I would just like to highlight what has been happening/going on behind the scenes this past month, in no particular order:
- I wanted to say thank you all for being such wonderful neighbours during these difficult times. Everyone has been struggling with COVID created changes, and it is wonderful to see how people have been supportive of each other! Looking forward to the time we can all connect again in person and share even more community spirit.
- We will continue to keep you updated on our Facebook page and through email as the City shares information with us. Hoping that the Community Hall will be up and running again soon.
- Thank you so much, Talena, for all you have done as our Hall Manager! We are sorry to see you leave, but know that you will have a lot on your plate this fall. (We have not advertised to replace Talena at this point since the Hall is closed, but hope to welcome a new Hall Manager in the next Post.)
- Welcome back, Peter Forte! Peter has been away on contract and is back in the community again to take on the President role. Nice to have you back on the Board!
- The Guidebook for Great Communities is on hold at the moment because it requires a Public Meeting in Council. We will update you once we find out more about when it will be presented.
- We had a virtual meeting with O2 Planning to hear more details about the proposed re-designation for the Atco Lands. We are generally supportive of the proposal to build a mixed use, major activity center at this location— with pedestrian interfaces and setbacks to reduce massing, 32m maximum building heights, structured and below grade parking. We do have some concerns, however. We are uncertain as to what a FAR of 3.0 will look like in terms of the density that is being added to this sector of our community. Given that West Mount Campus has just applied for re-designation that includes residential density, MRU is currently expanding, and Currie Barracks has not been built out at this point, we are extremely concerned about the traffic implications for increased density on the Atco Lands site. As part of the Currie Barracks approval, a traffic impact assessment has been ordered once the site reaches 500,000 sq. ft of commercial space– none of this space has been developed, so we have no idea what the impact will be. We want to make sure that ALL of these redevelopment proposals are being considered in tandem, rather than in isolation, especially since warehousing and storage are being considered as potential uses for this DC site and generate more commercial traffic.
- O2 Planning has put together a website for engagement around the Atco Lands project. Please have a look– https://www.engageatcopark.com/
If you have not already signed up for our email updates, please do so on our website, rutlandparkcommunity.com. The City often gives us very short notice for upcoming events, and this is the quickest way for us to reach you. Please also join us on Facebook, Rutland Park Community Association, and Currie Community. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Leanne Ellis
Vice President of Development and Traffic
