The United Horsemen Association (UHA), developers of a horse racetrack and casino in Balzac, passed a big hurdle on Jan. 28 after receiving necessary approvals from Rocky View County (RVC) council to get the project started.
“We’re very excited for the end result. At this stage, we can finally get things rolling and get in the ground to start construction, and that could be within weeks, not months,” said UHA President Darcy Marler.
“So we’re thrilled. This is a huge day for us,” he said.
Council approved the Master Site Development Plan for the Racing Entertainment Centre (REC) that will be located on 52 acres of land east of CrossIron Mills mall. Council also approved a development permit.
The project will be developed in phases, beginning with a 5.5 furlong (1.1 kilometres) racetrack with seating for 900 spectators, a barn to hold horses only during race hours, a guard house and a camera tower.
According to the MSDP, the 30,000-square-foot REC will feature a gaming floor – where races will air – with about 650 slot machines, a restaurant and lounge, and a 100-seat off-track betting area. About 700 parking stalls will also be built as part of the first phase.
Future phases could see a hotel, commercial development and additional parking be added to the site, but development permits for future phases will be approved by RVC Development Authority, not council.
The $24-million project has been touch-and-go since it was conceived by the UHA in 2004, encountering issues with securing financing and a lack of water services. The total footprint of the project has been scaled-back from 195 acres when the original MSDP received RVC approval in 2006.
RVC Municipal Planner Ben Mercer told council because the configuration of the development is largely different from what has been approved, a new plan is required.
Mercer said servicing to the development will be provided by the East Balzac Water Distribution System and connection to the East Rocky View Wastewater Transmission line. According to a County report, wastewater levies –based on acreage of development - were paid under the previous bylaw before it was rescinded on July 23, 2013. Water levies under the new bylaw – based on consumption - will be applicable to this development.
Several councillors had questions about available capacity for this development and future phases to connect to the water and wastewater systems.
Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Byron Riemann confirmed capacity is available for this phase, however, the County doesn’t reserve capacity for future phases of development as it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis.
“Should a new user come on stream that’s going to trigger an upgrade (to the system), then definitely administration would move to increase capacity,” he said.
Balzac Councillor Lois Habberfield asked Marler to confirm whether the developers will be providing their own policing for the area, as required by Horse Racing Alberta for licensing of casinos in rural areas.
“While we’re not huge fans of that policy we obviously do understand the County’s position and it is in our budget to support our own policing needs,” said Marler, adding the UHA is in discussion with the solicitor general to see if the Province will help supply policing to the area.
“If the Province wants to help you out then great, but I hope it won’t be on the backs of current County taxpayers, although you will be contributing taxes as well,” replied Habberfield.
Councillors voted on and approved adding several conditions to the MSDP, including not allowing potable water to be used for purposes such as irrigation, stripping or grading or watering the track. Also, a Fire Response and Emergency Plan is required to be submitted to the County’s standards.
