Riverview housing plan revisited as Rocky Mountain House council debates future growth

Finding space to build new homes and buildings in Rocky Mountain House continues to be a hot topic — and it was a focus of town council on Sept. 9.

During the Governance and Committee Priority Meeting (GPC), council discussed four separate items related to development.

Riverview Concept Plan

This plan, discussed as far back as 2005, would see residential lots made available on the far north end of town just off Hwy 11 and 60 St.

The concept includes 51 single-detached lots, 36 semi-detached lots, and a 1.4 acre site for either rowhousing or multi-family development.

The cost for site preparation and servicing to the town was estimated at approximately $22.6 million.

Acting Mayor Len Phillips and Coun. Dale Shippelt both raised concerns about the high cost of development, suggesting higher density could help the town recoup costs.

The plan will be discussed further at a Service Level Review meeting.

Lochearn Park Infill

This plan proposes adding 10 residential infill lots where Lochearn Park currently sits.

A 2017 study identified an overabundance of playgrounds and recommended that Lochearn Park be repurposed — with William Jessop Park in close proximity.

“There’s three parks within a two minute walking distance of each other,” said Coun. Dave Auld. “I think this would be a prime location if we want to go down that road.

If developed, the lots would be estimated at $98,000.

Coun. Tina Hutchinson stressed that this plan isn’t going to be happening “tomorrow”, but rather a concept for housing development, should a grant become available.

Before anything happens, a public hearing would be required. CAO Dean Krause also suggested council could opt to meet with the residents or hold an open house.

This plan will be discussed further at a Service Level Review meeting.

Potential infill residential lots at Lochearn Park. (Invistec Consulting Ltd.)

Hwy 11 entrance signs

Council discussed plans for adding downtown entrance signs, directing motorists off Hwy 11 at 52, 50 and 47 avenues.

Coun. Dale Shippelt inquired whether the proposal was premature, as the town has already been busy working its way through a separate wayfinding sign project.

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He adds, potential plans to twin Hwy 11 through town could further complicate matters.

To avoid the project collecting dust and being forgotten, it’ll be part of discussions during this year’s Service Level Review meeting.

École Rocky Elementary School site

A few ideas were discussed for if and when the École Rocky Elementary site gets turned back over to the town.

One idea would be for a new emergency services building at the site, housing police and firefighting.

Again, however, the looming possibility of Hwy 11 twinning near the site created more questions than answers.

As there are many unknowns, the item was accepted by council for information.

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