Not in his wildest dreams could Dick Koetsier have imagined the scenario that was about to unfold. It was early afternoon on June 20, 2013, and upon landing in Toronto during a trip to attend his son’s graduation, his phone started buzzing and lighting up with video of his Bragg Creek home floating down the violent Elbow River and crashing into the Balsam Avenue bridge. “At first I didn’t want to believe it was my house”, Dick explained. “But there was no doubt it was”.
“June 20, 2013 traumatically changed my life.” Dick’s 12-acre property was ravaged by the flood, his life possessions were gone, and the ground where his riverfront house once stood was carved out like a crater. What made matters worse is that less than 24 hours before this devastating event, Dick had just become the proud owner of the Hamlet’s world-famous BBQ Steak Pit Restaurant. The Steak Pit was a local treasure and tourist attraction, and Dick would soon learn that it too had sustained irreparable damage from the disastrous flood.
As the months passed and the community slowly recovered, drew together and began rebuilding, an idea started to take shape in Dick’s mind. “I already loved Bragg Creek but the spirit and resilience that I witnessed in the aftermath of the flood and the trying years that followed, made me realize what a unique and special place this really is,” Dick said. “I wanted to not only live here but also contribute something significant that would bring new life, vitality and investment into the Hamlet, and I became committed to spearheading an effort that would celebrate and honour the history of this place and the spirit of the people who call it home.”
Dick’s ideas evolved into a visionary proposal he named Gateway Village, his master-planned and designed urban experience in the heart of Bragg Creek. With long-awaited flood protection and local sewer and water treatment in place, Bragg Creek is now ready to begin its revitalization. A boutique hotel, conference centre, health, wellness and spa facilities, a new collection of boutique shops, with well-landscaped public space, Dick states he wants to give Bragg Creek the many amenities it has been waiting for. A large part of the plan is to fulfill the long overdue need for housing and will include multi-family residential units and townhomes, with a mixture of rental and ownership options. Dick is most proud that included in his plan, as a principal pillar of his vision, is the re- creation of the much-loved BBQ Steak Pit that will overlook the Elbow River.
Architecturally designed and planned to complement and promote enjoyment of the beautiful natural surroundings, the publicly accessible 12-acre site will also include artistically landscaped open spaces, pathways as well as a reflecting pond suitable for ice skating. Along the banks of the Elbow, between the Steak Pit and hotel, will be an Amphitheatre, perfect for outdoor concerts and festivals that will provide artists a venue to showcase their talents and celebrate Bragg Creek’s artistic heritage.
“We have designed an exciting resort-style development that will revitalize Bragg Creek and help it to meet its potential and reinforce the Hamlet as truly being ‘The Gateway to Kananaskis’,” Dick explains. “With all the services and amenities planned for our Gateway Village, Bragg Creek will evolve into a highly accessible and exciting destination with daytime, overnight and extended visitations, shopping and accommodations.”
Dick and his development company, Gateway Developments Ltd., are very proud to share their proposal with the community and welcome neighbours, residents, businesses and other interested parties to share their thoughts and comments on the Gateway proposal prior to the application for approval to the Rocky View County Council in the Spring of 2021.
The Master Site Development Plan and an online survey are now available to view at gateway.ca. The survey will remain open until January 29, 2021. If permissible, given the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 regulations, there will be an opportunity to view the plans in-person and ask questions of the development team. Please visit gateway.ca for all the details.
