While we respect an individual’s right to change their mind, it did raise eyebrows when a staunch opponent to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) opted to make an about-face and sell his property to the province. Furthermore, when the only explanation we hear is from a canned press release, it leaves us wondering what is actually going on? In his release, Ryan Robinson said the agreement provided the certainty his family needed to move forward. We can sympathize with a need to ensure your land isn’t taken away from you through expropriation, but is this a sign opponents to the project are giving up? It certainly seems the province is willing to do everything in its power to push SR1 through – whether Rocky View County, Tsuut'ina First Nation or impacted residents want it or not. That in itself is concerning, and has us asking why alternative solutions are just not an option for the province. It would appear Alberta hasn’t learned anything from the Trans Mountain Pipeline and the need to consult with impacted First Nations. It also appears it is not concerned about strong-arming residents to get its way. Perhaps the Notley government has forgotten an election is coming up – we know residents certainly haven’t forgotten the promises made during the last election campaign. The Robinsons may not feel the need to give an explanation – or maybe the agreement they made prohibits them from doing so – but we are sure there are some sore feelings from neighbours who now have to decide if they want to keep fighting.
