Don Kochan – Division 2
RVC Division 2 news items for your information:
New Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) – Rocky View County is welcoming a new era of leadership with the appointment of Reegan McCullough as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Reegan began his role on October 1. His leadership will be crucial as we continue to enhance our services, manage growth responsibly, and maintain the high quality of life our residents have grown to expect. McCullough brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors. His previous roles include serving as the CAO of Sturgeon County and as the CEO of the Niagara Parks Commission. His background encompasses extensive experience in rural development, infrastructure management, and strategic planning, making him a strong fit for the challenges and opportunities facing Rocky View County.
2024 RVC Organizational Updates – An organization meeting was held on October 15th and the following new appointments were made: Council voted to select Division 3 Councillor Crystal Kissel as Reeve and Division 2 Councillor Don Kochan as Deputy Reeve. As well, Council selected Reeve Crystal Kissel and Deputy Reeve Don Kochan for the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board. Council also approved the creation of the Policy Review Advisory Committee on October 8, 2024. Reeve Crystal Kissel, Deputy Reeve Don Kochan, Councillor Samanntha Wright were selected for the committee.
Springbank Area Structure Plan (ASP) – A lengthy public hearing was held on October 2nd, 2024. There are a number of amendments that Council wishes to introduce therefore the Springbank Area Structure Plan was referred to Administration to allow Administration time to compile amendments received from Council, Administration, and further discuss with the City of Calgary proposed amendments. The Area Structure Plan will return to Council for consideration before the end of November 30, 2024. Please visit www.rockyview.ca/springbank-area-structure-plan for the ASP details.
Petro-Can Application – A special public hearing for Petro-Can’s application to relocate the station from the current Hwy 22 location to just east of Edge School occurred on September 25th, 2024. Many written submissions and public presentations were received voicing their concerns of such a business entity at this location of the community. The biggest concern expressed was on how the traffic was going to be managed, citing how young drivers from the nearby schools and huge B-train trucks are not a good mix. As well, they pointed out once Bingham Crossing develops a lot of pedestrian traffic will occur and have to cross a busy RR33. After considering all presentations, Council unanimously voted to refuse the application since it was not in compliance with County policies and not an appropriate fit in the community.
Westview Interchange Functional Planning Study – Melcor Developments and Qualico Communities, in collaboration with the City of Calgary, Rocky View County, and Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, are developing a functional plan for a new interchange along Highway 1/TransCanada Highway. This new interchange will be located east of Old Banff Coach Road and west of the Valley Ridge and Crestmont neighbourhoods and will accommodate all modes of transportation. The interchange is designed to provide access to new residential neighbourhoods planned for the west of Valley Ridge and Crestmont as part of the West View Area Structure Plan. There are four options that are being considered and an online survey is available at engage. calgary.ca/westview should you wish to provide input into the project. The project has great potential in reducing traffic on Old Banff Coach Road and RR31. For ongoing project updates or more information, visit engage.calgary.ca/westview or email info@islengineering.com
Vacation rentals – The County is considering stricter regulations on vacation rentals, short-term accommodations rented for up to 30 days, to address community concerns. The proposed regulations would allow vacation rentals only on properties where the owner resides. All bedrooms used for rentals would be required to pass a Fire Smart safety inspection. There may also be limits on the number of guests allowed, requirements for adequate onsite parking, and more. An online survey is available from September 16 to October 15 at engage.rockyview.ca. You may also contact the project team to arrange an in-person meeting.
Important Dates
- What We Heard Report: October 25
- Public Hearing of Council: Proposed Land Use Bylaw amendments scheduled for November/December 2024
Bow River Flood Mitigation Reservoir – The Province of Alberta has selected the Ghost River area for the future flood mitigation dam. This means that a number of properties in Springbank Heights Way would not have to be expropriated to accommodate the floodway. This also confirms the ongoing viability of Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, Haskayne Legacy Park and the proposed Trail from Calgary to Cochrane for generations to come.
Don Kochan – Deputy Reeve
Division 2 Councillor
kochandiv2@gmail.com
