Don Kochan – Division 2
RVC Division 2 news items for your information:
Budget 2025 – On April 8th Council passed the spring finalization budget with a 0% municipal tax increase and passed the provision of approximately $5.2 million
of surplus revenues to be placed in RVC’s tax stabilization reserve which is used to support future projects and service levels. The tax stabilization reserve’s 2025 balance will be $72.9 million.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) has approved funding for transportation projects within Division 2 as follows:
Highway 1 / Range Road 33 Interchange upgrade – the amount of funding will be between $16-$24M. Administration is seeking clarity on the exact amount.
Highway 1 – Highway 22 Interchange (bridge rehabilitation design).
Highway 1 – Jumping pound Creek Bridge (bridge rehabilitation design).
The GOA increased the provincial education property tax requisition by 6.3% on residential property and 6.4% on non-residential property. This will impact County residents and businesses, who will experience a property tax increase despite the County approving a 0% tax increase in RVC’s 2025 budget. The new Education Property Tax Requisition rates will be $2.72/$1,000 for residential property and farmland and $4.00/$1,000 for non-residential property.
Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP) – After many years of community engagement, Springbank’s ASP has been approved. The community voiced strong support for replacing the 3 existing ASPs into one, maintaining a country rural lifestyle, limiting commercial development that meets the immediate community needs and the establishment of a community core. Council approved 3rd reading on March 25th, including an amendment that I proposed to remove policy 20.07 that still had connection to the allowance of parcels less than 2 acres. The amendment was carried with Councillor Hanson opposing since he felt that there may be a need for less than 2-acre parcels in the future. The strong community input was appreciated, and it was clear that 2 acres and above sized parcels represents the rural character that the community wishes to preserve. Appreciate the communities consistent and persistent input that was provided in the establishment of the new ASP. Now for the successful implementation. You can view the updated ASP directly here: Springbank ASP Document
Huggard Road and Range Road 34 Traffic Calming – the planned traffic calming and safety improvement measures for Huggard Road are as follows:
Speed Limit Adjustments: The speed limit on the west side of Huggard Road will be reduced from 60 km/h to 40 km/h. For other sections of the road, the speed limit will remain unchanged.
New Signage: We are implementing new signage along Huggard Road, including vehicle-activated traffic control speed radar signs (electronic speed signs). These measures are designed to enhance driver awareness and compliance with posted speed limits.
Locations: The traffic calming measures will be implemented east and west of Range Road 33, including Range Road 34.
Timeline: The project is scheduled to take place between May 2025 and June 2025.Additional Safety Improvements: Brushing, increased signage, and other traffic calming measures will be included as part of this initiative.
For more information, please visit the Rocky View County website under Road Updates | Rocky View County or contact Andrea Baron directly at 403.520.3933
Data Centers – On March 4, 2025, Council received a report indicating that global demand for data processing infrastructure is creating an economic opportunity for Alberta and Rocky View County. Several potential investors have approached the County with proposals for the development of large data centres in locations with the necessary energy infrastructure to support these facilities. Council directed Administration to work with two project proponents to begin drafting ASP terms of reference, to raise public awareness of the opportunities, and to consider how to thoughtfully incorporate these opportunities into the County’s planning framework while meeting the project requirements. The proposed process would ensure rigorous standards and additional details for policies and technical studies at the ASP stage are developed to ensure that the public interest is protected.
Don Kochan – Deputy Reeve
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
