There is a social injustice about to happen this June in Cochrane unless we, the people, intervene.
The councillors for Rocky View County plan to sell the 148 acres the Agricultural Society has leased for 30 years. These lands are located on the northwest corner of the junction of Highway 22 and Highway 1A, originally leased to the Agricultural Society in 1986. Don Edge (now deceased), DL Tittemore and myself met with three cabinet ministers in Edmonton and obtained these lands from the province on a 20-year renewable lease for $1 per year starting in 1983. In 1999, the Province handed these lands over to Rocky View County for $1 to administer. The province does not have provisions for lease terms longer than 20 years, however Rocky View County does.
These councillors for Rocky View County, who are in power for a short four years, have chosen to destroy this. Never in a million years would the provincial cabinet ministers have envisioned Rocky View County selling off this land thus destroying the fabulous park and facility that has been developed.
Agricultural culture that is steeped in our local history is represented here. There are hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours and approximately $2 million of government wants and donations that have been put into the development of this park for the last 30 years. Families use this facility together, young children have learned to ride, improved their skills and go on to national horse events. This is a premier equestrian training facility for all ages. There is a BMX track. There are more than 50,000 people who visit and use the park each year. This park is one of the biggest tourist attractions Cochrane has to offer.
The Calgary Stampede Grounds is one of Calgary’s biggest assets. The Agricultural Society Park is one of Cochrane’s biggest assets. This is all going to be destroyed for just a few dollars? Why?
Councillors, please ask yourselves why is this being done? What perpetrated this? Is 30 years of history and community effort and culture worth destroying for a few short-lived dollars? Rescind the motion to sell these lands and grant the Cochrane and District Agricultural Society a long-term lease to earn our respect. If you support this view, please contact the Rocky View Council at [email protected].
Gordon Lackey
Thank you.
Gordon Lackey
