The public hearing on the application for the Policy Amendment with respect to the proposed Paskapoo Slopes development was front and centre on July 27, 2015 as Calgary faced a real policy choice regarding the development of the privately owned land of environmental significance.
The owners offered to grant 160 acres of their 260 acres of land to the City, to confine their application to development of the lower portion of the slope, and to limit the height of the proposed structures being developed. The proposed conditions of approval set forth by City planning included an east-west trail on the site, pedestrian/bicycle crossings, and regard for the unique archaeological sites that records the area as a Blackfoot camping and hunting ground. Public comments regarding the valuable green space mainly supported the value of preserving the land in its natural state. The proposal was a good example of preserving open space within a planned development. This project met reasonable demands, and was approved. Council voted 12-3 in favour of the application on Monday, July 27, 2015. Well done City council!