Happy Thanksgiving
Hello!
As we enjoy this long weekend, I want to wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy time with loved ones and appreciate the wonderful division we call home. I also want to say a big thank you to our local farmers for their hard work during this year’s harvest and for their continued contributions to our county.
There is plenty happening across Division 3, from development and infrastructure planning to important conversations about AI data centres. Here are a few updates I wanted to highlight.
AI Data Centres: Your Voice Matters.
While there are no AI data centres planned for Division 3, they are attracting growing interest across Alberta. Decisions about where and how these facilities are developed could have significant implications for land use, water, energy infrastructure, agriculture, and neighbouring communities.
On July 21, I brought forward a motion to place a temporary moratorium on bringing forward new redesignation applications for the Special, Data Centre (S-DAT) land-use district for a decision. That motion passed at Council. The moratorium will remain in place while the County develops its strategy and rules for AI data centres. This gives the County time to better understand the potential impacts of these facilities and decide how they should be managed before considering new applications.
The County is now seeking residents’ perspectives to help shape its longer-term approach, including appropriate facility sizes and locations, infrastructure requirements, environmental considerations, and potential community benefits and impacts.
Here’s how you can have your say:
Complete the County’s online survey: Data Centres and the Emerging Sector Strategy.
Attend the Springbank Open House: Thursday, October 15, from 4–8 p.m. at the Springbank Heritage Club, 244168 Range Road 33.
I encourage Division 3 residents to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share the open house details with neighbours. Your input matters as the County considers how to manage this emerging industry responsibly and in the interests of our communities.
Cochrane Lake: Responsible Growth and Community Improvements.
Development must align with approved plans and available infrastructure
At the October 6 Council meeting, Council approved an interim approach to development applications in the Cochrane North and Cochrane Lake Hamlet Plan areas. Going forward, developers will need to show that their proposals follow the County’s planning policies and that there is enough water and wastewater capacity to support them before they come to Council for consideration. This is an important step in achieving smarter development and that the infrastructure needed to support it is in place.
I will continue to advocate for you that development respects our community’s rural character, follows approved plans, and is supported by adequate infrastructure.
Cochrane Lake Improvement Project
Construction on the Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan is scheduled to begin October 13, 2026. The project aims to improve water quality and stormwater management while enhancing community connectivity with a planned pathway. For more information about the construction happening this fall, check out the project webpage on the County’s website: The Cochrane Lake Improvement Plan Project
Road improvements in the old hamlet
Residents may have also noticed new microsurfacing on Cochrane Lake Trail in the old hamlet. Maintaining our local roads is an important part of supporting our existing communities while planning for future growth.
Bearspaw: Rockland Park Development Proposal.
The proposed Rockland Park development in the City of Calgary continues to be an important issue for residents in and around Bearspaw.
Rocky View County is continuing to communicate with the City of Calgary regarding the proposal and its potential implications for the surrounding area. Intermunicipal collaboration is important when development near municipal boundaries may affect neighbouring communities, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
I will continue to follow this file and advocate for meaningful consideration of the concerns and interests of Division 3 residents as discussions progress.
Stay Connected.
Thank you for staying engaged in the future of our communities. Your questions, feedback, and participation help inform my work as your councillor, and I always welcome hearing from residents across Division 3. As always, feel free to reach out to chat.
Wishing you and your families a safe, happy, and restful Thanksgiving weekend!
