Dear Constituents:
I have been meeting with many residents in our community to hear your concerns and feedback on SWCRR. We know how important the Ring Road is to Calgarians—a it will help families spend more time together, improve the safety of our roads, and create good jobs in the process.
We are working closely with our partners in Alberta Transportation, Tsuu T’ina Nation, KGL Constructors and local residents-concerns were put forward to the respective Ministers and concrete action is being taken to mitigate traffic, safety, noise and environmental hazards during the construction of the Southwest Calgary Ring Road (SWCRR)
As a result of concerns put forward by a citizens group on protecting Beaver Pond or Wetland 6, The Minister of Environment and Parks carefully considered the recommendations of the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) to determine how to best achieve our goals as they relate to the Wetlands.
In response, the Minister of Environment and Parks signed a Ministerial Order directing Alberta Transportation and KGL Constructors to undertake additional protection of wetlands disturbed by the construction of the SWCRR. Also, reassessment of all the wetlands per the 2013 Alberta Wetland Policy.
The order will allow this project to continue but will prohibit any work from affecting the Beaver Pond and will require Alberta Transportation and KGL Constructors to monitor the water quality and quantity in the pond.
Timelines for completion of the SWCRR will not be affected with an expected completion in 2021 with roughly 91 kilometres of free-flowing travel. The SWCRR is a landmark project for Calgarians, and our government is committed to moving forward with the project in a responsible way that provides better protections and monitoring of these wetlands. Please feel free to contact us as it is my privilege to serve you as your MLA.
