Following an in-camera discussion at a meeting of Rocky View County (RVC) council July 26, administration has been directed to begin negotiations with a potential purchaser of land the County owns in the Town of Cochrane.
The land is currently the home of the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society (CDAS), but was identified earlier this year by RVC as being “surplus to the County’s needs.” A motion was made by Area Councillor Bruce Kendall Jan. 26 to deny CDAS an extension on its current lease, which expires in 2025, and issue a request for proposals to gauge interest in the 145-acre site.
According to a RVC press release, the County’s request for proposals included a number of criteria – including the requirement the purchaser “recognize” CDAS’s current lease.
The release stated “honouring the CDAS’s lease agreement will be a primary focus of any potential sales agreement.”
“We’ve been trying to figure out where our home will be for the next 50 years and more,” said CDAS President Justin Burwash. “Whether that involves a new lease on our existing land or some sort of arrangement on a new parcel of land, we as a board are very interested in finding a long-term solution. We want to make capital plans so we can have a life well beyond the next nine years.”
Residents petitioned the potential sale of the land in February, but Burwash said CDAS is “supportive” of the County’s process. According to Burwash, it’s important to learn the value of the land and what any potential sales agreement would look like, so CDAS and RVC can discuss relocation.
“Maybe the County will come out ahead and we will come out ahead,” Burwash said. “The County has been very open and honest with us throughout this process, we’ve been included in the conversation and this doesn’t come as a surprise. They’ve got to take these next steps and we fully support that.”
At this time, RVC is not releasing details about the potential purchaser, land values or terms and conditions. According to the County’s press release, “specific details” will be provided once negotiations have been completed – with assurances the criteria have been met, added Reeve Greg Boehlke.
“Once County administration has negotiated a solid package, details of the land sale will go before council for consideration and possible approval at a public meeting,” he said.
