has a pretty good idea of what this council is comfortable with — I don’t think we’ll be too far off the mark,” she said.

Reeve Jordon Northcott was optimistic about what the final MOU could look like, saying it’s a critical next step in realizing features out west.

“I know the initial motion was to repeal the ASPs, which this council chose not to do,” he said, adding that the conversation with the Alberta government has evolved in a positive direction, which he believes will serve the residents of Clearwater County well in the long run.

An updated MOU is expected to be brought before council for final approval.

A separate motion from Coun. Tyler McCauley was passed to prepare draft amendments to the development node ASPs for council’s approval.