County levy of gravel and sand operators might increase

Gravel and sand companies may see costs for those commodities increase in the near future due to a decision County of Barrhead councillors are contemplating.

Councillors unanimously gave first and second reading to amending Bylaw 1-2008, also known as the Community Aggregate Payment Levy during their Jan. 2 meeting.

The bylaw, if passed, would increase the levy the county charges sand and gravel businesses in the county from $0.25 per tonne for sand and gravel sold to $0.40 per tonne. Third reading is expected to take place on Feb. 6.

County manager Debbie Oyarzun said she is recommending the increase due to recent changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), which increased the levy on sand and gravel to a maximum of $0.40 per tonne for sand and gravel starting Jan. 1.

“Is there anyone who wants to go with something less than $0.40,” reeve Doug Drozd asked, receiving no reply.

Although all the councillors noted their approval of the increase, Coun. Darrell Troock suggested they delay third reading to give constituents a chance to express their views.

“I think we are going to get a fair bit of feedback on this one,” he said. “It’s a fairly big industry in our area and I think we need to give them an opportunity to comment.”

Oyarzun agreed, but noted before the province changed the maximum allowable municipal levy they underwent a fairly extensive public consultation process.

She added that although there will not be an official public hearing people always have the opportunity to give their comments in writing, through a councillor or by asking to be put on a regular meeting agenda.

Coun. Marvin Schatz asked if the levy is charged on all loads of gravel and sand.

Oyarzun noted the levy is charged to owners and operators of gravel and sand operations.

“The only exemptions are that we wouldn’t charge a levy to the crown or if another municipality owned or leased a pit that was in our county that was used for public purposes,” she said.

Gravel Aggregate Material Sales Policy

Councillors unanimously approved amending Policy No.32.27 to increase the maximum sale of crushed gravel per ratepayer per year from 50 cubic yards to 60.

Oyarzun noted the change is coming because of a recommendation from the public works department.

“It just allows more efficient delivery and that we are not wasting manpower or other costs,” she said. “This also still aligns us with Alberta Environmental Protection Policy as they still consider it a small quantity.”