Season’s greetings and welcome to the last update for 2020. For the most part, it’s been a year I’d really like to put behind me and I’m sure many of you would too. Living through a pandemic is not what we expected and hopefully, moving forward, we start seeing the light from behind our mask. Optimistic medical experts are saying the vaccine will be released to the public by early 2021. I’m all about being optimistic. Fingers crossed this is the start of a new “back to normal.”
Flood Mitigation
It was a year ago at this time that this project hadn’t even physically commenced. Fast forward to today and we can see that progress is being made. This $42.2M project, funded by both the Provincial ($36.4M) and Federal Government ($5.4M) is designed to help protect the Hamlet of Bragg Creek from future flooding. Completion is expected by the end of next year with final cleanup done by 2022. Once complete, residents and visitors will be able to take in the scenery walking along the Elbow River soaking in our beautiful surroundings.
SR1
RVC withdrew its opposition to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir project back in May following Tsuut’ina Nation’s withdrawal earlier. To this day, the fight against Alberta Transportation to see it terminated continues, largely lead by the Springbank Community Association. The regulatory process continues as the National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) continues to receive information to determine the final outcome. They are the bodies that will determine the fate of SR1 and should they see fit, can see the project terminated or altered.
4-way Intersection
As part of RVC’s withdrawal of opposition to the SR1 project, a funding commitment by the Province was made to help Bragg Creek deal with its inherent traffic woes at the Hwy 22/White Avenue (Hwy 758)/ Balsam Avenue intersection. This will go a long way to alleviate safety concerns during high volume times, help local businesses welcome customers and move local traffic. Temporary lights are slated for the spring with completion of the permanent roundabout by 2025. The project is in the early design stage.
Jumping Pound Hall Update
I’m pleased to announce that as a result of grant funding from RVC and the MD of Bighorn, the historic Jumping Pound Hall is getting a new tin roof. The focal point for many events and celebrations of our neighbours just north of us, this hall will take you back to our Alberta roots by just steppingthrough its doors and taking in a deep breath. It’s located north just off Highway 1/Jumping Pound Road as you head west. And with its new red roof, you can’t miss it.
2021 Electoral Boundary Change
Council passed the bylaw for new electoral divisions and councillor representation to take affect for the 2021 election. This move will see reducing the number of councillors and divisions from nine to seven. This was due in part to create equal representation for all of RVC based on population. What that means for our area, Division 1 will now stretch from Bragg Creek to Elbow Valley, bordering Calgary. Jumping Pound will no longer be a part of the current electoral map and will become part of Division 2. The northern boundary for Division 1 will run east along Hwy 1 from the MD of Bighorn to Hwy 22, south to Springbank Road and Lower Springbank Road running east until it reaches Calgary. The next election cycle should be a very interesting race indeed.
Season’s Greetings
I want to thank all the generous volunteers from the various associations, neighbourhoods, committees and the like. Volunteers are the backbone of communities and we are lucky to have those who give unselfishly of their time, money and resources. I also want to thank RVC Administration, Staff and fellow councillors for their support – I could not make ends meet without them. As much as you make me look like the hero, it’s your dedication to the residents of RVC that make us the envy of municipalities across Alberta.
From our family to yours, all the best this festive season. Stay safe, wear a mask and keep your distance. I’ll see you in the new year.
– Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
