Local Political News Springbank/Elbow Valley

Councillor’s Update – Rocky View County – Don Kochan – Apr 2025

Don Kochan – Division 2 

RVC Division 2 news items for your information:

Rocky View County is 70! – On March 15, 1955, the very first meeting of what was then the Municipal District of Calgary No. 44 took place, setting the foundation for the County we know today. It wasn’t long before a school contest led to our name change, with Leslie Burwash of Balzac winning $25 for suggesting “Rocky View,” a name that reflects our vast landscapes and strong communities. Over the decades, we’ve grown, adapted, and thrived, always staying true to our rural roots and pioneering spirit. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the past, appreciate the present, and look forward to the bright future ahead for Rocky View County!

Bearspaw and Durum Capital Partnership – On November 12, 2024, Bearspaw First Nation and Durum Capital announced a partnership to explore development opportunities on 298 acres of lands south of Highway 1 and immediately west of Calaway Park. In reference to
the Nation’s press release of pursuing an application for urban reserve status of the lands with the federal government, this is typically a lengthy process. The Nation has stated that in bringing forward future proposals for the lands, it will firstly seek to fully participate in the County’s development approval processes and ensure alignment with the County’s planning framework. While an initial meeting has been held between the County and the proponents to better understand the vision for the lands, the overall plans are at an early stage. Further updates will be provided as discussions progress.

Prairie Economic Gateway – Rocky View County and the City of Calgary have approved the Prairie Economic Gateway agreement, a landmark partnership set to generate over $7 billion in economic activity and create more than 30,000 jobs over the next decade. This initiative will strengthen the region’s role as an inland port, leveraging the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail network to expand trade, manufacturing, and logistics. By improving supply chain efficiency and reducing reliance on seaports, it will enhance economic resilience and attract new investment. With both councils on board, the next steps focus on infrastructure planning, investment attraction, and land-use alignment to bring this vision to life.

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Traffic Disruption Notification – AltaLink 150L Project – South of Cochrane and Springbank Areas

Alta Link are rebuilding 27km of a 138kV transmission line that involves replacing wooden H-Frame structures with primarily steel monopole structures in the following locations:

Towers Trail, RR43, TR252, RR40, RR41, TR250, Munro Rd., Huggard Rd., RR33, Springbank Rd., RR32, Morning Vista Way, Lower Springbank RD., Windhorse Way, Windhorse DR., RR31, Horizon View Rd., TR242, Pinebrook Golf Course., Pinebrook Way, Pinebrook Grove.

The estimated time frame for this rebuild is from January to June, 2025. Inquiries, concerns, or questions may be directed to stakeholderrelations@altlink.ca or 1-877-267-1453.

Spray Lakes Sawmill (SLS) Centre -The Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County have selected YMCA Calgary as the preferred candidate to explore future operational models for the Spray Lakes Sawmills (SLS) Centre. The town and county asked for suggestions on how to better manage these facilities to meet the growing needs of the community. YMCA Calgary’s plan is under further review to ensure it aligns with the community’s needs and keeps programs sustainable. Once this review is complete, the final decision will be presented to Cochrane Council, Rocky View County Council, and the YMCA Board of Directors in the spring. People using the SLS Centre will continue to experience the same types of services. The goal is not to change service delivery at the user level but to address the growing recreational needs of the community.

Don Kochan – Deputy Reeve
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com

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