Council's decision raises questions

We are intrigued to hear Rocky View County council approved stage one of Harmony, a development that could house up to 10,000 people near the Springbank Airport, July 3.

The decision came the day after a Springbank Airport Business and Pilots Association meeting, where people spoke out against the development.

However, a report from County staff stated that 21 letters of support and seven letters of opposition were received from the 188 area landowners to whom the subdivision application was circulated.

These numbers seem to support Councillor Greg Boehlke’s statement that “The overwhelming majority of people are in favour of this development... (and) the loud, squeaky wheel has been getting more attention than it actually deserves.”

We are surprised that both Springbank councillors, Kim Magnuson and Margaret Bahcheli, voted in favour of the motion despite some of the residents they represent vocalizing concerns about the development.

Magnuson even admitted to doubts about the project but said she voted in favour of the motion because it was approved by a former council in 2007.

She added either the development or the airport would fail and yet she voted for phase one to proceed.

It is the job of council to research the project, consider all of the information and make an informed decision based on facts and their knowledge of the area. To vote one way just because a previous council did, even when you think the project will fail is nonsensical.

Councillor Al Sacuta was the sole councillor who voted in opposition and although his dissenting vote did not stop the development from going forward, we are glad he took a stand and stood up for what he believed was best for area residents.