A: The current blend of Residential and Commercial/Industrial tax base in Rocky View is very healthy with commercial activity supporting approximately 30% of the tax load.

   It is important that growth in the county, fully funded by every applicant, is managed so our tax base is developed in a sustainable manner, providing good opportunities for business and new residential choices, without diluting service levels for existing residents. 

In our economically challenging environment, we must also focus some attention inwards to ensure we are using existing tax revenues in an efficient and effective manner, and only expanding services when we can afford it. 

A: Encouraging home-based business, with community support, would be an excellent way to add economic value in our challenging times and reduce commute volumes into Calgary.

Smaller parcels of profitable high-value agriculture with collaboration between livestock and organic operations, would support “eating close to home” and “organic” philosophies, generating high revenues from our excellent farming / ranching soil resource – the same lands that provide high quality water for downstream users.

Supporting commercial / industrial business growth, along major transportation corridors and applicant-funded intersections, will provide additional County revenue with relatively low servicing costs. Targeting specific niches like large-footprint robotic distribution centres could be particularly attractive to business.   

A:  There are a number of areas for social improvements and it is difficult to single one out without being non-inclusive.

In terms of quality of life, interconnected greenspaces, a Springbank core offering coffee shops, brewpubs & restaurants, additional soft recreation opportunities; all these would bring people young and old together and foster a greater sense of community.

An opportunity for aging in place, with more choices for Seniors to stay in the community.

All of these can be addressed and prioritized in a well thought through Springbank Master Plan. Some will be driven by RVC, others will be left for private enterprise to take its course.  

A: No one really knows exactly what will happen jurisdiction-wise with the new Regional Growth Board in place. A new era of regional give and take cooperation will likely be required.

Springbank should be built out in focused growth areas according to its Master Plans. This allows for cost effective infrastructure, cost effective engineering, and cost effective soft-services provision – a central theme in Rocky View’s mission statement. New development should be prioritized into planned areas, with phasing.  This will also serve to maintain the Rural Character of Springbank.

Consideration should be given for infill phasing and full-build out before taking out viable agricultural parcels.  Councillors have responsibility to ensure that the conditions of subdivision are met, and that the admin staff are utilizing and following the frameworks that are in place.

Pushing development along without all bases covered just leads to long-term resident pain, as with the Elbow Valley West development and their sewage issues.  

A new era of cooperation is required, but we must ensure that the rural character of Rocky View is maintained. 

 Commercial development must make sense for the rural setting.   Its challenging to try to put city-style malls and city-style business out in the country. For example lack of public transit to access certain types of workers can be a hurdle.

We should not be competing with the City for their core business, but there is lots of opportunity for business that makes sense in the low-cost rural setting.  Economic development is just not for development’s sake, but is rather a means to an end of a higher quality of life for our rural lifestyle for all Rocky View Residents.

Effective membership on the new Regional Growth Board - More collaborative and consultative - Seek out Best Practice and opportunities for synergies - EXAMPLE: We want potable water and regional sewers to protect our delicate water table – perhaps we offer soft opportunities like linkages in the walking/cycling paths as part of being good neighbors.   Acting in isolation has resulted in significant economic waste and long-term debt and carry costs to Springbank taxpayers.  

It is a legitimate concern.   There are three facets to this discussion: Water Supply; Sewage; Storm Water Management.

The Province prefers a regional water and sewage solution from centralized facilities within the city. Economies of scale, service levels, public safety, arguments prevailing.  

Developments must be setup so in the future the residents are responsible for tie-ins when they are available. Monies could be arranged to be held in reserve for this in trust.   

Post-development has to remain substantially similar to pre-development.    Both in terms of Flow Rate and Volume. Wetland preservation is important for effective surface conveyance for storm water management. 

Drainage in the watershed is interconnected like a chain.  Upstream has to follow the rules.  Downstream has to not modify existing drainages.

County could look at easements for overland conveyance to fix past mistakes they may have made, with funding by:

 - levy 

 - grants 

 - future cost contributions