Rocky View County candidates tackle business, growth and infrastructure at forum

Rocky View County council candidates outlined their positions on transparency, economic development, infrastructure and growth during a municipal forum last week hosted by the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The forum, moderated by Alberta Chambers of Commerce COO Jason Leslie, featured candidates Milt Scott (Division 5), Allison Colbourne (Division 2), Bev Copithorne (Division 2), Mark Kamachi (Division 1), Alison Whiting (Division 3), Nick Wiebe (Division 7), Crystal Kissel (incumbent, Division 4) and Rolly Ashdown (Division 7).

Transparency in municipal decision-making

Candidates were asked how they would improve clarity for businesses navigating county regulations.

Ashdown said, “I’m a big fan of town hall meetings in person … it gives us an opportunity to understand what it is that people really want.” He added that during his earlier council term, he processed “almost 30,000 emails during the first three years.”

Whiting said it was important to go beyond surface-level engagement: “Rocky View is a little bit notorious for … people kind of roll their eyes and go, ‘Oh, Rocky View, it’s difficult to deal with Rocky View.’”

Scott said trust in the county depends on accuracy: “Often the information is maybe not accurate, and when there is inaccurate information, somebody has to be held accountable … if it’s bad news, well, at least you honour your word.”

Attracting investment

Asked how they would involve business leaders in shaping economic development plans, candidates pointed to both existing efforts and new ideas.

Copithorne said, “We need to go back, possibly, and revisit the 2020 COVID economic recovery plan … we also have to remember that it’s not just about attracting business to generate revenue. We have to attract the right type of business that fits appropriately.”

Ashdown stressed open communication: “When we have open houses, we learn a lot … keeping an open mind to what businesses are looking for, I think, is paramount.”

Colbourne said the county must change its reputation: “We need to show that Rocky View County is open for business … be known as a yes-and kind of place to do business, rather than no.”

Wiebe added that businesses need stability: “It feels like there is always another thing that needs to get checked, and the goal posts are always moving … businesses aren’t looking for moving goal posts.”

Business fees and taxes

On municipal fees and franchise costs, candidates agreed that Rocky View’s lack of a business licensing fee had been a benefit.

Kissel said, “We don’t have a business licensing fee at this time … some businesses actually need a business license from the municipality they work in to access different distributors, so this is a much bigger conversation.”

Kamachi said, “As a resident and business owner, we haven’t had to have a business license and things like that. So something I actually enjoy. It’s just more money in my pocket.”

Scott added, “I’ve never heard of that being a problem, so I don’t know what we would need to do to address [it].”

East Balzac development

Candidates were asked about their vision for East Balzac, a major economic driver.

Kamachi said, “One of the things we have to make sure is there’s a good balance between non-commercial growth as well as our agriculture community … nobody wants to pay a lot of taxes, so it is something we have to really carefully consider.”

Ashdown pointed to the rapid growth in the region: “Over half of the taxes that are coming in now are non-residential … I’d also like to see southeast Rocky View grow a lot.”

Whiting said the county’s development plans already identified East Balzac as a hub: “We have a number of existing ASPs that largely focus on commercial and industrial growth in and around that area.”

Scott urged caution: “It’s pretty dangerous to try to answer off the cuff … I do know that the agricultural people are concerned about encroachment on their lands and their way of living.”

Working with the province on infrastructure

On advocating to the Alberta government for regional projects, Scott said more data was needed before committing to specifics: “I just don’t feel comfortable that we can answer it, just hypothetically.”

Ashdown noted the long-delayed Highway 566 overpass: “I know the overpass that you’re talking about … was planned for about 15 years ago, and they shelved it.”

Kissel pointed to local solutions: “Sometimes it has to be a give and a take. The one thing Rocky View County is very good at is contributing its share through levies.”

Colbourne added, “Sometimes there's an opportunity to have give and take, and so we need to explore all options to make sure people are safe.”

Pressing issues

The final question asked candidates for their top county-wide transportation concerns.

Wiebe said planning needed to be long-term: “In Langdon … our new ASP looks out 40 years … the water study we’re doing … is an important first step. We also need to keep our seniors here in Rocy View.”

Kamachi said wildfire evacuation and road safety in Bragg Creek were priorities: “We need an egress road in Bragg Creek … we need to get proper fire services closer to our area.”

Copithorne said sustainable development must include transit and services: “I think we need to continue working with our urban partners. Put growth where growth makes sense, and build out our existing area structure plans."

Ashdown said delays remain a major barrier: “If we start using some of the levy money and spending it while we're replacing it, instead of waiting till we get it in before we spend anything, then what happens is we end up with an infrastructure that's that's way behind development, and that's unfortunately where we're at right now.”

The forum was hosted virtually and organized by the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce ahead of the October 20 municipal election.