More Sand And Gravel, Less Red Tape For Alberta Aggregates

Jul 8, 2025 - 2 months ago

The Alberta government is laying the foundation for faster approvals by launching a new task force to cut red tape and accelerate regulatory processes for sand and gravel operations.

Sand, gravel and crushed stone are the backbone of Alberta’s construction economy – essential for building the roads we drive on, the homes we live in and the infrastructure that supports our communities. These critical aggregates, often sourced from private land, play a foundational role across multiple industries. While these materials are heavily regulated to protect Alberta’s environment, landowners and operators have consistently voiced frustration that excessive red tape is creating unnecessary barriers to development and slowing down the delivery of sand and gravel to market.

To dig into these concerns and build a more efficient path forward, Alberta’s government is launching the Sand and Gravel Task Force. This dedicated group will work to streamline regulations related to sand and gravel pits located on private lands, ensuring faster project timelines while continuing to uphold Alberta’s high environmental standards.

Led by Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, and Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, the task force will include representatives from industry and municipalities who understand the importance of timely access to sand and gravel resources. Over the next six months, the Sand and Gravel Task Force will deliver actionable recommendations focused on reducing bureaucratic delays, supporting landowners and strengthening Alberta’s aggregate supply chain.

By clearing away unnecessary red tape, Alberta is preparing the ground for a more responsive regulatory system – one that delivers more sand and gravel, faster and smarter.

“With the launch of the Sand and Gravel Task Force, we’re paving the way for a faster, smoother process," announced Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "It’s time to stop graveling under bureaucracy and start building Alberta’s future. MLA van Dijken and MLA Lunty will leave no stone unturned as they dig into this important work.”

“Sand and gravel are foundational for building and maintaining a strong economy," said Glenn van Dijken, Task Force Co-chair and MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock. "From road infrastructure to industrial uses or residential housing, these resources are essential. Our government is determined to ensure the regulatory process around sand and gravel pits recognizes the need for efficiency and clarity.”

“This new task force will reduce red tape and answer the call to build more when Albertans need it most," commented Brandon Lunty, Task Force Co-chair and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont. "With more than 1,000 sand and gravel pit registrations on private land, streamlining the applications and approvals will bring significant development benefits.”

“Rural municipalities are on the front lines of balancing the economic value of aggregate extraction with the need to protect farmland, infrastructure and the environment," announced Amber Link, representative, Rural Municipalities Association. "I’m honoured to represent the Rural Municipalities of Alberta on this Task Force and committed to advancing a more transparent, consistent and practical regulatory process. This is an important step toward ensuring that the voices of rural communities are not only heard but meaningfully integrated into decision-making.”

“I’m pleased to represent the interests of our association’s 264 member communities on this task force," said Tara Elwood, representative, Alberta Municipalities Association. "I look forward to finding ways to streamline and accelerate the regulatory process for sand and gravel extraction, while upholding Alberta’s commitment to environmental excellence.”

Aggregate Pits Task Force Members:

Brandon Lunty, Co-Chair and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont
Glenn van Dijken, Co-Chair and MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock
Brock Helm, Alberta Sand and Gravel Association
Ken Kozakewich, Consulting Engineers of Alberta
Amber Link, Rural Municipalities Association
Tara Elwood, Alberta Municipalities Association

Quick facts
There are currently more than 1,000 active sand and gravel pit registrations on private land across the province.
Sand and gravel pits on private land are regulated under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act’s Code of Practice for Pits and the Water Act.

The task force will focus exclusively on sand and gravel pits located on private lands and provincial regulatory processes.

Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/land-conservation-and-reclamation-guidelines-for-pits-and-surface-materials

Source: Province of Alberta