The City of Chestermere has withdrawn its unprecedented request to annex nearly 25,000 acres of County land after entering into mediation discussions with Rocky View County (RVC) regarding the controversial Conrich Area Structure Plan (ASP), which was approved by RVC council in December 2015.
“Council has renewed faith based on some events that have taken place in the last few days,” said Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews. “We heard RVC council say development would be frozen in the Conrich area through the 690 (appeal) process. It allows us some breathing room to be able to be collaborative and work out a sustainable plan for Conrich with RVC.”
According to Matthews, the City of Chestermere had raised concerns about the plan throughout its development, and expressed these issues to RVC council at a public hearing in May 2015. She said Chestermere had been asking for mediation since June, and when RVC approved the plan, they had “no other choice” but to attempt to annex the land proposed for the ASP.
“The next step was for Chestermere to use to the proper Municipal Government Act (MGA) processes so that the two sides could address these issues,” said RVC in a press release issued on March 3. “Chestermere has now filed the proper appeal of the Conrich ASP, and the County and the City will now move to mediation.”
Matthews said Chestermere made the decision to withdraw the annexation in a “show of good faith,” and is hopeful that the two municipalities will be able to resolve the City’s concerns. While Chestermere had indicated concerns with stormwater and emergency programs at the public hearing, Matthews said mediation will be less about making specific changes to the ASP, and more about working together to develop a regional plan.
“Community doesn’t know boundaries – they don’t care if they are in (RVC) or in Chestermere, they just know that they are community,” Matthews said. “We should be doing, jointly, the best thing for all of them. We are coming into this with open minds and open hearts, and anticipating the best outcome for everybody involved. That’s really all we ever wanted.”
According to RVC’s press release, RVC officials are satisfied with Chestermere’s decision to withdraw the annexation request and focus on mediation. Reeve Greg Boehlke said the attempt to annex the land was an “ill-fated” action that cost RVC, the Province, and citizens of Chestermere “a great deal” of time and money.
“It would be too strong to say we’re pleased with Chestermere Council for making the right decision in abandoning this annexation,” Boehlke said. “The annexation attempt should never have happened, and we’re satisfied Chestermere has finally recognized their error. Things are now moving forward as they should and RVC will continue to embrace any legitimate ideas our neighbours may have about making the region strong.”
The Province’s Municipal Government Board has set early May as the deadline for completing mediation, according to RVC’s statement.
