Rocky View County councillors denied a request from Melcor Developments Ltd. for a letter supporting the connection of the developer’s land to the City of Calgary waterline during an Infrastructure and Operations meeting, Nov. 20.
“A rejection doesn’t mean we’re not interested,” said Deputy Reeve Paul McLean.
“It’s important we look at the whole area and how we service the area.”
Representatives from Melcor said they were interested in tapping into the water line running between Calgary and Airdrie to service their lands, located west of Highway 2 in Balzac.
The development, Rocky Creek, has been on the books since 2002 when a previous council approved the conceptual scheme for an adult community.
In 2011, council rejected the developer’s updated plans in a 4-4 vote, citing a difficulty in accessing water from East Balzac, among other concerns.
At that time, it was suggested by Melcor that water could come from East Balzac by drilling two pipes under Highway 2.
In a letter presented during the operations meeting last week, Dennis Inglis, vice president of Southern Alberta Community Development Division, explained Melcor wants to tie into either the existing 900-mm waterline that runs along the eastern edge of the landholdings or the 600-mm waterline proposed for west of Melcor’s landholding.
Both lines service the city of Airdrie and transport water controlled by the City of Calgary.
Councillors expressed hesitation about writing a letter of support to the City of Calgary, noting in the past the larger municipality has rejected similar requests.
Melcor’s Graeme Melton told council the company’s development would meet density targets likely to be favourable to Calgary and might provide a way to work with the City.
“We see this as another option to get servicing for the land,” he said, adding the company’s options are limited.
He said Chestermere and Airdrie get water from Calgary and the request wouldn’t be unique.
“The solution needs to included all of West Balzac” said Councillor Lois Habberfield, adding she was not in favour of asking Calgary for water for this one development because it doesn’t support the overall plan for the area.
Habberfield said the servicing options are there for the developer, it would just “cost a lot of money to hook up.”
She said council will review the Area Structure Plan (ASP) for West Balzac next year, adding Melcor should be involved in the process.
A servicing solution is required for the area, she added.
County Manager Rob Coon noted cost estimates for servicing solutions in the area will be included in the review.
He said staff will focus on using services within Rocky View County to provide water and wastewater to West Balzac rather than look for outside solutions.
Melton said he agreed that servicing options should be explored for the whole area not just Melcor’s land.
He said Melcor is interested in finding a solution whether it is through Calgary’s waterline or via County options.
To comment on this story, visit www.rockyviewweekly.com
