An hour before Rocky View County presented the final draft of the County Plan to the public at an open house May 29, a pro-development website called Rocky View 2020 went live.
The website is operated by a “growing group of landowners and residents who care passionately about the future of our County,” according to the website’s main page, with the mission “to give voice to community issues important to the future development of Rocky View County.”
“The name represents the year 2020 as well as perfect vision,” said a website contributor, Chief Executive Officer of Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, Andy Crooks.
“Through factual information, education, better understanding and informed discussion, we foster an innovative, inviting, thriving and sustainable County that balances agriculture with diverse residential, recreational and business opportunities,” states the website’s mission.
At the County Plan open house held at the County Administration Building from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., many stakeholders and residents who either created or support the website were present to voice their comments.
“The plan is starting the important part – the conversation, but we’d like parameters that aren’t so micromanaging,” said President of Focus Alberta, Michel Berdnikoff.
“By releasing this plan, we are sending a signal out to people who are considering Rocky View County as a place to invest and to live,” said Berdnikoff, in response to the fact that the draft is and will continue to be open to amendments over the next 10 years.
“Part of what makes Alberta such a great place is that you’ve got this amazing environment where you’re not stifled by layers of regulations. Businesses move elsewhere when you’ve got too many regulations,” said Berdnikoff.
He added a County Plan that is “too institutional” could prevent future developers from considering Rocky View County.
“We’re really limiting what could be a great county and a great future,” said Cochrane resident David Chalak, who owns Rocky Mountain Holsteins and supports the website.
Rocky View 2020 values include well-managed, progressive growth; innovative, non-parochial thinking; and improved fiscal, social and environmental sustainability.
“It would be beneficial to the residents of Springbank to accept some kind of development. It would be a shame to see the County hold onto the land for future development by the City of Calgary,” said another resident, who spoke at the open house.
Senior Developer and Project Manager Richard Blass presented the County Plan and was on hand at the open house to respond to questions and concerns.
“The plan is not just based on public input but also government direction. We try to weave all the different aspects together. We walk a tight rope, and try to come up with a plan that people by and large will buy into,” he said.
