The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation thanks Rocky View Council, which resoundingly approved the first reading of the Glenbow Ranch Area Structure Plan, a terrific example of land use planning that will deliver long-term benefits to the residents of Rocky View County.
The article reporting on the April 25 council meeting focused more on the opinions of two councillors who oppose the ASP’s innovative thinking, progressive environmental outcomes, and lifestyle improvements than on those of the seven councillors who enthusiastically endorsed the ASP’s outstanding benefits, which include:
• The preservation of almost half the land in the ASP area as green space in perpetuity for conservation featuring ranching and other agricultural uses;
• Protection of lifestyle through the creation of a significant green space buffer between the Park and existing country residential properties in Bearspaw;
• The creation of a complete, central community through the transfer of development density from environmentally important lands instead of large-lot country residential development with thousands of possibly nasty septic fields and sprawling road systems. This community will feature exceptional stormwater management and advanced water and wastewater facilities;
• A wide range of housing formats developed on a much smaller footprint, creating styles and price points which would allow downsizing seniors to stay in their community and their children with young families to enjoy the Rocky View lifestyle instead of seeking housing elsewhere;
• Environmental protection of the Park, its valued, unique grasslands, and wildlife and important corridors throughout the ASP area.
Your article failed to mention the astonishing proposition advanced by Rocky View Forward suggesting Rocky View County should accept a role as land banker, holding lands vacant until Calgary decides to annex them; and further suggesting that multi-story highrises surrounding the Park and abutting Bearspaw Village would be an appropriate form of development.
The proposed main hamlet in the ASP area is to be located midway between Calgary and Cochrane, adjacent to Highway 1A, with extremely low visibility to park visitors. This high-quality residential development will result in improvements to Highway 1A intersections and support the County’s investment in the recently built multimillion dollar county fire hall. As county staff pointed out at the public hearing, it will benefit county taxpayers financially. Parks need people to protect and love them, and this community will bring the park many new friends.
Supporters of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation understand this area structure plan and appreciate the decades of high-quality reports backing it and careful study by county personnel and independent experts. The Glenbow Ranch Area Structure Plan complies with Alberta Government policies, the County’s Growth Management Strategy, the County Plan, and the Calgary Regional Partnership Plan. The ASP squares with all policy guidelines and benefits all County stakeholders, including the Park, an undeniable crown jewel of Rocky View County.
We are grateful to council for moving the Glenbow Ranch Area Structure Plan forward with a vision that benefits us all. Council is on solid footing in standing up to the vocal minority and advancing leading-edge community planning in Rocky View. Well done.
Andy Crooks
