Council has been very busy these past several months and we have worked on many significant items.
Springbank’s ASP’s have been forwarded to the CMRB for review. These plans will set a course for the next 20-30 years. I truly understand and appreciate that the change in form of development within those plans could be seen as a large departure from what we have seen in the past.
When my family and I moved to Springbank, it was 4 acre parcels that were the norm and the new 2 acre parcels that were becoming popular, and many subdivisions were approved. Now we are looking at building forms that will allow for a more affordable product, job opportunities, economic development, and recreation opportunities. Should the plan(s) be approved at the CMRB level, these changes will happen gradually and there are statutory checks and balances within the plans to ensure future Councils are guided appropriate.
As of today’s date, the CMRB Administration as well as a mandatory 3rd party review of the ASP’s are recommending approval to the CMRB Board. That said, there is no guarantee of an approval as Calgary recently demonstrated its willingness to “veto” a decision (which is one of the most fundamental undemocratic policies of the Board).
The ASP’s are now in a 30 day review period and I would expect a decision from the board later this month. For more information please review the plans and responses to- date: www.calgarymetroregion.ca/2021-02.
Council’s role is a balancing act to say the least – honouring the past, staying in tune to the here and now, and what people want/need, and planning for the future. I recall moving into Springbank over two decades ago and reviewing the ASP then and thinking basically nothing was going to change – but fast forward, and previous councils have approved Bingham; Edge School; Harmony; more development in commercial court; Aventerra; and countless more, much of which was never contemplated in the current ASP. Every Council is faced with development and make decisions accordingly. In my mind, it is far better to have a plan that acknowledges change will happen vs. dealing with “one of” situations. We will know what the CMRB decides soon, hopefully by my next update.
The new Municipal Plan, has also been recommended for approval by the CRMB Administration and the 3 party independent reviewer. Should these plans not pass at the board level, it will be because Calgary/urbans are determined to sterilize rural lands for their own growth potential – because the plans have met the criteria set out in the Interim agreement – it’ll be interesting to see if Calgary can also live up to that agreement!
On May 21st, 2021, long-time Springbank resident Eric Longeway passed away. Eric was truly an ambassador of Springbank. Eric had a passion for agricultural and farming, he was a developer, and passionately gave his time to so many groups in Springbank, including the Park for All Seasons, Springbank Rawhides 4-H, and the Heritage Club, just to name a few. He had a keen sense of humour and a sparkle in his eye that I’ll never forget. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Please contact me for any questions at 403- 462-9207 or at kmckylor@rockyview.ca.
Kim McKylor,
Deputy Reeve Division 2 Councillor
403-462-9207
kmckylor@rockyview.ca
