Rocky View County (RVC) council is moving forward with the revitalization of Bragg Creek, with the adoption of new hamlet policies and design standards that will guide future development in the community.
Amendments were unanimously approved to the Greater Bragg Creek Area Structure Plan (ASP) to facilitate the visions and goals identified in the Revitalization Plan, which was approved by council in December 2015. According to RVC planner Johnson Kwan, these amendments will allow for an increase in housing diversity, improve flexibility for business development in the hamlet core, and ensure future development contributes positively to the overall character of the hamlet.
“Bragg Creek has a definitive character, both in physical form as well as in its social fabric and identity,” Kwan said. “Reinforcing this Bragg Creek character through strengthened design guidelines was viewed by many community members and stakeholders as critical to the revitalization of the hamlet.”
The Revitalization Plan identified several components in the existing design standards that needed to be strengthened, according to Kwan. These include site planning, wayfinding and signage, façade treatment, materials, height, architectural styl and public realm improvements.
“Clearer and more enforceable standards are now proposed in the revised guidelines for commercial, institutional, mixed-use and multi-residential development,” Kwan said. “The goal of the revised Hamlet Design (Standards) is to achieve a sense of visual consistency and character that makes the hamlet of Bragg Creek a truly special place to live and visit.”
This updated document will also require developers to engage the community prior to the development permit application, through either a public open house or a public notification. Previously, community feedback was limited to the Bragg Creek Design Review Committee, however, the committee was disbanded by a council resolution to allow for more public input.
According to Kwan, the result will be clearer guidance and a more engaging process for future development in the hamlet, giving community members the opportunity to review proposals and provide input at an earlier stage, rather than going to the appeal board after the decision has been made.
Landowners in Bragg Creek will also be able to apply for different forms of housing, thanks to changes to the Land Use Bylaw. Currently, Kwan said, only single detached dwellings are permitted within the hamlet, but the updated bylaw will increase housing diversity in the area.
“Allowing accessory dwelling units, duplexes and semi-detaches in the hamlet would potentially improve housing affordability in Bragg Creek,” Kwan said.
