Don Kochan – Division 2
RVC Division 2 news items for your information:
RR33 development – The developer for Bingham Crossings, Rencor Developments, is currently working through the approval process with Alberta Transportation and the County. The off-site work consists of highway ramps in the NE and SW quadrants of the interchange, twinning of Range Road 33 north of the interchange to Range Road 250, and traffic circles on the south and north side of the existing bridge, and at the intersection of Range Road 33 and Township Road 250. The developer has indicated that this work should commence in May-June. On behalf of Alberta Transportation, the County is completing the design of a new twinned bridge for the interchange and road connections to the works of Bingham Crossings. The project is expected to be tendered in June 2025. Before construction can proceed, a Traffic Accommodation Study (TAS) must be approved by both ATEC and Rocky View County. While the County acknowledges that the construction of the interchange improvements will have short-term impacts on traffic along Range Road 33, these impacts will be mitigated as much as possible through the TAS. The County will continue to keep the community informed through updates on the website.
www.rockyview.ca/county-services/capital-projects/transportation/highway-1-range-road-33-interchange
RVC Road bans – With spring weather arriving, road bans are now in place for Rocky View County. The ban is in effect and will last until the first part of June. Since roads get softer and more prone to damage during the spring thaw, RVC implements spring road restrictions for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles carrying large loads each year to prolong the lifespan of the County’s roadways. In addition to saving money on repairs, road bans increase road longevity and improve safety for drivers on county roadways. The following limitations apply to commercial and heavy vehicles, including cargo or equipment used in agriculture, during the prohibition period: 90 per cent on paved and gravel roads, 75 per cent on chip-sealed and oil-surfaced roads and 50 per cent on roads where conditions warrant. To see a map of all the roads in RVC: www.rockyview.ca/Portals/0/Files/Roads/Road-Surfaces.pdf. To view the current bans: www.rockyview.ca/road-bans-report
Fire Advisory Declared for East/West Rocky View – Due to current conditions, Rocky View County Fire Services has issued a FIRE Advisory for East/West Rocky View County, effective immediately. This advisory represents a moderate fire risk and will remain in effect as long as conditions remain. Effective Date: April 16, 2025
During a FIRE ADVISORY, all burning and fireworks permits are suspended, and burning is banned, with the following exceptions:
- Indoor household fireplaces
- Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)
- Burning barrels
- Camp stoves (properly attended)
- Barbecues (charcoal briquettes, propane, or natural gas)
- Wood pellet grills
- Propane/natural gas fire pit
- Recreational camp fires in an approved burn pit
- Chimeneas
- Fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas
- Oil well flaring (must register with central fire dispatch at 403-264-1022)
For details on specific fire restrictions during an advisory, visit our Fire Bans & Advisories webpage.
Springbank Recycling Centre – Springbank is officially home to a new and improved transfer site. The Springbank Recycling Depot has moved down the road to a larger location at 32190 Twp Rd 245, which is the west portion of the Springbank Dog Park. This new site will now accommodate vehicles and trailers while offering expanded seasonal grass, leaves, and branch collection programs. This larger site means easier access for trucks and trailers, more capacity for yard waste and food organics, and room to grow as our community’s needs evolve. For the spring and summer hours between April 1 and Oct. 31, the site is open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The transfer site is residential drop-off only, meaning no commercial material accepted. Accepted materials include: cardboard, newspaper, mixed paper, glass, metal, plastic, branches less than 6 inches in diameter (no stumps, as these constitute as garbage) (May 1 to Oct. 31 only) and grass and leaves (May 1 to Oct. 31 only). For more information on rules and regulations, please visit www.rockyview.ca/springbank-recycle-depot.
Data Centres – Rocky View County is moving forward with multiple proposed data centre projects that are looking to set up shop within the county. A data centre is a physical facility akin to a warehouse, but used to house computer systems, servers and other components for managing, processing, and storing data. The Government of Alberta’s AI Data Centre Strategy, passed in December 2024, has set a target of attracting $100 billion in data centre investment opportunities in the province over the next five years. There are currently four proponents seeking support to develop sites within the County, including Beacon AI, Kineticor, Kalina, and Wild Rose Power Hub. Each project will be located adjacent to necessary energy infrastructure, which may include high-voltage electricity transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, and fibre infrastructure. Each project proponent is considering investments ranging from $1 billion to over $10 billion in the long-term, with the creation of roughly 300 well-paying jobs at each facility.
Don Kochan – Deputy Reeve
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
