Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce hosts Northback CEO for Grassy Mountain information session

The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce hosted a lunch-and-learn event where Northback's CEO discussed the proposed Grassy Mountain coal project.

Northback CEO Mike Young discussed the proposed Grassy Mountain coal project during a Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce event.

While business leaders gathered inside, protesters gathered outside, calling for the controversial project to be scrapped.

About 100 people showed up to protest against the coal project.

The proposed open-pit mine in the Crowsnest Pass has received pushback over potential water contamination, among other issues.

“We’re fed up with having to express opposition to the Grassy Mountain mine. It was first proposed in 2013. It went through a federal-provincial review and it was rejected,” said protest organizer Cheryl Bradley.

Inside the Coast Hotel, local business and political leaders heard a presentation from the CEO of Northback, the company behind the project.

Media was not allowed to attend.

But the Chamber said the presentation stemmed from a desire to learn more about the project.

“When we had a local member ask if we could do that, we thought, ‘OK, there’s interest in learning more and understanding this,’” said Chamber CEO Cyndi Crane.

Coal advocates in attendance said these events allow the industry to answer questions and receive feedback.

“I was here just to listen and learn what some of the questions were (and) what some of the concerns were that are surrounding this project. This is an important project for Alberta and an opportunity to look at the plans and have the Alberta Energy Regulator digest it,” said Rina Blacklaws with the Coal Association of Canada.

Others at the event said Northback was being evasive in answering several questions.

In particular, the company directed questions about selenium contamination to the Alberta Energy Regulator.

“I felt that they fell short. This was an opportunity to answer some very basic questions, and I thought they weren’t being honest,” said former Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman.

The CEO of Northback did not speak with media.

Instead, a company statement said, “We appreciate the Chamber’s invitation for Northback to provide an overview of the revised Grassy Mountain project. If approved, the revised Grassy Mountain mine plan will provide hundreds of direct and indirect jobs both during mine construction and operation.”