Due to a number of complex applications scheduled for Public Hearings in a short time frame, three Special Council Meetings are scheduled for February and March. These are in addition to our regular Council Meetings. Two special meetings will include public hearings for the Scott (Div 8) and Summit (Div 9) gravel pit applications. On February 16th, a special meeting for the Public Hearings of the new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the revised Springbank Area Structure Plans (ASPs) is scheduled.
Municipal Development Plan: The current MDP (called the “County Plan”) is 6 years old, and far from the worse offender for needing updating (unlike the 20+ year old Springbank & Bearspaw ASPs). The MDP is a strategic document that steers and guides Rocky View’s overall growth and development across the entire County using a 20 year planning horizon. This is in contrast to an Area Structure Plan (ASP) that provides a detailed framework for the development of a specific community.
Council decided a top priority was that it needed an update. It was seen to be too limiting for growth, too prescriptive, and contained too much black and white policy. More leeway making “Open for Business” decisions on a case-by- case basis was sought. On a number of occasions my colleagues opined that the language of “Shall” and “Should” is inappropriate in statutory growth policy, and that Rocky View County would be better served with more “May” guidelines. Allowing more growth outside of ASPs was likely at the crux of the matter.
North Springbank and South Springbank Area Structure Plans: There has been an extensive and involved public consultation process for the long overdue update of the Springbank ASPs. Updated servicing and transportation technical studies have been available since October 2020. Both proposed plans will be presented for Council’s consideration on February 16, 2021 where stakeholders may speak. As with the MDP, approval by the Calgary Region Municipal Board will be required prior to the ASP’s final approval.
Newspaper Advertising: Councillor Wright and my motion to resume advertising County business in the Rocky View Weekly starting again in 2021 was defeated late last year. It was unfortunate, as this helps support local business.
Strengthened Voter ID Requirements: At the January 8th Council meeting, I fully supported Clrs. Kissel and Wright’s motion to require more rigorous ID to vote in RVC elections. It passed, but unfortunately due to delays from cancelled Council Meetings and a busy admin staff, the Bylaw wording changes will not be ready for this election. With Provincial referendums happening, hopefully a Provincial Voter List is available.
Your feedback on the above plans is encouraged as is participation at the public hearings using in-person or on- line means. Please e-mail me if you would like to be added to my e-mail list for potential future communications.
Kevin Hanson,
Councillor, Division 3
Kevin.Hanson@RockyView.ca or call 403.463.1166.
