Roads, fire prevention big issues for county residents

Rocky View County releases preliminary survey results from input received by residents

Roads, fire prevention, recreation and culture are major priorities for Rocky View residents, according to preliminary results of the County Plan survey.

More than 850 residents in all areas of the county have responded since the survey, which asks residents to identify their top five priorities from a list of 10 options including pathways/trails/parks, watershed management, roads, protective services and recreation/culture, was launched on June 12.

“We have good participation across the county,” said Project Manager Richard Barss.

High concentrations of responses came from the Springbank / Elbow Valley, Bragg Creek and Langdon areas. Several Calgary residents have also voiced their opinion.

Preliminary analysis found roads and fire prevention rank high among priorities of residents across the county, while issues such as recreation and culture are important to those living in specific areas.

According to Barss, participation by age was as expected, with the exception of those ages 15 to 25.

He said only eight per cent of respondents were under 25 and he would like to see more young residents get involved.

“Our aim is to reach as many residents as possible to get a comprehensive picture of what the top priorities are for them,” he said.

“I am very happy we have received such an excellent response from residents and we hope it continues until the close of the survey.”

The survey is just the first stage of the County Plan project, which will be used to guide Rocky View development and services for the next decade and shape decisions on transportation, environment, housing, agriculture and development.

In addition to their priorities, respondents are asked to identify their home and work locations on a map as well as where they shop, recreate or spend significant amounts of their spare time.

The County has extended the survey deadline to Sept. 8 and will be holding information sessions in Redwood Meadows and Langdon this week.

Two sessions will be held at the Redwood Meadows Golf and Country Club on Aug. 28, the first from 6 to 7 p.m. and the second from 7 to 8 p.m. The next day, two more will be held at the Langdon Field House at the same time.

Results will be posted in late September. After that the public engagement process will move into the next phase.

The project will conclude in June 2013.

To participate in the survey or an information session, or for more information, visit www.rockyview.ca/countyplan or call 403-230-1401.