Development in Bragg Creek
Area Redevelopment Plan 1998
Area Structure Plan 2005
Commercial Core Plan-1989 (pdf)
Bragg Creek – Redwood Meadows Connecting Communities 1995 (pdf)
Comments on Development in Bragg Creek 2001 (pdf)
Policy Directives for an ASP – 2005 (pdf)
The Rocky View County proposal for the 2025 Area Structure Plan is another in a long line of proposals for development in Bragg Creek. The future of development and its effect on residents, the environment, lifestyle, visitors, wildlife and businesses has always been a hot topic.
Bragg Creek Commercial Core Plan
There is a document titled, Bragg Creek Commercial Core Plan, prepared by the Municipal District of Rocky View No. 44 planning department, dated May 9, 1989. The purpose of this plan is to “provide policies to evaluate development proposals; to guide any future development and to determine the design of Main Street (Balsam Avenue) at varying stages of commercial development.”
Water
Water is a constant problem. The Calgary Herald once published a front-page headline in red 600-point type declaring “Bragg Creek Water Contaminated.” There was a 10-year moratorium on development pending resolution of the water problem. A 35-home development was refused due to a lack of sufficient water. But somehow the ultra modern Esso station got permission to build a car wash. An advisory committee was formed to address the problem and a water/waste system was installed in 2013.
Floods
Floods are another problem. In 2013 the Elbow River flooded the hamlet, destroying homes and businesses. Power and phone service was knocked out for several days, the road by the Trading Post washed away. The Balsam Ave. bridge was blocked when a building upstream floated downriver, crashing into the bridge. Many homes and businesses were demolished. A concrete and stone berm was completed along the Elbow River in the hamlet in 2023. But there is still no emergency exit road out for West Bragg Creek and Wintergreen.
Connecting Communities
Despite all that, people love living here. In 1995 a group of residents got together to produce the, Bragg Creek/Redwood Meadows and Area Connecting Communities Workshop. Their report states, “Community is having a picture of the world, or part of the world, or part of the world that is larger than me but still affects me.” A few points set out the fundamentals:
- Private people want to stay private
- Keep Bragg Creek the way it is
- Vision should incorporate commercial and residential
- Maintain quality and western theme
- There is a need to have a sense of direction
The report included a list of special events, financial resources, community facilities, community organizations, the challenges and more.
Public Consultation
In 1998 an Open House was held to address issues. Community organizations were represented and public comments were received. The major issues were sewage, signage, residential development, commercial development, agricultural and environmental protection, emergency services, water and waste management, schools community and recreational development and transportation (roads, pathways, trails, sidewalks). The comments submitted to the M.D. of Rocky View No. 44 are very interesting.