I would like to clarify some things on the gravel issues along highway 567. The delay in the A.R.P. (Aggregate Resource Plan), is due in great part to delaying tactics and asking for unrealistic items to be added to the ARP by special interest groups. The gravel applications were dealt with in part, because the ARP was dragging out and it was unfair to keep the applicants waiting any longer, with no end in sight. Here are some of the facts. 1. Even though the ARP is not in place, the gravel applicants need to get an MSDP (Master Sight Development Plan) approved by Council to obtain a development permit. If the MSDP is not up to a high standard, the permit will be denied by Council. 2. The development permit for the first stages, from my understanding, will probably be for two years, maximum, and the gravel companies will then have to apply again. At that time, the application will fall under the ARP. 3. Statements have been made that a majority of people opposed the gravel pit applications. Out of the five people who live closest, three opposed and two signed a letter of support. Another 53 nearby residents signed a letter of support indicating their wish to have the pits clustered. The many people opposed came mostly from the Bearspaw Gravel Watch and Rockyview Forward group, which the pits are nowhere near. The reason residents in the area supported is that we know we are not going to get all of these pit applications turned down. The other option was to agree to put them in a place that made sense for the majority of residents. Gravel will never find a home where it affects no one so we have to choose places where it affects the least number of residents. These are hard choices and Bruce Kendall and Eric Lowther both showed a lot of courage in dealing with this before an election when it could have been delayed until after. These special interest groups like Rockyview Forward and Rockyview Gravel Watch want to say ‘no’ to everything, like oil well drilling, fracking, gravel pits and new developments. In the 14 years we have lived in Division 9, we have seen Cochrane’s population double and Calgary grow by 25% or more and still growing. Rockyview’s population has grown a great deal as well. If we keep saying ‘no’ to everything, where do these people go? Any how do we build infrastructure such as roads, sewer lines and houses? Even though Council gets a lot of criticism, I believe over all, they have done a great job of finding balance in the growth pressures the County has seen. Division 9 Resident Paul Thebeau
