7. Synthesis and continuous learning — Does a full synthesis show that the net result will be positive or negative in the long term, and will there be periodic reassessments?

Somewhat — All stakeholders stand to win for reasons described above. However, the Alberta Geological Survey’s aggregate resource inventory for the area was not referred to when making the ASP and, consequently, approximately half of the resources were rendered inaccessible. The future cost of hauling a similar amount of aggregate from the next closest deposit could amount to an extra CDN$1.6 billion. In addition, the county will forego approximately CDN$45 million in contributions to the Community Enhancement Fund.

Nevertheless, Richards and Peel concluded that, overall, the crowd would cheer.

(uthor’s note: Full citations for references are available upon request.)