A recent survey of residents living in the Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Cowley, Fort Macleod and Piikani First Nation Reserve showed overwhelming opposition to oil and gas development and logging practices in the
Castle Special Management Area.
“There is a very clear expression of opinion pertaining to how the area should be used and not used,” the authors of the study wrote.
The survey was completed by 774 residents living in the area from April 3rd to April 12th, with 62 per cent of respondents reporting that they were opposed to oil and gas developments in the area.
Crowsnest Pass residents showed the strongest opposition, with approximately 69 per cent saying they strongly support no new oil and gas developments.
Additionally, 77 per cent of total responders said they opposed commercial clear cut logging practices in the areas of Castle Falls, Beaver Mines Lake and Lynx Creek.
Residents of the Piikani First Nation reservation voiced the strongest opposition at 88 per cent.
Regardless of voting preference, the majority of those surveyed said they are familiar with and use the area on a regular basis, and do not support any new development in the area.
However, the lowest opposition to area development was among respondents who support the Wildrose Party (72 per cent), and Conservative Party of Canada (70 per cent).
Liberal and New Democratic Party supporters reported opposition of 84 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively.
The majority of respondents, approximately 74 per cent, said they would support declaring the Castle Special Management Area as a Wildland Park, which would allow for continuing current types of recreation activities, summer grazing of cattle, and existing oil and gas developments, but would disallow any new commercial logging, mining, or oil and gas practices to be taken up in the area.
