Langdon showcases community campus

Times Contributor    

 

A vision of the future was presented at Langdon School on Jan. 31, where the North Bow Community Facility Board (NBCFB) showcased the Master plan for the Langdon Community Campus and subsequent development of future development proposals.

The Community Campus is a combined effort of NBCRB working with the Rocky View School Division (RVSD) and Rocky View County (RVC). The RVSD and RVC are in a 50/50 cost share agreement for the Community Campus Plan. 

“They are so many synergies that happen with a project like this. Both sides get to save a little bit of dollars. It is good for community and gets people out there together,” said Bev LaPeare, Rocky View School Trustee.

The recreation centre is run by and for the community, but will be utilized in part by school programs. In return, the school will allow summer programming when it is idle.

“Wherever the school can work with the community, and the community can work with the school division, it’s a win-win,” said LaPeare.

“It’s a two-way partnership. It’s a good thing. I am really excited.”

There is a tentative build date for 2015 on the high school, pending government approval. The school will have a capacity for growth up to 1,050 students. They are hoping to obtain government grants for the complex as well.

“When it comes to approval, I think we will be looked upon more favourably than if we were doing a project by ourselves. They are talking about schools working with the communities. The minister has come right out and said that wherever we can have a school link up with a community  project, that is what they are looking for,” said La Peare.

The total 48 Acre property site, where the complex will be built, was purchased by the county and school board, with a feasibility study done in 2004. The Community Campus is the first phase of the Development Vision. Fundraising is needed for the site preparation and the development of the four ball diamonds/three multi-use/soccer fields.

In 2012, the County directed $50,000 for the development of fundraising strategies for a fundraising campaign and NVCFB has an initial goal of raising $5 million. Multiple phases follow that will develop indoor/outdoor amenities including things like a swimming, library, fitness/wellness centre, and ice arena – places that will serve the needs of children, families and seniors. Theatre Arts, parks and recreation are also part of the vision. The projected cost for the completion of all the subsequent phases will be close to $30 million. For a more detailed picture check out the feasibility study at www.rockyview.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fxpQG-Wjg7M%3D&tabid=847

“It’s time for the boundaries of Langdon to expand,” said Peter Loats, NVCFB Board member.

John Imanse is a local home builder; he attended to see how the town was going to develop. 

“I would like to see it grow. I would like to see a high school, and more stuff for the kids, it’s all good,” said Imanse.

He would also like to see some more commercial growth. There is need for a town grocery store.

NBCFB also opened the event to several developers interested in helping Langdon expand. 

Garret Wolhberg, Senior Manager, Design and Communications, was discussing Qualico’s plan for houses in Langdon with event goers.

“What we are seeing here is a start of what Langdon could be,” said Wolhberg. “All the developers are out here because we see the potential.”

He said people at the open house are asking when houses will go up. With Langdon’s near vicinity to Calgary and new business on Calgary’s east side developing, it is a perfect commuter distance. Wohlburg said buyers are looking for country lifestyles, close to urban amenities.