Don Kochan – Division 2
RVC Division 2 news items for your information:
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!!
Budget 2026 – Rocky View County Council has approved the 2026 Operating and Capital Base Budget reflecting a municipal tax rate that remains unchanged from last year. Between January and April 2026, Council will review other major capital project requests, and the final 2026 tax rate will be set in April once those decisions are made. This budget makes significant investments in the roads, fire services, utilities, and infrastructure that residents count on every day.
Bingham Crossing Development – The developer has completed most of the on-site infrastructure improvements including asphalt paving, concrete sidewalks, curbs and roundabouts, light standards, and shallow utilities.
Regarding the stage 1 off-site infrastructure improvements, the developer has continued stripping and grading and cut/ fill and paving in the NE quadrant and grading, fill and gravel in SW quadrant of the interchange as well as the new east lane of RR 33 between TCH 1 and Township 250. Also, some work in the south portion of Township 250. Due to the delays because of G7 and the heavy rains in July, the schedule for completion of off-site infrastructure improvements is now Q3 2027.
The developer has indicated that Bingham Crossing Development is a 300+ acre, mixed-use development that will serve as a premier shopping and pedestrian orientated shopping centre. The Costco warehouse is the first phase of the development located on 18 acres of land. The 170,000 SF warehouse, expected to open in 2027, is the first retailer to join Bingham Crossing’s tenant roster with future phases set to introduce additional retail, dining and services, as well as a 190-unit seniors housing complex and municipal green spaces. Leasing of the surrounding retail buildings is underway.
Springbank Trails and Pathways Association (STAPA) – a well-done presentation to Council on the future Trans-Canada trail expansion from Cochrane to Bragg Creek was provided by STAPA. The report outlined the preferred alignment and the collaboration that can occur once the project commences. The following presentation provides more in-depth information on project scope and logistics.
Fire Hydrant compliance – Rocky View County has received a decision from the Safety Codes Council regarding ensuring fire hydrant testing and compliance with all safety and fire code regulations is undertaken. Administration is reviewing what this means for all affected communities in the County systems.
There are over 1,100 fire hydrants located in Rocky View County, and more than 800 are managed by private utilities, which are responsible for routine inspection, testing, maintenance, and recordkeeping.
The Safety Codes Council investigation found that a private utility within Rocky View County has not been providing required fire hydrant inspection and testing records to the County to demonstrate compliance with provincial fire safety requirements.
To address compliance issues, the Order requires Rocky View County to provide enforcement actions to all subdivisions where fire hydrants are present.
From January 2026 through spring 2026, Rocky View County intends to: 1) Issue compliance notices to identified private hydrant owners requiring submission of inspection and testing records within 60 days. 2) Arrange independent third-party hydrant testing by qualified contractors where records are unavailable, at the private hydrant owner’s expense. 3) Establish a centralized compliance tracking and reporting system, with regular updates to Council.4) Work directly with private utility operators and infrastructure owners to clarify requirements and timelines.
Rocky View County will provide a comprehensive report to the Safety Codes Council by December 31, 2027, detailing the steps taken to achieve compliance, including enforcement actions, communications with hydrant owners, and a plan for ongoing oversight.
Don Kochan
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
Free Classifieds