It is hard to believe that four years have gone by so quickly, but here I am writing my last update to you as a member of Rocky View’s 2017-2021 Council.
Lots has transpired over the past four years and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on your municipal council, it has been my absolute pleasure to represent you. While there is no doubt that there has been strife on this Council, there have also been numerous great accomplishments for our community.
On the capital projects front, securing $5 million for the Meadow Drive drainage project and $500,000 for the RR25 / Burma Rd project were tremendous wins for the residents of Division 8. While this is a solution for these areas today, it will provide the ability for tie-ins to other areas that suffer from trapped water in our community.
On the major development front, Bearspaw saw the Scott pit, Damkar proposal and the Ascension application. Each of these applications saw neighbours unite and groups and friendships form as residents rallied together in opposition. Well done, Bearspaw!
With regards to the Scott pit, while many would have preferred to see this Council create solid policy around gravel extraction, Bearspaw residents set a whole new bar for public participation going forward. The number of residents speaking on the application surpassed any other public hearing of this Council’s term and the organization of the opposition was formidable.
While the outcome for the Ascension development was not what the community wanted, you all should be proud. At time of writing, Ascension’s fate is in the hands of the CMRB and the revised Damkar application will be coming forward under the new council. Please stay informed and engaged. We all choose to live in Rocky View for a reason and you need to make sure your council reflects your values and opinions in its decision-making.
Regardless of the outcome in the upcoming election, I truly hope that you will remain committed to participating in the process of how you want our Bearspaw to look. The Bearspaw Area Structure Plan will be coming forward under the next council, hopefully with some fulsome public engagement. Please participate, stay strong and remain united – we have seen firsthand what working together can accomplish.
The municipal election is on Monday, October 18th. A reminder that the electoral boundaries have changed – Bearspaw is now divided into two divisions, with Highway 1A as the dividing line. Those who reside south of Highway 1A will be in the new division 3, while those north will be in the new division 4. Many Rocky View elections are won by small margins – so, please vote!!!
With deepest gratitude for your support throughout my term. Wishing you all the very best
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