Consideration for private landowner agreements is going forward to preserve views at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and control the way development occurs around the park.
Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, located in the Bow River valley between Cochrane and Calgary, is 3,200 acres of foothills fescue parkland that is open to the public.
The park, acquired by the government of Alberta in 2006 from the Harvies, a local ranching family, boasts 25 kilometres of biking and walking trails and breathtaking views of the valley and rolling hills with the Rockies in the distance.
During an infrastructure and operations committee meeting April 16, park CEO Andy Crooks and Cam Crawford, who represented the Harvie family, spoke to council about their plans.
“The Harvie family doesn’t feel it would be appropriate to restrict development around the park,” said Crawford but noted that it needs to respect the park and vision and a long-term plan needs to be created.
Crooks said the park is now at a crossroads. People who live in the lands surrounding the area are starting to get older and looking to sell their property. At the same time, the park is getting close to reaching its limits with 70,000 guests last year. Crooks said there is capacity for 100,000 visitors. He expects that number will be reached within two years.
“We are talking with private landowners and looking ahead. We are also looking for new access to the park,” he said, explaining they need more space to accommodate more visitors.
He said he welcomes the idea of the agricultural land changing to accommodate more people, explaining that more people will help the park flourish.
“If we get the right development around the park, we can create breakthrough access from the highway,” for more parking. It could expand capacity to 600,000 visits per year.
He said it’s a matter of developing in the right area so the view isn’t affected and so some of the habitat, natural area and rural character isn’t impacted. The government of Alberta has invested $2.2 million in studies to identify the best places to put development so it is out of view from the park.
He said the family is currently talking with neighbours about doing private land swaps to ensure the development is done in specific areas.
“I see this as a most incredible opportunity for Rocky View County to create a template for a made-in-the-County system,” said Councillor Liz Breakey after the presentation.
Councillor Al Sacuta agreed. He said he believes the County Plan will provide the framework to do what they want but said the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan may need a “targeted” amendment that focuses on the river and highway.
“I think what you want to do will be supported by bylaw and plans in place. This is your opportunity and curse to figure out how to get stakeholders to buy into your plan,” he said.
Councillor Lois Habberfield also expressed interest in the plan.
“Count me in as interested for this unique plan for this area … It is one of the most beautiful viewsheds and we have the opportunity to do it right … I think this could be really good.”
Councillor Margaret Bahcheli said it is a beautiful part of the county and agreed it is important to look after it. Deputy Reeve Paul McLean said he looks forward to seeing the all come together. “I think you have the tools in place to more forward and come back and make specific request to Rocky View County as needed,” he said.
