Land Redesignation, Development Permits, and Building Permits.

New Proposal

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We are in the process of seeking neighbor approval for a revised plan which eliminates the 21 room hotel and 500 seat banquet hall.  This will reduce the volume of traffic and noise.  We seek to redesignate the north portion of the land so it can accommodate single-family homes with lots that will allow for 2 horses.  We trust our neighbors will appreciate these changes while still allowing for higher and better use of the land.  The Connections Course will take several years to develop.

Audio from the 2012 Hearing – Brad Carter, Neighbor and Business Owner

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For the benefit of those unable to attend – this 4-minute audio is of neighbor and business owner, Brad Carter, speaking in support of the Land Redesignation and eventual development of Chinook Ridge Lodge & Golf Course.

Neighbor, Randy Harnack’s Letter and Audio – 2012 Redesignation Hearing

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Randy Harnack speaking and writing in support of both Land Redesignation and development of Chinook Ridge Lodge & Golf Course.  Unfortunately, during the Redesignation Hearing, the Rocky View County staff lost the photographs discussed in this audio so those are unavailable but here is the 4-minute audio portion of the Hearing.  The letter they are referring to is below and as Randy Harnack mentions in his letter there were other local area farmers who declined to rent the land due to its topography, small fields, and rock outcroppings or wetlands.

Audio of John Ablett – Redesignation Hearing

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Audio of John Ablett, business advisor, economic development specialist, and elected official speaking on behalf of the redesignation application and development of Chinook Ridge Lodge & Golf Course.

Audio of Kathy Fenton, local area Business Woman

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This 5 1/2 minute audio is of Kathy Fenton, owner of Fenton Bus Lines, Fenton Quarter Horses, and local landowner speaking in support of the Redesignation of the land and development of Chinook Ridge Lodge & Golf Course.

Back to the drawing board:)

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So the neighborhood didn’t like the most recent plan for a Castle, RV Park, and a 9-hole course (pictured below). Not sure these folks will like any changes but must hope they do. I am preparing three alternative plans for them to review. I am just waiting for concept plans which should be out next week.  This would have been ideal for bringing tourists into the area who would then explore other tourism venues and spend tourist dollars at local restaurants, shops, etc.

 

Neighborhood Support for Development

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Letters From People in Support of Chinook Ridge

Prior to the Land Redesignation Hearing Chinook Ridge received 105 letters of support from most where from neighbors (Dogpount to Bottrel) but also others who wanted to visit and use the facility.  At the time of the Hearing over 80 people came out to stand in support at Council Chambers, they had to bring in extra seating.  Some drove themselves to the Hearing while others rode in a bus I provided – due to lack of parking at the old County office.

An additional 56 letters of support were written by business owners and employees in and around Water Valley and Cremona areas, people who realized what economic benefits tourists bring to the area.

Unfortunately, not everyone has this vision of economic vitality, rather they exhibit a negative attitude towards ‘new-comers, tourists, etc’ in a ‘not in my back-yard’ fashion.

SUCCESSFUL – Land Use Redesignation Hearing – Bylaw C-7188-2012

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On November 6, 2012, RVC Council passed Bylaw in a 7/2 vote redesignating the land to Business, Leisure & Recreation (B, L & R) for the purpose of building an 18-hole golf course, a 21 room hotel with a banquet hall for 500, 15 RV Stalls, and 15 campsites (with spa, spike room, etc).  Here are Council’s comments:

And the Bylaw Passed!

 

Audio of the 2012 Land Re-designation Hearing

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This is only for those that missed the 2012 Hearing and have questions about how Rocky View County Council made the Decision to create Bylaw C-7188-2012, what opposition was heard and what aspects were considered.  It is in 4 parts due to size limitations on uploads.

Original NOTICES from Rocky View Weekly

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I am in the process of having the original 2012 Land Re-designation Hearing audio tapes copied to clear uploadable files and will post them here when available. The opening remarks by RVC Planner Rick Michelinko clearly indicate that the application was to construct an 18-hole golf course, a 21 room hotel with a banquet hall to seat up to 500, 15 campsites, and 15 RV stalls. (spas and spike bar in the lower level were also included but not specified).

This application was SUCCESSFUL and passed by RVC Council on a 7 to 2 vote in favor of the Bylaw changing the land use to Business, Leisure & Recreation use.

 

Then the subsequent Development Permit for the identical purpose as the redesignation.  Unfortunately, RVC staff was less clear in the wording.

Unfortunately, I let this Development Permit lapse for personal reasons related to my spousal relationship but soon followed by the dire need of one of my foster kids who got into a whole mess of trouble.

When I resumed the idea of developing I changed the proposal and increased the number of RV Stalls to 81 and the design and location of the building.  I wanted a ‘different’ style of building as the Mountain View Heritage Center is a refurbished barn so I chose a Castle design to be unique.  The new location offered more privacy visually; the trees and lower elevation would help buffer both sight and sound and was in response to neighbor concerns about the potential for impaired drivers.  This way there would be no reason to leave impaired.