A public hearing for the proposed Airdrie annexation of Rocky View County filled council chambers, May 2.
In April, the City of Airdrie and Rocky View County Inter-municipal Annexation Negotiation Committee completed negotiations regarding the City’s annexation of 12,640 acres.
“We have involved the public throughout the process with public open houses, focused community discussions, a website and letters to consult with affected landowners,” said Naren Garg, of the City’s planning and development department.
“The public has identified and ultimately determined the proposed annexation boundary. That was one of the most difficult aspects when trying to meet the needs of everyone. We wanted to balance the needs of the municipalities with those of the landowners.”
However, not everyone at the public hearing was happy about where the boundary is located.
John Stanley, who owns a former commercial feedlot just outside the northeast border of the annexed area, presented a written submission for his land to be included in the annexation.
“This is purely self interest, but it is very important for land value what side of the boundary you are on and we would like to be inside the boundary,” he said.
“Land value funds my retirement and that’s why it’s important to me.”
Dan McKinnon, a lifetime resident of the Airdrie area, also wanted all of his land to be included in the annexed area.
“I have two-and-a-half sections and one is being annexed, the other is not,” he said.
“I don’t want half of my land to be cut off if development goes in there.”
Brent Szafron, a resident of Yankee Valley Estates, was also concerned about development after the annexation.
“My specific concern is that this is a high-value acreage community and we are worried about what building can happen around us,” he said.
“We don’t want warehouses within a stone’s throw of our house. We do not want heavy commercial right up against acreage properties.”
Alderman Glenda Alexander assured Szafron the public would be included in any decision to build on land near their property.
“Your voice will be heard regarding any new development,” she said.
“You will have a say as a resident of Airdrie as to what happened in your area,” added Alderman Fred Burley.
The proposed annexed area has a population of 714 people, 213 dwelling units and 52.8 kilometres of roads.
The City will reimburse the County for road improvements undertaken after 2006, estimated to be $1.634 million. The County will transfer a debenture for 2011 Range Road 13 improvements to the City at an estimated $842,000. The County and City will jointly maintain four miles of Range Road 292 between Highway 560 and Yankee Valley Road.
All agriculture land will be pegged to County tax rates for 30 years and non-agriculture land will be pegged to County rates for 20 years. All agricultural services will be governed by the City of Airdrie. Airdrie will not take over private sewage systems and City-operated garbage pick up will not be extended to the annexed area.
The Committee will meet to prepare a formal legal agreement and with endorsement by the City and County, annexation application will be presented to the Province. Garg said he expects the process to be completed sometime in 2012.
