Updates from Division One
How are you doing? As of this writing, we’re entering the 11th week of social and physical distancing. I don’t know about you but it is a challenge trying to function in some sort of normalcy. Thankfully, we are seeing some of the restrictions loosening and experiencing a sense of freedom. But I urge you all to continue to take these measures very seriously. With the warm weather I’m sure many, like myself, will feel like we’re not far from recovery but that’s far from the truth according to health experts. Let’s continue to think of the frontline, firstline and essential service folks who are keeping us safe. Not to mention the businesses who could use our patronage at this time as well. We need them as much as they need us. Let’s support each other.
A few weeks ago I had to make a decision regarding the SR1 dry dam project. As we are coming into the anniversary of the 2013 flood that devastated Division 1 and neighbouring communities along the Elbow River, many thoughts entered my mind. We’re now into 2020 and still nothing has been accomplished with regards to a defence against the threat of flood. Flood mitigation is essential to us growing and moving forward. I have always been a proponent of the MacLean Creek proposal. It has many benefits besides flood mitigation: recreation, tourism, drought mitigation, fire suppression, wildlife. On the actual morning of Council’s vote, the GoA threw in another $196.3M towards the SR1 project. And only weeks earlier, our neighbours, Tsuut’ina Nation accepted $32M and withdrew its opposition for monies to go toward building their own flood mitigation project. We were also just informed that the GoA was going to provide the additional $9.4M shortfall to complete the on-going flood mitigation work along the Elbow River in Bragg Creek. That is great news because I wasn’t looking forward to asking RVC ratepayers to dip into reserve funds during the current pandemic. Those injections of funds made me consider my options. What could RVC get from our withdrawal? What benefits could come to the county? To me, it was a business decision as the GoA is integral in bringing projects to RVC. A solid working relationship with the GoA is essential in building our future.
The vote to have RVC withdraw its opposition to SR1 was not an easy one. I approached my decision knowing that the National Resource Conservation Board (NRCB), responsible for reviews regarding major natural resource projects, could still terminate the project. If the NRCB finds flaws in the proposal, they will make sure they get fixed, make recommendations or ultimately stop the process. I hope when the details of the agreement are made public, people will see why I voted the way I did. But in the end, my vote was based on what’s best for the county and flood threatened areas namely Bragg Creek, Springbank and Redwood Meadows.
When Council voted 6-3 to step away from our opposition, I did make a Motion Arising that in the event any compensation would come to RVC, it would go toward the Springbank area and earmarked for recreational/cultural amenities. My hope is the regulatory process will bring to light that MacLean is more viable and sensible than SR1, and in the end we don’t walk away with nothing from the SR1 deliberations, I wanted compenstation for RVC, just like Tsuut’ina Nation.
RVC will continue to keep tabs on the regulatory approval process and we will continue to have the ability to ask questions as the process unfolds. Whatever the outcome, any project has to be done right and with the interests of the majority of residents in mind. In the end, this is far from a done deal and will still take time for a final decision to come to fruition.
When life in these times have slowed for many, political life has exploded both locally and throughout the county. Many conversations continue with the exploration of expanding our Hamlet area, the urgent need for internet and cellular connectivity, recreation, our seniors, firesmarting initiatives, rural policing and much more. Stay informed by visiting rockyview.ca.
Finally, I’d like to offer a huge thanks to the volunteers and board members/directors of various local organizations throughout Division 1 for offering their support to residents. Also, thanks go out to RVC staff and administration for providing the essentials that keep this municipality functioning. We need to work together and assist each other in these difficult times. Until next month, stay healthy and keep your distance.
— Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
