When Rocky View County council members meet July 27, they will consider a proposed master plan put together by the Airdrie and District Agriculture Society.
The Society is hoping to build a new 150-acre development about three kilometres west of the city where Highway 567 meets Range Road 14.
Society members hosted a third open house at the site, June 15.
Brenda Moon, president of the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association, said the purpose of the evening was to share the results of the plan with the public.
“It’s been a real good turn out and we’re really pleased because we have a lot of neighbours here,” she said. “We want to be able to discuss with them and find out if they have concerns. They are getting some questions answered. That’s very, very important to us.”
The Society bought the land for about $2 million in 2007 and is now seeking redesignation from County council in order to develop the site.
The building area would include a rodeo complex, commercial developments, a BMX surface and a future ice arena. The project will also include roads, parking, a campground, an outdoor ice rink, a playground, a natural wetland area, an outdoor riding area and a heritage farm site.
“It’s a big project – the biggest project the Airdrie Ag Society has taken on,” said Ron Hanson, chairman of the development committee. “This is the final open house to get feedback from the neighbours and everybody to see what their concerns are. We have a lot of support.”
A traffic assessment has been completed and society members are already planning a fundraising campaign.
“If we get enough money this fall, we’ll probably build our roadway – that would be the first main thing,” Hanson said, adding the second priority is the campground in order to begin collecting a source of revenue.
“But it’ll be probably 20 or 25 years before everything is completely finished.”
The society’s first hearing with Rocky View County council will take place July 27, followed by a public hearing Sept. 7.
“At that point, we’ll know whether or not they’re going to grant us redesignation,” Moon said. “We think we’ve done our homework, so we’re feeling good about it. We’re really hoping it will work for us.”
