More than 300 angry community members packed the ballroom at the Delta Hotel in south Calgary on Jan. 22 to hear first-hand Geo-Energy Enterprises Ltd.’s plans to replace Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course with a massive condominium development. The property is currently zoned Special Purpose - Recreation, which protects it from residential or commercial development. Geo-Energy plans to make a rezoning application to the City, which could pave the way for a massive condo development of 1,100 units. This would almost triple
the current population of the community and dramatically impact already serious traffic issues. Go to flyer feb 2009.pdf (68.46 kb) for the rest of the update.

We are very pleased to have received comments from concerned community members either sent directly to SECA or copied to us on emails to City politicians or to Geo-Energy. A lot of thought, time and effort has gone into a number of these emails. All of these communications have been unsupportive of Geo-Energy’s plans. Common themes are:

- Poor meeting communication, location and organization
- Scepticism/cynicism regarding how the City planning/approval process will work
- Fear of what could happen to our mature community
- Concern at a huge condo development in the midst of established housing
- Worries of further local traffic access deterioration
 
SECA was instrumental in advising residents of the Geo-Energy presentation. We remain committed to being your community resource working on behalf of our residents. If you haven’t already provided us with feedback about the Geo-Energy presentation, please do so, preferably by this weekend so that we can collate your responses and prepare a consolidated Community position. A high degree of response to their plans is important for supporting our Community’s position. We will ensure your issues are addressed and resolved by the various interveners.

Gloria Dingwall, President

Shawnee Evergreen Community Association
www.shawnee-evergreen.net

I noticed that in the Geo-Energy development plan brochure that was sent out, they referenced a link to their "Shawnee-Slopes Development Plan Website."  I have added a link to it in the interest of keeping everyone informed.

At the time of this post, it covers only a subset of what was included in the brochure and has very minimal "development plan" content.

Geo-Energy developer Bill Hoes and UMA planner Les Humphrey met with the SECA Board and members of the Land Use Committee on March 15th. They expressed a desire to involve the community in the planning process to develop Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course. They indicated that they plan to meet with the community as part of their planning process and that future consultations are to be the norm and not the exception.

Bill Hoes stated that Geo-Energy has an agreement in place with the current owners of the golf course but the deal has not yet closed. He indicated that there are no conditions on the title (including rezoning of the land) and that they have the money in place. He also said the golf course will continue to operate as a golf course next year. The representatives from Geo Energy have expressed a desire to consult the community before meeting with City Hall.

In terms of timelines, Geo-Energy expects the planning process to take two years. Construction would take place three to four years from now.

Throughout the discussion, Geo-Energy representatives would not share their ideas for development of the golf course, except to say that they will no longer run an 18-hole golf course. Their plans appear to include high-end condominiums (but not high rises) and some local commercial development (but not a “Walmart”), but this is speculation. They did say clearly that they do not intend to clear the land and they hope to integrate existing trees where possible. Unfortunately, they had no answers to concerns raised regarding traffic issues and access to Macleod Trail, which is a major concern to communities south of Fish Creek.

The mandate given to the Land Use Committee by residents is to oppose any development of the land that does not support its use as a golf course. While we recognize and appreciate the gesture of Geo-Energy to include us in their plans to redevelop the land, we need time to consult with the community before we would consider modifying that mandate. The reality is that Geo-Energy must apply to the City with an application to rezone the land. Their success is not a given if we choose to oppose that application. We will carefully consider our options and consult with the community in a town hall meeting shortly.

Guy Matheson
SECA President

The purpose of this email is to update you on two topics:

1.  Shawnee Evergreen Community Association (SECA) is meeting with Geo-Energy Enterprises Inc. on October 15th in a closed session.
2. City approves Alderman’s request to initiate an area structure plan.  

Shawnee Evergreen Community Association (SECA) is meeting with Geo-Energy Enterprises Inc. on October 15th in a closed session.
Geo-Energy Enterprises Inc. is listed on title as the “purchaser of interest” for Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course. I am pleased to say that they have agreed to meet with the SECA Board and the Land Use Committee on October 15th. Following that meeting, we should have some new insight into the status of the sale, whether it’s conditional or not, and what the potential new owner’s plans are. This is an important step in positioning our next steps as a community. 

There are four important things you need to know:

• Although we normally welcome everyone to attend SECA Board meetings, we respectfully ask that only the SECA Board and the Land Use Committee attend this meeting. This is our first opportunity to establish a measure of rapport with the potential new owner. Geo-Energy Enterprises has agreed to meet on the condition that it’s only with the Board and the Land Use Committee. They have indicated a willingness to attend a town hall meeting at a later date. 
• We will communicate in detail what was discussed at the meeting. Look for a follow-up email soon after the meeting. We will also post the details on the website: www.shawnee-evergreen.net
• We fully intend to fight an application to rezone the golf course land for residential development. Our research tells us it’s a fight we can win. 
• We will hold a town hall meeting soon. Date, location and agenda are being finalized. 

City approves Alderman’s request to initiate an area structure plan  

On October 10th, Ward 13 Alderman Diane Colley-Urquhart sent an email message updating residents on her request to initiate an area structure plan that includes our community. The last area structure plan was done in 1991. A copy of her e-mail message is attached, indicating that the motion was passed by City Council.

Although our community is concerned that an area structure plan may not be in our best interest, given the recent sale of the golf course, Alderman Colley-Urquhart assures me that this initiative works in our favour. I am hopeful that she is right but I am also sensitive to the concerns of the community.

We have secured a lawyer with extensive experience in this area. He has advised us that while there is always a risk, he believes the area structure plan review is a good course of action for the community. For example, he has known for years that the traffic forecasts used in the original 1991 area structure plan were grossly under-estimated. A new plan will capture an accurate and updated picture. There is a backlog of work in the City and the area structure plan review will be a long process. Further, he has suggested that any rezoning/redevelopment applications will also be a long process. This can have negative economic impact on any potential purchaser's plans.   

Guy Matheson
President
Shawnee Evergreen Community Association