Rocky View 2020 has a new man in charge.
Longtime County resident Eric Lowther announced in late February that he’s been hired by the group of landowners, business owners and stakeholders that make up Rocky View 2020 to advance the group’s vision by taking on the role of executive director.
“Lowther will lead and expand the recently-formed organization committed to encouraging, gathering and promoting new ideas that will result in a fiscally sound, inclusive future for all residents (of Rocky View County),” stated a press release, about the group that formed in 2013 during the development of the RVC County Plan.
According to Rockyview2020.com, the organization is committed to developing a vision for the County that “appropriately manages growth, enhances quality of life opportunities and builds inspired communities,” while still maintaining its agricultural roots.
Lowther, a Bearspaw resident, ran during the October 2013 municipal election, but was unsuccessful and fell to incumbent Al Sacuta.
Lowther said during his campaign, he spoke with not only Division 8 residents, but also many Rocky View 2020 supporters, who felt leadership was lacking to make the group more prominent in Rocky View County.
He said he also spoke with many residents who had “strong concerns” with the drop in agricultural land values in RVC in recent years despite land values increasing in other areas of Alberta.
“From the beginning, Rocky View 2020 has believed in embracing a more compelling vision of what RVC can become,” he said, adding given the unprecedented growth going on in Calgary, “it’s an important time to be involved with the vision of the County.”
“I’ve been tasked with moving the mission and vision forward. That involves providing factual information, helping provide better information and facilitating informed discussion,” he said, adding he will be speaking at County-help public hearings, hosting public forums and meetings, and communicating with residents through newspaper and web publications.
Lowther, a former Member of Parliament, said he will be taking on the role with Rocky View 2020 full-time, since reducing his responsibilities with his telecommunications company in Calgary at the start of the election campaign.
Rocky View 2020 currently consists of more than 40 members, but Lowther said he’d like to see that number grow into the hundreds and be representative of all areas of RVC.
He said if people would like to become involved with the group, or attend future meetings and events, they can contact him at [email protected] or at 403-910-0598.
To find out more about the group of landowners Rocky View 2020, visit rockyview2020.com
