I would like to express deep gratitude and appreciation to my fellow Planning and Development team members, Cara Molnar, Eileen Teasdale, Steve Berman, Denis Ho, David Field, Don Macleod, Patrick Sinclair, Yvonne Harper, and Renee Alessio, who have stepped up to help on this committee. We welcomed three new members this year and welcome anyone who is interested in joining us. Steve Berman and David Field are stepping away after serving for two years and we extend sincere appreciation for their efforts on this committee. I will also be stepping down as Director of Planning and extend many thanks to Cara Molnar for volunteering to be the new Director.
Over the past year we have seen development of, and applications for, the following properties in our West Springs/Cougar Ridge Community.
Legend: AT= Alberta Transportation; CR=Cougar Ridge; DP=Development Permit; OBCR=Old Banff Coach Road; WR=West Ridge; WS=West Springs; WCRR=West Calgary Ring Road.
Road Works
West Calgary Ring Road
- The WCRR is expected to be completed in 2024.
- We have a dedicated volunteer working with AB Transportation to ensure that residents’ concerns are heard.
- Construction of south section of WCRR began in earnest this spring, concentrating on intersections at OBCR, Bow Tr, and 17th Ave SW.
- Blasting is completed for the portion north of OBCR. The contractor has an allowance for blasting in the section south of OBCR, but we have no details as to when or where this may occur, if at all.
- Homeowners with cracking complaints need to go through their homeowners’ insurance for resolution.
- We are requesting AT hydroseed the banks along Cougar Ridge but AT states they will address this after WCRR completion. We urge residents with dust complaints to contact AT.
- We are working with the City to complete the pathway link along the western edge of our community once the ring road is completed. This pathway will extend from Valley Ridge to HWY 8.
- There will also be pathways/sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists across WCRR at OBCR, Bow Trail, and 17th Ave.
Traffic
- Residential speed limit for unposted streets was reduced from 50 to 40 km/hr. this spring.
- Bow Trail speed limit was recently increased from 60 to 70 km/hr. between 85th St and 9th St SW.
- Traffic by WS/WR Schools: Engagement with the Traffic Safety Unit last year to find solutions to traffic issues around our schools resulted in speed bumps being installed on Wentworth Ave and a four-way stop on 9th Ave at 89th St SW.
- 85th St and CR Dr SW: Police surveillance this intersection after we received complaints that drivers were not stopping at the four-way stop. City installed extra stop signs and warning of upcoming stop signs in medians.
- 85th St and Paskapoo Dr SW: Working with the City to get lane painting done where median ends to notify drivers that two lanes reduce to one lane, and no passing is allowed.
- Old Banff Coach Road Completion: Working with City to complete OBCR between 85th St. and 77th Ave. SW. Ward 6 office assures us it will be completed in 2021.
- Cycling Lanes: Due to increased traffic as West District and West Springs Landing are built out, WSCRCA is urging the City to complete a cycling infrastructure for WSCR main streets. This will help ensure the safety of cyclists and reduce vehicular traffic.
Land Development
West District
- The first five-storey residential building on 77th St SW is complete and being rented.
- DP for two additional five-storey buildings along 77th St to the north is in application stage. WSCRCA submitted concerns with respect to a “wall” and “tunnel” effect of three five-storey buildings along 77th St. and requested a reduction to four stories and include a “stepped down” design.
- Recent DP for a three-storey condo building west of WS Church on 78th St SW.
West Springs Landing
- 85th St and 9th Ave SW commercial/retail/residential development.
- Second public open house session held online in January 2021 and was well attended by residents.
- Comments include concerns around traffic onto 9th Ave, pathway links, view from Springside Condos, include more public greenspace.
- WSCRCA working with Ward 6 office to have City extend pathway behind St Joan of Arc School to SE corner of development.
- Sidewalk along 85th St between Wentworth Dr SW and WS Landing development to be completed by City (from developer funded levi) when WS Landing constructed.
77th Street Panhandle
- Very narrow 0.69-acre treed property between West Cedar Point and West Cedar Place, north of 9th Ave.
- Leftover parcel from past Rockyview acreages.
- Application for subdivision into four bare land strata lots was denied by City, but landowner is appealing.
- Appeal will be heard in July 2021. Adjacent residents and WSCRCA will present objections to subdivision.
Medicine Hill
- Not technically part of WSCR, but WSCRCA is one of the surrounding community associations that the City consults with for developments in Medicine Hill.
- Developer (Trinity) applied for Area Structure Plan amendments to allow for increased residential units and decrease in commercial/retail, plus other changes. Due to community and City concerns, the scope of amendments was significantly reduced. Goes to City Council for approval in July, is expected to be passed.
- North end of 85th Street: In February/March 2020 Councillor Davison obtained an agreement in principle from the City to purchase the Ripley, Markin (between Ripley lands and Cougartown Close), and Highland Shop (north of Ripley lands) properties in order to build an indigenous interpretive Centre to be accessed from north (Medicine Hills). No further development on this proposal.
Adopt-A-Rinks
- Two adopt-a-rinks were approved by the City this year, one in WS and one in CR.
- Advantage to City approval is that they provide all supplies, find appropriate location, and give access to fire hydrant. Unapproved rinks may be removed by the City.
- Residents interested in 2021-2022 rinks should apply through City website by September 2021 as number of rinks is limited.
- Email us with questions.
Off-Leash Dog Park
- WSCRCA is working with City Parks to try to find a suitable greenspace for a fenced, off-leash dog park in WSCR. It is not looking promising. Initiative must be community led and installation paid for by WSCRCA.
- Upon completion of WCRR, an off-leash dog park will likely be installed along the highway allowance, close to Bow Trail.
Residential Fencing along Major Roads
- As our community ages, the fencing along major streets like 77th St, OBCR, and 85th St is needing repairs.
- We are reminding homeowners with these fences on their properties that the homeowner is responsible for their upkeep and repair. The City can be contacted for the fence design specifications.
CHPH Activity Hub
- WSCRCA was approached by the Coach Hill/Patterson Heights CA to participate in the design/development of a multi-activity community hub on a portion of the fields on Coach Hill Road. CHPH is hoping this hub will also be used by WSCR residents.
The minutes of our meetings are posted on our website at https://wscr.ca/board/meetings-and-minutes/ which allows you to keep current on what developments are under review in our community. Feel free to reach out to us with questions at [email protected].
Linda Nesset
Outgoing Director
Planning and Development Committee
West Springs/Cougar Ridge Community Association
