County council approved a revised terms of reference in preparation for the Chestermere and Rocky View Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP), March 5.
The request appeared on the agenda as an emergent item and councillors initially hesitated to approve the revised terms for an IDP that is now three years behind schedule.
According to an interview with Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews, the IDP has been in the works since the Town annexed 6,500 acres of land from Rocky View in 2009. (See story, “Chestermere considering arbitration with County”).
Matthews said staff from both municipalities has been meeting periodically to complete the Province-mandated, joint-planning document, originally expected to be finished in 2010, but have gotten nowhere.
During County council discussions March 5, Councillor Earl Solberg, who sits on the Intermunicipal Committee (IMC) with Chestermere, initially said he would like to wait to approve the terms of reference until the Town’s council has a chance to vote on it, noting “the last time we agreed to the map and terms of reference with Chestermere, they changed it and sent it back.”
Rocky View County council approved a terms of reference for the preparation of an IDP last July. Chestermere council approved the terms of reference except for the map, which they modified with an expanded study area that includes lands located north of Highway 1 and south of Conrich.
County council approved the revisions last November. Staff then revised the terms of reference and presented them to council on March 5.
County planner Drew Hyndman said staff from both municipalities met last month to discuss ways to move forward with the IDP. The two groups agreed in principle on the amended map and agreed on an interim circulation protocol within the proposed study area until each council formally adopts the IDP. The interim area includes land near Conrich and Janet.
The protocol includes sharing information on planning applications and policy plans as a means to improve the working relationship between the County and Town, a staff report explains.
As well, the County agreed to recognize the Town as a key stakeholder in the preparation of future area structure plans in the Conrich and Shepard/Janet areas.
Solberg questioned several items in the terms of reference, including one of the goals dealing with long-term growth.
He also questioned the intermunicipal referrals section, outlining information the municipalities will share, which includes municipal and or school reserves.
“I question why they need to know the financial relationship between Rocky View Schools and Rocky View County,” he said.
Councillor Lois Habberfield wanted to know why this didn’t first go to the IMC where she said most of Solberg’s concerns could have been addressed.
“Isn’t that the normal routing?” she asked. “Earl’s comments should have been resolved before they came to us.”
Reeve Rolly Ashdown said the document before them was meant as a base so staff could get started.
Solberg commented that Chestermere council wouldn’t meet for the last IMC.
“I am so confused and lost right now,” said Councillor Margaret Bahcheli.
“We have a draft document and it appears only Earl (Solberg) has read it, I’m hearing the IMC is collapsing … we are being asked to approve this as a base for what?”
She said she wanted to know whether this was a collaborative agreement between the two municipalities or if she was being asked to approve this document to put pressure on Chestermere.
Hyndman said it is absolutely a collaborative effort and said County staff wants to get this approved so they can get started on the plan.
He said staff is trying to demonstrate to the Town that “we’re willing to discuss these issues.”
Councillor Greg Boehlke asked Solberg if his comments were “swords he wanted to fall on.”
“These are simply guidelines,” he pointed out, explaining the document is only meant as a starting point.
“In the principle of good spirits it’s good to go (to these discussions) with an open mind and work for Rocky View County and for Rocky View and Chestermere relations.”
Solberg agreed to drop his concerns and motioned to approve terms.
The first draft is expected to come before council in the fall with a final IDP approval set for the spring of 2014.
