An Environmental Appeals Board hearing scheduled for February 23-25, 2021, to consider an appeal to a decision on the Badlands Motorsports Park development has been postponed.
In January 2020, Alberta Environment and Parks approved an application from Badlands Recreation Development Corp. to place fill in two wetlands, to modify three wetlands, and to construct, operate and carry out maintenance of a stormwater management system. A hearing for an appeal was slated for this February, however, it was postponed.
“The hearing has been postponed to deal with several preliminary motions, the most notable of these is the reconsideration of the Board’s decision on standing,” said Gilbert Van Nes, General Counsel and Settlement Officer, Environmental Appeals Board.
Following the approval on January 8, 2020, the Alberta Environmental Appeals Board issued a decision on April 28, 2020. The board received 27 Notices of Appeal of the approval. The board reviewed these submissions to gauge whether the appellants were directly affected and whether a stay should be granted. The board found of the 27 notices of appeal, seven were directly affected, however, it chose not to grant a stay.
“A recent Alberta Court of Appeal decision commented on the board’s rules for standing. As a result of this court decision, the board is reviewing its original decision on standing,” said Van Nes.
He also notes, “The appeals only relate to the work authorized under the Approval – which is the infilling of certain wetlands. The appeal is not about the project as a whole. The board does not have the authority to review the racetrack project. The board only has the authority to review the infilling of the wetlands.”

The Salvation Army is grateful for the support throughout a difficult 2020 and especially the Christmas season.
In 2020 it was able to distribute 1,118 hampers compared to 836 in 2019 and 745 in 2018. Among those who receive food bank services, 30 per cent are single-parent households and one-third of those served overall are children.
“Thank you to those who have organized donation drives or have donated to the food bank, your efforts go directly to helping these parents provide the essentials for their children,” said Captain Ben Lippers in a letter to the community.
They are also grateful to the Hutterite brethren in the community who supported families with fresh vegetables throughout the pandemic and the Christmas distribution. The Salvation Army also provided 42 people with temporary accommodations throughout the pandemic.
Christmas was busy for the Salvation Army as well, although they are seeing a plateau in its Christmas assistance. The Salvation Army distributed 163 hampers, and 158 children received toy bundles this year. In 2019 they distributed 171 hampers and 168 toy bundles.
“We would not be able to fulfill our goals of being a transforming influence in our community by sharing the love of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs without your ongoing support. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the communities of Drumheller and the surrounding areas have continued their support and have shown their love for others,” said Lippers.
One highlight for the Salvation Army over the Christmas season was the kettle campaign. This was challenging because it was nearly halted not long after it began. Because of COVID-19 the Salvation Army in Alberta ceased manning its kettles leading up to Christmas. Despite this, the community came out and they were able to bring in $38,020.50.
“Heading into a new year, as need continues to escalate your loyal support is needed more than ever. We are proud to serve this community but cannot do what we do without your ongoing partnership,” said Lippers.