Colchester growth node
Published March 29, 2006
A Municipal Development Plan item that has attracted interest is the proposed new hamlet or "growth node" near Colchester in the centre of Ward 6.
One of a number of possibilities, it has risen to the top of the list for several reasons. It is well served by transportation links including the Whitemud extension, Anthony Henday, provincial highways and a well-developed network of county roads. It would be a useful buffer to Edmonton. The land is marginal for agriculture. The site is close enough to Sherwood Park for servicing and utilities, yet far enough from refinery row and other industrial development for a safe and healthy lifestyle. Finally, the residents of the area seem for the most part to be in favour.
On the negative side, Colchester is a long commute to the Alberta Industrial Heartland in the extreme North of the County, an area which will likely be the primary source of economic growth and employment in the coming decades.
Some have proposed that it might make more sense to simply expand the boundaries of Sherwood Park rather than starting a new hamlet. Sherwood Park is almost entirely surrounded by industrial and commercial development on the West and acreages everywhere else. Redevelopment is complicated so this idea must reluctantly be discarded as impractical in the long term.
Who will pay for the new hamlet? Developers will fund 100% of infrastructure capital costs including roads and utilities. Who will pay for the services needed by the new residents of the area? As I have said before, growth is not cheap and the operating expenses are borne by those who live here. This is one of the many costs of growth and we may as well get used to it if we insist on worshipping at this particular altar.
Which brings us to the "elementary question": do we really need this? I am not yet convinced. My vision is that of a gentler growth rate to a maximum population not much greater than that which we have now, in which case a growth node would not be required. Many others, both within and without Strathcona, are not of the same mind. We may have growth foisted upon us whether we like it or not. If that happens, then Colchester may be the best place, assuming we direct new development to this model, high-density community rather than continuing urban sprawl in the rest of the county.
I believe that this deserves more discussion particularly among those of us in Ward 6 who will feel the greatest impact. I intend to hold an open house for residents within the next few weeks to hear your views. Please call or email me for details.
Alan Dunn
Councillor, Ward 6
780-464-8206
dunn@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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