Monklands Soccer Park to maintain current designation

City council voted to maintain the status quo for Monklands Park, located near Ralph McCall School, Feb. 19.

The 2.3-acre site was originally zoned public service district but was not titled a municipal reserve. In 2010, the site was redesignated as a residential medium density multi-dwelling district during a controversial public hearing. The move was made to allow for a Habitat for Humanity affordable housing project. However, the organization decided not to pursue the project.

No detailed analysis has been done for potential uses of the site and there are no plans to do a civic facilities plan this year, according to a staff report.

According to Mark Locking, director of corporate properties and community safety, the site is now being used mainly for overflow parking during events at the soccer fields.

“It’s treated now as an empty lot,” said Locking.

“Overflow parking is primarily the only use of it.”

Locking added Airdrie’s parks department is considering installing an outdoor skating rink complete with boards at the site next winter.

In his report, Locking said the City should maintain the status quo for the site until longterm plans can be put in place for the lot.

“Valuable information would be garnered by looking at (the site) as part of an overall plan,” he said.

Alderman Kelly Hegg expressed concern about leaving the site under its current designation, leaving the door open for another proposal for the site.

“I’m a bit worried, the language of a vacant lot bothers me a little,” said Hegg, who was the sole alderman against maintaining the status quo.

“I’ve always viewed that area as park land. It’s been left to sit. I’d like to see it rezoned back to municipal reserve. There’s not room to stick a housing complex in there of any kind.”