Following a five-hour public hearing for the proposed County Plan, Rocky View County (RVC) council unanimously decided to table the hearing until July 23 to ensure residents affected by the flood have the opportunity to voice their opinions as well.
About 30 residents and stakeholders presented council with their comments, concerns and compliments of the plan, June 25. Upon approval, the County Plan will guide development in the municipality for the next 10 years.
“Our goal has been to make people aware of the process and give them an opportunity to provide input on this important document,” said Richard Barss, senior planner and project manager, in a press release.
He added that the majority of residents who participated in the workshops and surveys facilitated by the County over the last year “fell in the middle of two extremes.”
“They recognized the importance of growth and development, but wanted it to occur at a moderate rate to protect the unique character and quality of life in the community.”
The new plan proposes a “moderate residential growth” amounting to about 2.5 to three per cent annually for the region’s population. This would equal an 11,000 to 20,000 increase in residents in 10 years.
The plan identifies 17 areas of expected growth.
Hamlet developments include Conrich, Harmony and Langdon. Country Residential developments include Greater Bragg Creek, Bearspaw, Balzac East and Cochrane North. Barss said the goal is to make sure the County will be fiscally sustainable by ensuring the growth pays for itself.
Legislative Services also received more than 30 letters from residents, businesses and stakeholders that were either in favour, opposed or suggested amendments to the plan, which were also presented to council June 25.
Speakers thanked Barss and Municipal Planner Amy Zaluski for their work on the plan, but many proposed recommendations.
Those in favour listed several reasons for their support, such as approval of the plan supporting agricultural operations and businesses, protecting natural reserves and maintaining the rural landscape by allowing development that meets prescribed criteria.
“We believe this plan represents the wishes of the majority of resident landowners … This plan needs to work for those residents who intend to stay in RVC, not those who wish to cash out and run,” said Graham Bruce, a resident south of Chestermere.
About 20 people spoke to council opposing the County Plan, and a common thread was the opinion the plan was too limited in scope and does not allow for creative and innovative development ideas.
