Editor's Note: In an effort to give Division 8 voters the opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on issues impacting the area, Rocky View Weekly asked the three potential councillors the same questions. Leading up to the byelection on Nov.
Editor's Note: In an effort to give Division 8 voters the opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on issues impacting the area, Rocky View Weekly asked the three potential councillors the same questions. Leading up to the byelection on Nov. 16 the answers will be printed each week.
Should the County Plan remain the same or be changed to allow for more business development? Why?
My answer to this question is no.
The business development aspects of the plan are sufficient at this time. A greater need is an updated economic development strategy to deliver positive results for our county and achieve the mission stated in the County Plan. The real question should be does Rocky View County want additional, appropriately located businesses to lower residential taxes and to improve the services our communities? I hope so.
Here are some of the facts:
Rocky View County businesses pay $7.24 per $1000 of assessed value while homeowners, through property taxes pay $2.41 per $1000 dollars - one-third less. Council has chosen to strengthen the County's fiscal situation by adding projects such as the Walmart Distribution Centre, Cross Iron Mills and the CN complex in Conrich. Thus business taxes have helped dramatically reduce costs to homeowners.
Residential owners contribute 26 per cent of County revenues; business 20.6 and agriculture, (with 90 per cent of the land base) less than one per cent.
The County Plan uses business development in its broadest meaning to encompass commercial, industrial, agriculture and home based activities. The Plans hopes to attract business development to specified areas. It identifies regional business centres, highway business areas, and hamlet business areas. I believe that appropriate business development, that serves the needs of the local community are overdue in some parts of Rocky View and Division 8.
The County Plan should not be changed to allow for more business development. I prefer the moderate level of growth outlined in the County Plan. I agree there should be no more than 2.5 to 3 per cent permitted in growth over the 10 to 12 year time frame of the County Plan.
The majority of county residents have indicated they are willing to accept ‘some' or a moderate amount of residential growth provided it is properly implemented, financed and environmentally sound.
Another goal of the County Plan is to maintain an agricultural land base by reducing the fragmentation and conversion of agricultural land. Residents want to maintain the character of a rural community. Increasing the possibility of more business development in Rocky View County contradicts the true spirit of the County Plan and the wishes of the majority of the residents of Rocky View County.
The County Plan is in its fledgling stage, nevertheless, it is a strong plan, democratically crafted through resident input and with the ability for review by Council on a yearly basis. Just because it can be changed doesn't mean it should be. At least, not until we've had a chance to reasonably assess it.
The County Plan already provides a range of well-designed areas that support business development: Balzac for industrial growth; Conrich for both industrial and business commercial development; and Harmony and Crossfield for business commercial development, to name a few. Do we need more? Not at this time.
It is true business tax dollars are worth far more than residential tax dollars, however, this should not be considered the green light for further business development without first creating policy that ensures levies are paid up front or that there is some guaranteed financial commitment from the developer. If any amendments to the County Plan are to occur, they must be done with further resident consultation and not just at the insistence of those who wish to enhance their own bottom line.
