After a year of negotiations and a postponed decision, Rocky View County councillors gave final approval to the Airdrie Annexation Agreement, May 17.
Once the Province makes a final decision, expected in 2012, Airdrie will take over responsibility of 12,640 acres of land to the west, north and east of city limits.
“We are pleased with all the public consultation into this process and to be moving forward with the application,” said Rocky View County Reeve Rolly Ashdown. “We are satisfied with the boundaries and feel we worked collaboratively to create this agreement.”
Final approval was sought during Rocky View council’s regular meeting, May 10. However, due to concerns raised by residents within the annexation area, council postponed the decision, citing the need for more consultation. Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown was pleased with the negotiation process.
“A strong working relationship contributed to a successful outcome for both parties,” he said.
The proposed annexation area has a population of 714 people, 213 homes and 52.8 kilometres of roads. All agricultural land within the annexed area will be pegged to County tax rates for 30 years and non-agriculture land will maintain Rocky View rates for 20 years.
Airdrie will take over agricultural services within the annexation’s borders, but won’t extend city services, such as garbage, to the area.
Naren Garg, with Airdrie’s planning and development department said the annexation is intended to supply Airdrie with enough land for 50 years of growth.
