Rocky View County Reeve Lois Habberfield announced the formation of a special task force to help define the direction of growth in Rocky View County, July 6.
The task force, which has a budget of $85,000, will meet to discuss growth issues and their potential impacts on the county.
“It’s a sincere attempt to hear from the people,” said Habberfield. “It will be challenging and interesting. It is not an easy task.”
In addition to its discussions, the task force will host a minimum of three Town Hall meetings in order to gauge public sentiment.
The process is expected to take five months and will culminate in a final report to the reeve.
The report will contain recommendations for community planning, managing growth, open spaces, services, infrastructure and community engagement.
Long-time Bearspaw resident and lawyer Stan Church will chair the 16-member task force, to include residents and business people.
“It is going to be a daunting task to listen to all the views of Rocky View and try to reach a consensus,” said Church.
Cameron Wallace, a 10-year resident of Pinebrook Estates with a background in real estate and development, was named to the task force.
He said the task force is a “very positive, very proactive” move.
“Council has been very wise in their choice of people,” said Wallace. “My hope in serving on the committee is that we will help define the future of Rocky View. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Kim Magnusson has lived in Springbank for 10 years and is active on committees such as the Springbank Community Planning Association and the Central Springbank Task Force.
As a community member often in opposition to council’s growth plans in the Springbank area, she was surprised she was asked to be part of the task force.
“I think it is a great first step,” said Magnusson. “My hope is that we can take an honest look at growth and development. I hope the report we send back will be seriously considered by council.”
Once the report is received, an action plan will be developed by Rocky View County. The report will be used as a tool for council, rather than a guiding document.
Rob Coon, Rocky View County’s Chief Administrative Officer, is confident in the ability of the task force to gauge public sentiment and help the County plan its growth.
“That our County is changing and will continue to change in months and years to come is inevitable,” said Mr. Coon.
“It is vital that we manage this change in tandem with those who are most affected by it. Every interest group is represented within the Task Force, and every county resident with a vision and a voice is welcome to attend the Town Hall meetings. The ultimate goal of this exercise is to create a collective, resident-driven vision for the future of our county.”
