April 3, 2009

Gordon Branson and Mitch Yurchak

Municipal District of Rocky View Division #3
911 - 32nd Ave NE
Calgary Alberta T2E 6X6

Dear Sirs,

Re: High Density Development in Springbank and its Effect on Community Safety

On behalf of the Springbank Police Advisory Committee, I am expressing concern about the high density developments that are both proposed and approved in Springbank (i.e. Pradera, Harmony, etc.). The focus of concern is the effect these types of development have on safety in our community, specifically on policing and road safety.

Developments such as these that boost our population will put increased demand on our RCMP. As you know, we only recently received funding from the Municipal District of Rocky View for an additional rural RCMP officer to focus in the Bragg Creek, Springbank and Bearspaw areas. Whether this additional officer is sufficient to service the area required is still questionable. Increasing the population of Springbank in concentrated areas will render this resource unquestionably insufficient.

Does the Municipal District of Rocky View have a plan in place to provide additional RCMP, fire, EMS and Protective Services resources to the Springbank area as Council approves additional development in the Springbank Area? 

High density development can impact community safety in their design. In Springbank these developments will increase traffic on roads that were not developed for high traffic use. Does the Municipal District of Rocky View have a plan in place to enhance our roads for the increase in traffic?

The Calgary Regional Plan, in its draft form, does not appear to address the impact on safety in the community that development has. I encourage the Municipal District of Rocky View to seek professional advice on the subject of community safety. I recommend that a study be conducted to evaluate the impact that any and all development will have on fire, EMS and policing in our community. I urge the Municipal District to acknowledge the impact development has on community safety and commit to budget accordingly and plan to provide increased funding for additional resources in these areas.

As Chair of the Springbank Police Advisory Committee, whose focus is to create a partnership with community, schools, business, law enforcement and government agencies to ensure a safe and informed community, I urge you to continue to keep Springbank’s safety in mind and urge your fellow council members to consider the same when approving all development, especially high density communities.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Regards,

Christine Pennell, Chair

Springbank Police Advisory Committee

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