Last fall, the community learned that the owners of the Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course had received an offer to purchase the land for residential development. Although the offer fell through, it became clear that we had to mobilize if we wanted to influence the changing landscape of our community. The Shawnee-Evergreen Community Association formed a Land Use Committee, which has been working on the golf course issue from two perspectives:

• Preparing to oppose an application from a future buyer to rezone the golf course land for residential development.
• To work with Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course representatives to find solutions that are agreeable to the community.  

• Highbury (240 units) across from Fish Creek LRT station,
• Canvas by Medican (300+ units) north of Sobeys,
• Evergreen Grove (193 units) in the heart of Evergreen, and
• Sanderson Ridge by Medican (354 units) north of 146 Ave SW in Evergreen.  

 We already have traffic problems that impact our daily commute and they will continue to grow when these developments open their doors to thousands of new residents. Now, imagine the impact of filling the many hectares of golf course land with more residential development. It’s scenarios like this that the volunteers are currently researching in preparation to oppose any future rezoning application.  

 Traffic is one area that the Land Use Committee is researching, but there are others including utilities, density and the relationship between the golf course and Fish Creek Park.  

 Approximately one dozen volunteers are actively engaged in research under the able direction of John Ackermans, a recently retired project manager. Although many live in the community, it is interesting to note that several volunteers are from neighbouring areas. They recognize the potential impact of losing the golf course to residential development and have stepped forward to lend their expertise.  

 This is a well organized, professional research team and they continue to welcome new volunteers each month. If you are interested in getting involved, we have a spot for you. You can expect to spend no more than two to three hours a week on this project. Feel free to contact me directly if you would like to learn more. We welcome any questions you may have about the work of the Land Use Committee and our efforts to prevent residential development of the golf course.  [edited for website by Norm Rousseau] You can click here, or on the Contact tab in the upper right corner of this site, and submit a short note or attach a file. We’ll get back to you directly and, if appropriate, post our response online.   

Richard Arnold
Chair,
Land Use Committee
Shawnee Evergreen Community Association
403-236-9350 / arnoldrm@shaw.ca 

Land Use Committee Update

 When Shawnee Evergreen Community Association (SECA) called a community meeting to discuss the potential sale of the Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course on November 13th, 2007, more than 220 people attended the event. Concern was palpable. The Golf Course had received an offer to purchase and we faced the grim potential of losing the property to residential development. The Community was motivated to act. News that the offer to purchase had fallen through shortly before Christmas offered welcome relief. However, it is reasonable to assume there will be other offers. Since Christmas, the owners of the Golf Course have sold two residential lots adjacent to the course on Evergreen Street and Shawnee Drive. Although not confirmed, this may be an indication of the owners’ continued intention to sell the Golf Course. Given the impact this will have on the Community, we are requesting a formal meeting with Golf Course representatives to discuss the owners’ plans for the property. As a Community, we are not privy to negotiations between the owners and potential buyers. Our first significant opportunity to influence the sale will happen when a potential buyer applies to the City of Calgary to have the Golf Course land rezoned from recreational to residential use. We do not know when this will happen, so we need to be prepared in advance. The Land Use Committee is hosting a meeting on the evening of March 18th to recruit volunteers and discuss plans to research areas relevant to opposing a land use rezoning proposal (e.g., traffic and environmental impact). At the time of this article, the meeting had not yet taken place but we are hoping for a good turn out.

When the Community meeting was held on November 13th, more than 60 people signed up to volunteer. When contacted later, after the Golf Course sale fell through, enthusiasm waned and fewer people were inclined to help. While understandable – we’re all busy – we need to recognize the continued urgency of this situation. If we are unprepared, we will lose this fight. Alternatively, if we work together, we can shape this Community’s landscape. We have the right to ask that the land be retained for recreational use. 

If you are concerned about the impact of losing 54-hectares of Golf Course land to residential development, please consider joining our volunteers. It’s not all hard work; in fact, it’s a great way to learn more about the community and meet your neighbours. Sue Saunders, our Volunteer Coordinator, can tell you more about the wide variety of ways to get involved. You can reach her at sue@suesaunders.com and 256-7563. All hands are welcome.

Land Use Committee Update

As the Calgary Herald reported on January 31st (“Neighbours claim victory in redevelopment battle”), Shawnee Evergreen residents breathed a sigh of relief when we heard that the potential offer to purchase Shaw-Nee Slopes Golf Course fell through shortly before Christmas. Although the golf course land is privately owned, the community is concerned that redevelopment will dramatically change the landscape and the quality of life for all residents south of Fish Creek – not only those who live on or near the golf course. For example, the new Highbury development near the Fish Creek LRT will add 240 units of high density housing. Imagine the additional impact of rezoning the golf course’s 54-hectares for residential development… anyone south of Fish Creek who commutes to work or school will feel the impact.

Last fall, when we heard the golf course owners were considering an offer to purchase, the Shawnee Evergreen Community Association (SECA) organized a community meeting. More than 220 residents attended the November meeting, which is an indication of the community’s high level of concern. Residents had an opportunity to ask questions of panel members Alderman Diane Colley-Urquhart, Shawnee Evergreen Community Association President Guy Matheson, Land Use Committee Chair Richard Arnold and committee members Norm Rousseau and David Jacobs. Sue Saunders, Past President of the Community Association, acted as moderator. Residents raised a variety of concerns regarding environmental impact, property values, traffic congestion, etc. A written summary of the Q & A is available on the SECA website at www.shawnee-evergreen.net.

At the meeting, residents also learned that the Association has created a Land Use Committee to focus on this important issue. Although one potential sale fell through, it is reasonable to assume that there will be other offers – and SECA will be prepared.

The Land Use Committee’s able-bodied team of volunteers has already established a strategy framework and a communications plan. They are also researching community impact in preparation for any future application by developers to rezone the land from its current designation as recreational use to residential development.

The Land Use Committee needs volunteers in a variety of areas. If you would like to help in a big or small way, please contact Sue Sanders, our Volunteer Coordinator at sue@suesaunders.com, (403)256-7563. All hands are welcome.

The Land Use Committee has been spreading the news about the current status of the golf course through emails, phone calls, the SECA website www.shawnee-evergreen.net and this newsletter. If you would like to be included in the email or phone call distribution list, please contact the Land Use Committee’s Communications Lead, Divona Herzog, at Divona@herzog-associates.com, (403)254-1672.

Richard Arnold
Chair, Land Use Committee
Shawnee Evergreen Community Association
(403) 236-9350/ arnoldrm@shaw.ca

Woodbine, Woodlands, Canyon Meadows (SW), Shaw-Nee Slopes, Evergreen,Millrise, Bridlewood
#311A, 2525Woodview Drive SW,T2W 4N4, 238-1212, calgary.lougheed@assembly.ab.ca

Happy New Year, Everyone! It has been a pleasure to meet personally with thousands of you (from Students to Seniors!) again this year: on your doorsteps, in our office, at our Town Hall & Round-Table Sessions, over the phone, via e-mail/fax/letter, at our Annual “Picnic in the Park”, and in the community at large. 2007 has been a truly fascinating year; and 2008 is shaping up to be every bit as exciting!

It has been an honour to have served as your MLA for the past three years; & I am extremely pleased to report that in that time, our hard work together has really been paying off.We have been awarded 3 new schools in Calgary-Lougheed: Bridlewood Elementary K-4, Evergreen Catholic Elementary, and Evergreen Public Elementary. Additionally, all of the upgrades in Fish Creek Park have been completed—on time, and on budget. On top of that, we can look forward to the new South Calgary Health Campus—the largest facility of its kind in the world. Congratulations to all on a job very well done! Re: on-going issues, I will continue to work closely with the Shawnee-Evergreen Community Association on a desirable outcome to the Shawnee Golf Course situation. I will also continue to work diligently on issues that affect us across the province, while focusing on concerns in our riding--including the SW Ring Road.  Last year I put forward a motion in the Legislature to have an agreement put in place that would see construction begin this year; and I am still hopeful for that. I have asked some challenging questions about this in question period, and have spoken in depth about this with Infrastructure department personnel, the Minister in charge, City Planners, the Mayor, First Nations officials, and Federal Government employees--very regularly over the past 3 years; thankfully, all sides are motivated to reach an agreement. Here’s the latest: property value appraisals are expected shortly, the Tsuu Tina will vote on the proposal, the city and federal government will move to approve the arrangement, and our provincial government will then finalize payment. I am very pleased to tell you that I have spoken personally with Premier Stelmach about this on a number of occasions: he is completely aware of the history, and current status; and is actively, personally involved in working on a solution at the first possible opportunity. We will keep on fighting for this road until we are driving on it!

Our provincial government has made great strides this year. We resolved the Teacher Pension Unfunded Liability, and finalized the “Municipal Sustainability Initiative” (which will help our local communities more than ever before--$11.3 Billion!). We invested more than ever before in history in new & upgraded schools, post-secondary institutes, health infrastructure, & new paved roads ($4.1 Billion).

We are focused on 3 priorities in 2008: building communities, greening our growth, and creating opportunity. We will work to ensure our high quality of life is sustained and enhanced; will take bold action to deepen a strong environmental ethic, and secure long-term prosperity for all Albertans. And we are well on our way: “Calgary is the most dynamic and attractive city in Canada” says a new report from the Conference Board of Canada, based on economy, innovation, environment, education, health, society, and housing…& “Alberta leads in home ownership growth: higher incomes, economic stability cited as factors” (Calgary Herald, A1 & D3, Dec. 12, 2007). Albertans lead the country in virtually every economic category: we have the lowest unemployment rate, pay the lowest overall provincial taxes, and enjoy the highest personal disposable income per capita in the country. While all of this progress is impressive on many levels, it also brings with it a host of growing pains and difficult choices; so we must be vigilant if we are to continue to improve the well-being of our families, our province, and our country. I personally invite you to join me in being extremely active in our efforts to make Calgary-Lougheed, Alberta, and Canada the best they can be.

Annual Aldermanic Expenses

The 2007 year-end Ward office expense reports were made public at the end of January, 2008.  These expenses are to pay for assistant’s salaries, communications, business expenses, travel, and courses.  All Aldermen were allotted $126,205 for 2007. 

Budgets are set for a reason; however, I do not need to spend more than is necessary to do my job effectively for the resident’s of Ward 13 and the city of Calgary.  One of the things I do not do much of is travel – I find that I have more that enough to do right here in Calgary.

I am pleased to report that I was one of the two thriftiest members of Council, spending only $74, 917 or 59% of my budget.

Calgary Transit Safety Audit

Everyday there are 550,000 boardings on Calgary Transit and a large majority of them are law-abiding Calgarians traveling around the city.  However, crime on transit is occurring and the perception of riders is that their personal safety is at risk.

On 2008 January 21, Alderman Farrell and I brought before Council a Notice of Motion requesting that a comprehensive safety audit of Calgary Transit be conducted.  I am pleased to say that this passed Council unanimously.  Hundreds of you contacted me to let me know of your own person experiences on the trains and buses.

Given the emphasis that the City places on encouraging Calgarians to leave their cars at home and use public transportation, the growing concerns from riders should not be underestimated.  The safety audit will break down crime statistics, the ability to respond to incidents and rider’s perception of cleanliness and safety while using the system.  The safety audit is NOT to create a climate of fear, but to address the concerns brought forward but those who make use of the system.

The next step is to have the Audit Committee review, prepare the Terms of Reference, and present them to Council in April 2008.  Council then approves the Terms of Reference and the safety audit will commence with a report back to Council at its’ conclusion.

Ward 13 Traffic Warrant Studies

As a result of safety concerns expressed to my office, we asked City Administration to evaluate locations throughout the ward for enhanced safety measures, in particular traffic signals.  Counts and analysis were conducted during the summer and early fall.  Results and recommendations were included in Roads’ annual warrant studies report to the November meeting on Land Use Planning and Transportation where they were added to the citywide priority list.  Below is a list of those intersections that were studied and that will have traffic signals installed during the 2008 construction season.

*The intersection of 162nd Avenue & 24th Street SW (warrant score of 58) warrants a 4-way stop due to its’ collision history.  As per Council approved policy, based on sound engineering principles, whenever an intersection with a very wide centre median warrants a multi-stop, it is also deemed to warrant a traffic signal, regardless of warrant score.

As always, you can contact my office regarding this or any other civic matter at 268-1624, by email at dcolley@calgary.ca, or through my website, www.aldermandiane.ca.  Alternatively, you can contact ‘311.’