Rocky View County council unanimously approved the redesignation of a portion of land from the Ranch and Farm District to the Business-Leisure and Recreation District to accommodate a golf course, July 5.
The land is located four kilometres north of Airdrie and 1.6 kilometres west of Highway 2. The redesignation will allow for the development of a golf course, clubhouse and driving range on the land.
The walkable, 18-hole course will be named the Apple Creek Golf and Country Club and will feature true championship yardage, five sets of tees and practice facilities.
According to James Mazak with Synergy Planning Inc., the redesignation application process has been ongoing since 2003. Past applications were refused due to concerns with including a 25-unit campground in the application and sewage disposal.
“It’s the first step in several steps to create a public golf course on subject lands. We have the support from the landowners and the application complies with Rocky View policies,” said Mazak.
While the proposal was well received by the land’s neighbouring property owners; one expressed concern over what would be developed on the lands. Frank Jensen said he would object to the development if a campground or go-kart track were to be built on the property. Mazak assured Jensen and council that only a golf course and supporting buildings would be built. He also said that such restrictions would be outlined on the development permit.
Resident Ken Reid also expressed concerns surrounding the conditions of the area’s wells and roads.
“Water is an issue. I’m concerned that some of the wells in the area aren’t very good. If I wanted to put a house (in the area), there may not be enough water,” Reid said. “Council turned down a baseball field recently, and it has the same implications.”
The proposal by Synergy Planning Inc. addressed the water and transportation concerns that were voiced by Reid and Jensen, as well as those of the councillors. The applicants have received approvals from Alberta Environment for the construction of waterworks and wastewater systems and a groundwater diversion licence for golf course clubhouse and irrigation supply. The group has also submitted a Draft Traffic Impact Assessment and is anticipating upgrades to the access road and nearby railroad.
Council was pleased with the group’s proposal and how it addressed the major concerns of both the councillors and the public.
“I think we’ve seen this one before,” said Councillor Greg Boehlke. “There’s been a huge shift in support in the area and it shows the group working with the community. There’s been a lot of work done to get Alberta Enviro permits, which says a lot. If it’s OK with them, it should be OK with us.”
Reeve Rolly Ashdown also spoke in favour of the proposal and the group’s efforts.
“I’m confident that Alberta Enviro has made the right choice and has done it due diligence. It’s a good use of land and a good location,” he said.
