A controversial proposal to create a new community in the Bow Valley took one step closer to reality recently but not without a requirement that the developer first secure a water source. On June 12, the Municipal District (MD) of Bighorn Council passed second reading of the Area Structure Plan for the proposed Horseshoe Lands development on the Bow River.

The proposed Horseshoe Lands development would house a new community of up to 5500 residents and over 2900 residential, commercial, and community facilities by 2022 in Alberta's already growing Bow Valley. This community would require 2400 m³ per day (equalling approximately 10 Olympic sized pools every day), of which approximately 1900 m³ per day would be returned to the river as treated effluent. The developers have yet to gain a licence for a water source. They also have yet to receive a permit for their wastewater system and removal. Water and wastewater options would either be on a local, on-site basis, or would involve a regional water and wastewater system with nearby communities — something that should involve a great deal of public discussion.

Following three days of public hearings to gather input from interested parties, the MD of Bighorn Council unanimously passed a second reading of the Area Structure Plan (ASP). But the Council also insisted a substantial list of issues that must be resolved before the ASP could move further in the planning process.

One of the seven issues identified was the fact that the developer, the Moondance Land Company, has not yet secured a proven water source, a concern near the top of the short (7) list of concerns. Without a proven water source, the MD and the developer cannot guarantee a viable community. Currently, the developers are seeking water either from the Bow River or from a deep aquifer which also may be tapped by the community Exshaw for future growth in its community. Another water-related requirement is a permit for sewage treatment before the concept plan is approved. This permit should take into account the community's added impact on the river ecosystem.

Additional issues to be resolved include a requirement that the developers conduct new environmental studies based on the recommendations of the MD's environmental consultants and finalize the environmental impact assessment document while taking into account public input.

Sources:

Water supply a limiting factor for a new town proposed in the Bow Valley.

Paton, Aaron. June 13, 2007. Seebe project gets 2nd reading. Canmore Leader.

Moondance Land Company. Horseshoe Lands, Alberta.

Poon, Randy, Alberta Environment. Personal communication. June 11, 2007.