Dear Editor, It was disappointing and all too predictable to listen to the debate over the Indigo Hills development at the Feb. 12 Rocky View County (RVC) council meeting. The developer came forward with a proposal to create 55 lots with no units less than 1.98 acres in size on the east side of Lochend Road and south of Township Road 262. Rocky View administration reviewed the proposal and clearly stated it ticked all necessary boxes. Does it follow the guidelines of the County Plan? Check. Is this type of residential growth supported by the Area Structure Plan? Check. Were all the necessary technical studies completed to deal with water/wastewater/transportation/etc.? Check. Still, the predictable anti-everything types sent in their letters of opposition: “We have enough two-acre parcels here already. We will have more traffic on the roads. Where will all the stormwater go?” This is their democratic right, of course. There will always be those who oppose growth, no matter how thoughtful and appropriate. And, while legitimate concerns are often raised and addressed at subdivision stage, much of this opposition is just the NIMBY’s (Not In My Backyard) at work. Sadly, there is a small contingent on council who can be slotted directly in the “anti-everything NIMBY” category, and their leader is Coun. Samanntha Wright in Bearspaw. Yes, it’s becoming pretty clear if a development proposal comes forward, Couns. Wright, Crystal Kissel and Kevin Hanson are going to speak against it. There was perhaps no clearer case of this hypocritical NIMBY-ism than what took place just a few of meetings ago. A Bearspaw resident came forward looking to sub-divide their 20-acre parcel into two-acre parcels, just like their neighbours live on. It would be more manageable for them as they age, and would fit perfectly with what already exists in the neighbourhood. Well, low and behold; guess who voted against it after her husband came to speak in opposition? Wright. What’s really troubling is Wright is the next door neighbour to the individual. So in essence, her message to her neighbour is; you can’t do what I do, because I was here first. How sad, not to mention the obvious conflict she had by not recusing herself from the vote. But back to Indigo Hills. After all of the debate and all questions were addressed, it was pretty clear council was going to do the right thing and support the proposal. Still, Wright crafted the ever predictable “send them back for more consultation” motion hoping to at least delay the inevitable correct decision. Thankfully, the majority of council saw right through this tactic and voted the motion down, choosing instead to allow Indigo Hills to move forward. Yes, our community will move forward with thoughtful and well-planned development in areas where it is best suited. Clearly, that doesn’t please Wright and the anti-everything types, but we are fortunate to have more open-minded and level-heads on council. Gerry Neustaedter Bearspaw
