A developer who is proposing to build a golf course, hotel, banquet hall and RV park in between Madden and Bottrel is seeking feedback from residents as she prepares to apply for a development permit from Rocky View County (RVC).
Chloe Cartwright, a landowner in northwest RVC, has been working toward her proposed development since 2009. She said she previously received a redesignation and development permit back in 2012, but many things have changed since then and more community feedback is needed before she is able to move ahead with the project
The original redesignation, according to Cartwright, was for an 18-hole golf course, a 21-room hotel, RV stalls and a 500-seat banquet hall. She said she had to prove the area she intended to build the development on was not located on current or historic farmland.
“The development permit went uncontested,” she said.
“I ended up with 105 letters of support from both the local community and the greater area.”
Personal matters derailed the plan for a number of years, according to Cartwright, but she said she has restarted the process and is set to apply for another development permit.
Complicating matters, she said a number of landowners who moved into the area since her original permit was approved do not see the proposed development as a good thing for the community.
“The newcomers didn’t know anything about this development, so they were kind of shocked,” she said. “We are going through that process of educating newcomers. If they don’t like the development for the size that I applied for, I am willing to shrink it.”
Cartwright has created a website outlining her proposal, chinookridge.ca, which indicates there are four options she is considering. One is the original plan, while the second option is to build an RV park and a castle, and then apply for a golf course permit later. However, Cartwright said that option was vetoed by RVC's Subdivision and Appeal Board.
She added she would be fine with pursuing the third option, which is a scaled-back version of the original plan. It includes the construction of a nine-hole golf course, a 12-room hotel, a 250-seat banquet hall and 40 RV stalls.
“It is a compromise,” she said. “I am asking a lot of people for feedback. The problem that I am running into is some of the neighbours that don’t even live here are opposed to anything.”
The fourth option is to subdivide the entire 150 acres into smaller lots, creating a gated estate community.
Cartwright said she intends to work with community members to try and teach them about her vision and come to a compromise.
“I just keep trying,” she said. “I am flexible because I want to make it work for them.”
Cartwright’s website includes technical reports associated with her proposed development, including biophysical impact assessments, aquifer assessments and soil classification maps. She said she encourages landowners to check out the proposals and reach out to her if they have any concerns or suggestions.
She added when she feels people have had adequate time to provide their feedback, she will re-submit her application to the County – possibly as soon as the end of February.
“We need to work together,” she said. “Hopefully it makes sense so we can have some direction.
