Rocky View County council delayed a decision on a redesignation application for a second time, directing staff to provide more details on a groundwater report, Dec. 4.
The redesignation application was for one fifth of a 50-acre parcel which is home to a riding arena, outdoor paddocks and horse shelters from Ranch and Farm District to Residential Three District and Ranch and Farm Two District.
The move came after a council meeting Oct. 23, when the decision was tabled by councillors who requested a groundwater report. The report would support the proposed water servicing, which would require a new well, for the 10-acre parcel, located south of Cochrane and 1.5 kilometres west of Highway 22.
During that meeting, area resident Peter Jungen presented a petition against the redesignation with 19 signatures. One of the concerns for the residents was that the applicants’ proposed water well could tap into their water supply, a water co-op for Tower Ridge that is used by residents of the subdivision.
During the meeting Dec. 4, councillor Liz Breakey said the groundwater report didn’t include information on two nearby wells or discuss the possible impact of the proposed new well.
Byron Riemann, the county’s general manager of infrastructure and operations, said if the wells aren’t registered with Alberta Environment, when the consultant group did the report, they weren’t able to grab that information.
“I’m not comfortable that there’s protection for the residents without inclusion of their well… and the well that will be tied in,” said Breakey.
She asked council to postpone their decision until the applicant completes an inclusive report of the wells on the northwest and southwest section of the land.
“I won’t support this,” said councillor Greg Boehlke.
“We asked for a phase one report (on Oct. 23) and it indicates there is sufficient water in the area. Thank you. End of story,” he said.
Councillor’s Sacuta, Margaret Bahcheli, Kim Magnuson and reeve Rolly Ashdown and deputy reeve Paul McLean agreed to support Breakey’s motion.
