The redesigned conceptual plan for a country residential development in Bearspaw had passions flaring at an open house at RockPointe Church March 11.
Dubbed Lochend Corners, the development is planned to crop up on two quarter sections of land on the northeastern and southeastern corners of Lochend Road and Township Road 262.
Turned down by Rocky View County council in 2011, the Concept Scheme has been reworked, numerous public engagement sessions have been held and the new proposed plan was unveiled.
About 50 people showed up for the information session.
Michael Gelmon, a development and finance consultant, introduced to residents the idea of the “Bearspaw brand” — a prestigious and great place to live, but also a place that attracts a broader market, instead of limiting itself to its current market of two or four acre lots.
With the proposed country residential lots ranging from a third of an acre to two acres, and an estimate of 302 dwellings to be constructed in Lochend Corners, concern was heard from the residents about a variety of issues, including the potential for decreased property values, the depletion of the area’s nature and culture, and increases for traffic.
During the session, one longtime resident of the area stood up to challenge the reworked proposal. He said he moved to Bearspaw in 2002 and didn’t want to see his property value diminish with the addition of the development.
“What if we all said no?” asked one resident during the meeting. “If we all said no to the project, would you continue (the development) anyway?”
Gelmon simply answered yes, adding he understood that many of the area residents had moved to Bearspaw for quiet, undisturbed country living. But he said the two and four acre parcels limited interest in the area.
“We think community is what drives demand,” Gelmon explained. “People want a diverse, vibrant community. Where you run into a problem is when you have too many of one product.”
The high-quality architectural value already seen in the community will be maintained, said Ben Lee, land-use planner with IBI Group, with a variety of housing options offered.
Lee said the homes could be listed as low as $350,000.
Lochend Corners will be designed to include sizeable acreages, estate lots, smaller homestead lots and villas — even a seniors housing complex.
A school and a small village centre are planned, all with the idea of a self-sustaining community in mind.
Lee said the community would boast about 12 km of trails, along with more than 100 acres of preserved public open space. Parking for these spaces has been allotted, but have yet to be determined.
Dark Sky lighting principles has been proposed to keep starry nights visible to residents.
As for traffic, Bunt and Associates transportation engineer Glen Bardoe estimated the development would increase traffic in the area by roughly 2,000 trips.
With first reading behind it, the updated Lochend Corners Concept Scheme is slated to be presented to RVC council again April 9.
Reeve Rolly Ashdown was contacted for a statement, but said he felt it was inappropriate to comment on the development before it was presented to council.
