The dream of Bragg Creek Senior’s Housing Association (BCSHA) members is one step closer to fruition as Rocky View County councillors supported the organization’s rezoning application, June 28.
The decision is the next step in the BCSHA’s quest to construct a 16-unit senior’s residence on three acres of land, donated by resident Richard Koetsier, located in the heart of the hamlet.
“(I am) absolutely ecstatic,” said Karen Norgaard, BCSHA’s vice-chair. “I am walking two feet off the ground. (The facility) is going to be like a little jewel in the foothills.”
The project, for which the BCSHA has already begun fundraising, has been met with no opposition. In fact, the County received no letters in opposition to the 46 adjacent landowner letters circulated.
Norgaard said the project, which the organization hopes to begin next summer, has brought the community together.
“Everybody in the community has come to our fundraisers, we have been over-subscribed,” she said. “We have been met with so much goodwill.”
Resident Allan Breakey agreed, adding this is the only suitable site for the housing project.
“It is not very often that you have consensus in Bragg Creek, let alone complete backing,” said Breakey.
“Projects like this really define the continuity of the community.”
Municipal wastewater and water infrastructure, not yet in place, will provide servicing for the development.
An interim solution includes a sewage-holding tank and water cistern.
The land, which is located close to the hamlet’s main commercial area, is bordered on the west by the Elbow River, placing it fully within the river’s flood fringe and alluvial aquifer, a fact that created concern for several councillors, including Al Sacuta.
Despite those concerns, Sacuta added his vote to the other eight councillors’, to make the decision unanimous.
“I am very pleased you had no opposition here today,” said Councillor Lois Habberfield. “That is a tremendous feat and bodes well for the rest of your project.”
Councillor Rick Butler was impressed with the community’s generosity and cooperation.
“This is the start, I hope, of a very positive new spirit in Bragg Creek,” he said.
For more information on the project, visit www.bcshs.com
