Rocky View County council unanimously directed staff to finalize negotiations with RockPointe Church for the construction of the Bearspaw Emergency Services Centre, June 12.
Drew Hyndman of the County’s municipal planning department told council that staff and the church had reached an agreement in principle regarding the acquisition of four acres of church-owned lands at the intersection of Highway 1A and Lochend Road.
“We have enjoyed working with the Rocky View County to collectively reach a tentative agreement to allow this opportunity to move forward and are excited about the opportunity to participate in a venture that will have a positive impact on the community,” wrote RPC Board of Elders Secretary Joanne Janzen in a letter to council.
Hyndman said the results of the church membership’s ratification vote on the matter is expected on June 22, adding staff will be gathering input from the community at the church on June 19 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“We recognize the important need for community engagement in this process,” he said. “We have been working with the community since January, however, we need to bring them up to date on this latest proposal.”
At a Public Services Committee meeting on May 15, Hyndman told council the facility was first proposed to be constructed on municipal reserve property south of Lochend Drive.
However, several area residents opposed the location at open houses which were held in February, citing concerns about the potential impact on the environment and the view, as well as an increase in traffic in the area.
The church later offered to allow the County to construct the facility on a portion of its land, halfway between Calgary and Cochrane.
Hyndman said the location provides high visibility and easy access to the highway network, and does not pose significant impacts on the community.
Following finalization of negotiations with the church and community consultation, staff will bring forward a proposal for council’s consideration.
Property tax cancellation
Council voted unanimously to cancel the 2012 municipal taxes for Cochrane’s Perrenoud Ranche House.
General Manager of Corporate Services Kent Robinson told council the Cochrane and Area Heritage Association (CAHA) has traditionally not been required to pay taxes on the property, as it is designated as an Alberta Historic Resource.
The building has been used for community purposes and exempted from municipal taxes for several years.
“The assistance that (the County) has given us in the past has enabled us to maintain this designated Alberta Historic Resource,” wrote CAHA Treasurer Bev Cumbers in a letter to council.
“This is something that we do on an annual basis,” said Councillor Paul McLean, who motioned that council approve the cancellation of $636.44 in taxes. “It only makes sense to do it this year as well.” Kimberley Massey
