Springbank subdivisions Morning Vista and Morgans Rise will remain separated, as Rocky View County councillors voted to maintain a locked emergency access gate between the communities, March 8.
The issue was contentious for residents of Morgans Rise, located just off of Lower Springbank Road, who hoped to make the gate permanent.
“Keeping the gate between the developments is very important for the safety of the residents,” said developer Jon Stucky. “There’s really no reason for the road at all, given the fact that both subdivisions have two entrances.”
Construction in Morgans Rise began in 2005, but is nearing completion. The adjacent community has no residents living in it, although show homes are being constructed.
The gate was installed when Morgans Rise residents expressed safety concerns about heavy construction vehicles using the connecting road, Morgans Way, as a shortcut to the development in the community of Morning Vista.
Residents of Morgans Rise contend the uncompleted subdivision is also a popular drag racing and party destination.
“That thing needs to stay up,” said resident Ted Gallagher.
“We’ve seen the drag racing…I chased someone down on a motorbike, it wouldn’t be safe to take that gate down.”
Joan Laviolette, a resident of Morgans Rise, expressed concern over the safety of local children living along the connecting road.
“If that gate was to come out, we would see more traffic,” she said. “Therefore, children at play would be more at risk. I am sure the MD would rather have the gate in place rather than an accident.”
The conceptual scheme for the development was adopted by council in 2004 and 2005 and included the connecting road. The gate was meant to be a temporary measure until development was completed in the area.
However, County staff has received complaints about motorists driving through the ditch to get around the gate, posing a safety concern and prompting Morning Vista developers to request removal of the gate.
“We would like the gate removed because it is a public road,” said Joseph Starkman, a Morning Vista developer. “I don’t see why the gate is needed.”
Starkman expressed concern over liability to developers in the area, should someone be hurt driving through the ditch or should emergency vehicles be unable to access the communities. Division 2 Councillor Kim Magnuson sided with Morgans Rise residents and made a motion to maintain the status quo.
“There are 46 letters from residents concerned about safety and security,” she said. “There is already sufficient access.”
Division 7 Councillor Lois Habberfield said the issue should be revisited after completion of Morning Vista.
“It was in the concept plan that this would be a connected community,” said Habberfield. “I believe in the connectivity of communities. I don’t think we want barriers.”
The issue will be revisited after construction is completed in the area.
