A Look Back at June and July
I wanted to first confirm the accuracy of this information, before sharing with everyone that Costco has signed with Bingham Crossing. The background to this is as follows: several months ago, Rencor applied for and received unanimous consent from Council for Phase II of Bingham. This Phase II allowed for a larger building (on the SE corner of their approved quarter-section). As is always the case with a public hearing, notification to the community was made, Bingham held an open house, interested parties submitted comments, all culminating in a public hearing in July of 2020. That is to say that the process was followed correctly. At the time of the hearing, Council did not know which retailer was being considered by the developer, or if there was even a retailer selected by the developer at that time – that would have been confidential information. The question before Council was whether the retail landscape had changed since Bingham’s original approval in such a way as to warrant a larger store format. Every Councillor agreed that this larger format was in fact warranted, and that if Bingham was going to be successful, RVC needed to support this change.
Another big news items was the discovery that the Alberta Government (specifically Alberta Transportation) has purchased 14 quarter sections (2200 acres) in Division 2. These lands are at the north end of Range Road 33 and run to the west behind Country Lane and Harmony, bordering the Bow River. While the Government’s explanation is that they need the land for its gravel resources, this doesn’t ring quite true. The AB Government owns both Star Pit (Bearspaw) which has a 40-year supply of gravel, as well as an excess supply of gravel from the Burnco pit which was purchased for the Stoney Trail south route. To my mind, $63 million dollars spent for gravel they don’t need seems a little far- fetched. It is also worth noting that these lands are pretty much the footprint needed for the Glenbow East dam site for the Bow River flood mitigation project for Calgary. While the AB Government is still at the very front end of evaluating 3 potential sites for this project (Glenbow East; Ghost Lake & Morley) it seems to me to be very likely that they have picked the location and will make the “science” fit – much like they did with SR1. While this location may very well be the very best location, the AB Government has once again tainted the project. Should this site eventually be selected, few will believe it is because it was the best spot; rather, they will believe that the decision was already made in 2021 when the $63 Million dollars was paid, and that it was all pre-determined. On June 30, I formally announced my intention to seek re-election in October. RVC has accomplished some great things and we have managed to get a number of things done in Springbank. As just one example, close to 3 million dollars have been invested in recreation for our community, in keeping with one of my original promises. But there is more to do.
We need a community centre, we need pathways, we need land for both of those, and hopefully enough land to add new recreation facilities at the Park for All Seasons. Our master recreation plan recognizes that Springbank will be a centre for recreational excellence. I continue to bring matters to Council and beyond what has already been approved, I have a few more irons in the fire that I would like to see through to completion. Springbank (Division 2) has not had a two-term Councillor since 2007, when Brenda Goode left Council after serving 2 consecutive 3-year terms. Since then we’ve had a series of one- term Councillors and I can tell you now from experience that not only does it take a little time to learn the ropes, but that you also have to have positive relationships with your partners in the community as well as with your colleagues on Council, because when you don’t, it is darn near impossible for them to hear your message and vote in support of community initiatives. Springbank has been successful and recreation has taken a significant leap forward but there is so much more to do. One of the many things to which I remain committed, looking forward, is continued advocacy for RVC at the CMRB.
So let’s “Maintain the Momentum”. We can build Springbank in a way that positions it for a successful future in so many ways, and that is why I am seeking re-election – so that I can continue to provide those tangible benefits to you! As always, I can also be reached at 403-462-9207 or kmckylor@rockyview.ca, and always welcome the opportunity to chat in person or any RVC matter.
I can be reached at 403-616-8418 or through email at mckylordiv2@gmail.com.
Have a safe and happy summer.
Kim
