There are two steps in the review process. First, the Board meets to discuss the merits of the request. At this stage, the Board decides only whether to hold a hearing or to deny the review and issues its decision in writing.
If the Board determines that the request has merit and agrees to hold a hearing, the hearing may be public (i.e., oral) or written. Public hearings are normally held near the proposed project. Most hearings are completed in one day.
Hearings are an opportunity for the Board to consider in detail the approval officer’s or inspector’s reasons for their decision, the evidence given by the parties to the review, and any other information the Board considers relevant. All documents submitted for the review are public and are made available on this website.
The Board reviews each request received and always issues a written decision that explains why the request was granted or denied. Board decisions are public documents and are published on this website.
AOPA provides for a limited right to appeal Board review decisions, including a decision to deny a request for review, to the Alberta Court of Appeal. The appeal may only address questions of law or jurisdiction. The court must first grant leave to appeal.
RFR Process Fact Sheet
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