Residents want reassurance on growth plan’s scope

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Residents of Wheatland County voiced concerns in a public hearing April 2, regarding the imbedding of the interim Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan (CMRGP) to Wheatland County’s Land Use Bylaws (LUB) 2018-36 and Municipal Development Plans (MDP) Bylaw 2018-40.
Residents voiced doubt the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB) oversight will bring positive results to Wheatland County residents.
“We find ourselves wondering who and why we are being tied to a plan that involves the City of Calgary? Because of many past (negative) involvements with the rules and changes that Calgary has forced upon us as taxpayers, we cringe at what our rights will be overlooked at…,” wrote S. Karsten in a letter to the county.
Resident Danny Thiessen asked if council is protecting the current area service plans that are in place. He felt it was a waste of applicants’ time and money, if that wasn’t the case.
Reeve Amber Link assured him the existing area service plans were grandfathered in, but any new amendments to them would have to go to the CMRB under the new guidelines.
Gail Cleeve asked about refused applications and if there was an appeal process with the CMRB.
“My concern is that you have a city council that has no clue about agriculture, absolutely nothing,” said Cleeve.
“In regards to appeal, there is currently no appeal process,” said CAO Alan Parkin.
As well, he indicated there was currently no appeal for members on a City of Calgary veto. He said council was fighting hard for an appeal process in both instances.
“The voting structure of the board was a provincial mandate. We are undertaking advocacy efforts regarding the voting structure,” said Reeve Amber Link.
She indicated that discussions during the CMRB advocacy committee involved diverse issues and priorities between urban and rural municipalities and discussion was contentious. She stated with the current election, residents should be bringing this appeal process front and centre to their candidates.
Parkin indicated council members have fought to reduce the amount of Wheatland County land covered under the plan. The east boundary was moved from Highway 21 to Range Road 243.
Wheatland County representatives on the various committees have been championing the rural concerns. Phase 1 of an agricultural background report was approved at the Jan. 24 CMRB land use committee. Parkin said members are giving their input at committee level, rather than letting the board decide the policy, so that rural interests can be voiced.
When applications are forwarded to the CMRB, much of the criteria are similar to the criteria already used by Wheatland County evaluations, for example, attention to plans such as the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, environmental concerns, wetland encroachment, optimal land usage, contributions to the community services and fit within the existing or future infrastructure.
However, the interim CMRGP also proposes higher residential densities and does not mention agricultural interests, which is again a concern for Wheatland County farmers.
Under the CMRGP principals and objectives, it is stated the board uses the information to provide high-level guidance on regionally significant topics. The document states the benefits and challenges of growth extend beyond municipal boundaries and require coordination and collaboration between municipalities.
The recent minutes of the CMRB stated issues or projects would be discussed in the spirit of consensus building, fact-based information sharing and collaborative decision making. The province has mandated all municipalities negotiate intermunicipal agreements with their bordering municipalities.
In some instances, the big picture thinking may improve organization where major roads and utility corridors are placed and alleviate situations where one municipality denies responsibility for situations that arise after development approval has been given. Looking at the bigger picture may also help manage the shortage of water that intense residential development causes in some counties or manage excess storm water issues along intermunicipal pathways.
“Currently the board is working on the plans that will go to the minister for approval. The interim plan is what the municipalities have to work with. Currently it is for higher density developments,” said Kim Sandbeck, development officer with Wheatland County. “We are doing status quo now; everything is go until the new plans are developed and approved.”
The final Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth and Servicing Plan will be fully established within three years.
The plan includes Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Rocky View County, Okotoks, High River, Municipal District of Foothills No. 21 and part of Wheatland County. The following areas west of the fourth meridian in Wheatland County are under the plan: TWSP23 R24 S28-33, S19-21; TWSP23 R25 S19-36; TWSP23 R26 S19-36; TWSP24 R24 S4-9, S16-21, S28-33; TWSP24 R25 all sections; TWSP24, R26 all sections.
The plan indicates any development, subdivision and future planning will fall under the CMRGP board’s regional evaluation framework. The CMRGP board will make recommendations on growth and servicing to the minister for these areas, and resolve issues in the preparation and implementation of the plan. Each region will submit major statutory planning and amendments to the board, excluding some of the minor decisions that will not need review. The complete plan can be seen on the Wheatland County website under the April 2, 2019 agenda, starting at page 55.
“I want to make it perfectly clear I am not in favour of these bylaws. We are mandated to support these bylaws. It is the choice we have been given,” said Deputy Reeve Glen Koester.
Some county residents wonder why the decisions of elected officials are being double checked by a regional board, partially financed by Wheatland County taxpayers. Each region will be required to send financial support for initiatives under the plan. The exact cost the partners will have to contribute has not yet been determined.