Indigenous communities have called on Big Lakes County to consult them as county council drafts a land-use bylaw amendment to allow and regulate data-processing facilities in the county’s new energy corridor around the site of the Swan Hills Hazardous Waste Treatment Centre.

At its regular meeting May 13, council gave second reading to the bylaw after a public hearing where several Indigenous communities and citizens urged council to have consultation and impact studies on the environment.

Reeve Tyler Airth responded to the concerns of citizens and Indigenous communities on the site of the treatment centre the provincial government plans to close in 2026.

“With the feedback we heard from the public, I recommend we bring back third reading for consideration at a future council meeting,” Airth said.

Council and citizens at the hearing were advised that the proposed amendment was drafted for county council to be ready for any proposals for such projects.

“This amendment would help ensure the municipality is prepared to respond to potential development proposals of this nature in the future,” Pat Olansky, director of community services and planning, told council.

Administration proposes that data-processing facilities would be a discretionary use in the agriculture (AG), Crown land (CL) and rural industrial (RI) districts, unless otherwise provided for within a statutory plan.

As part of these processes, applicants may be required to prepare and submit technical studies and supporting documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and standards, the proposed bylaw states.

The development shall comply with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal legislation.

Six people spoke during the hearing, including three who represented Indigenous communities of Sucker Creek First Nation, East Prairie Metis Settlement and the Lesser Slave Indian Regional Council (LSIRC). All requested the County approach them for consultation and to consider impacts on the environment and other issues.

Former county councillor Jeff Chalifoux spoke for Sucker Creek as the first to address the hearing.

“Any environmental impact with water will be a detriment to First Nations,” said Chalifoux, who served as the Grouard councillor for one term from 2021-25.

“If this bylaw goes through, it opens the door for other industry in the area.”

He added the community wants more information.

“There are a lot of questions about the environment and water. We ask council to not proceed with the bylaw until questions have been answered.”

Chalifoux also questioned council why it was dealing with a bylaw now when it has not received a proposal for a data centre.

Speaking online, a lawyer for East Prairie says Indigenous communities were not properly consulted about the proposed bylaw amendment and potential development.

He encouraged council to initiate meaningful consultation with First Nations and Metis settlements to consider such issues as Indigenous land rights and culture and impacts on the environment and wildlife.

LSLIRC executive director Mike Evans also encouraged council to reach out for consultation.

“You have opportunity to have open dialogue with Indigenous communities,” Evans said.

LSLIRC members Sawridge First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation, Driftpile Cree Nation and Swan River First Nation are located within the Big Lakes region.

Evans also advised council that facilities such as a data-processing centre use a lot of electricity.

Big Lakes resident Lauretta Payne told council many people have issues about how a data-processing centre could impact the environment in the area.

“A lot of people are concerned,” Payne said.

She also urged council to hold off on the bylaw amendment.

“Why not wait until somebody approaches the County with a proposal?” Payne suggested.

Two other citizens also urged council to consider the impact of the project on agriculture and land, as well as the electricity supply in the area.

After the public hearing closed and before council considered second reading, Olansky stressed the requirements and regulations for such a project as stated in the proposed bylaw amendment.

Richard Froese
South Peace News