Highlights from the February 10 MD of Taber Council meeting

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Municipal District of Taber’s (MD of Taber) Council met on February 10 to discuss a range of topics, including a presentation from Northback Holdings Corporation and a proclamation request for Green Shirt Day.

Mike Young, CEO of Northback Holdings Corporation, appeared before the MD of Taber Council to provide an informational presentation on the proposed Grassy Mountain steelmaking coal project. Young emphasized that the purpose of the delegation was to share factual information, address questions, and clarify misconceptions about the project.

“We recognize that some MD of Taber residents have expressed concerns about this project,” Young stated in his delegation submission. “This delegation is intended solely to provide accurate information, address questions, and clarify any misconceptions. It will also give Council an opportunity to engage directly with project leadership and seek answers to issues raised by constituents. Please note that we are not asking Council to take a position on the project. This session is strictly informational and designed to support transparency and informed dialogue.”

The Grassy Mountain project proposes the development of a modern steelmaking coal mine to meet global demand while contributing significant economic benefits to Alberta. According to Young, the project would generate hundreds of local jobs and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the provincial and regional economy. The site, which has a history of mining activity dating back over 60 years, is currently in a hazardous state due to derelict equipment and unsafe conditions. Northback’s plan includes reclaiming the site over the mine’s lifetime and restoring it to a natural state upon closure. Young highlighted the project’s focus on balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship, describing it as “a new way of doing business.”

During the meeting, Council also considered a proclamation request to recognize April 7, 2026, as Green Shirt Day within the MD of Taber. This would be to help honour the victims and families of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash and to continue the legacy of Logan Boulet, whose decision to become an organ donor inspired nearly 150,000 Canadians to register as organ donors in the weeks following the tragedy, a phenomenon known as the Logan Boulet Effect. Nationally, approximately 250 Canadians die each year while waiting for an organ transplant, underscoring the importance of awareness campaigns like Green Shirt Day.

During the February 10 meeting, Council reviewed and discussed plans for several significant equipment purchases as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize its fleet, including:

• Two model 150 graders from Finning for a total cost of $1,201,200. This acquisition is part of the MD of Taber’s grader replacement plan, which operates on a four-year cycle. The approved capital budget for this purchase was $1,410,000, leaving the project well within budget.

• A new highway tractor from Southland International for $228,400. This decision followed a competitive bidding process, with three quotes submitted through the Canoe Procurement platform. The approved budget for this purchase was $265,000, and the selected bid met all specified requirements while offering the lowest price.

• A new tandem axle dump truck from Southland International at a cost of $296,100. Three quotes were submitted for this acquisition, with prices ranging up to $314,085. The approved budget for this purchase was $350,000, and the selected bid met all requirements while offering the lowest price.

• A wheel loader from Rocky Mountain Equipment for $375,000. While the lowest bid was $371,400, it did not meet the specified height and bucket size requirements. The approved budget for this purchase was $455,000, and the selected bid met all necessary specifications.

These topics were just a few of the items discussed during a packed agenda at the February 10 meeting. For more details on these and other topics, visit the MD of Taber’s website. Residents are also encouraged to attend council meetings in person to stay informed and engaged with the decisions shaping their community.