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  the supposed gift of the Nordic Slopes to the City by CODA for the Paskapoo Slopes Park! We were initially very excited until we received the details and learned of all the strings and conditions attached and trade-offs involved.

In our preliminary response to the City on the proposal we stated:

We understand that there will be further meetings and discussions with the stakeholder groups ,including the Paskapoo Slopes Preservation Society, before the proposed plan is submitted to the Calgary Planning Commission. 
In addition, there are several studies, reports and design details that are required in order for us to appropriately evaluate and comment on the plan, including a copy of the Biophysical Impact Assessment, Historic Resources and environmental analysis to evaluate the open space area, any geotechnical, hydrological or stormwater drainage studies, updated traffic study, a copy of the DTR for this plan, slope gradient and stability analysis showing how the ER lands were determined, pathway and trail map or plan and design showing location and widths of clearing and disturbance for all aspects including lighting and water lines.
We hereby request copies of any of these that are currently available for review or that copies be provided when they become available.

A major concern is the uncertainty as to whom will own the Nordic Slopes area (whether the City will agree to the "gift" with all the strings and conditions attached), how it will be managed and controlled, how it will be integrated into the Paskapoo Natural Environment Park.
It is not possible to properly respond or comment on this area until the details of the agreement with the City have been worked out and a more comprehensive and integrated plan is prepared.

The plan references a land swap in relation to the Bowfort Rd and 16th Ave intersection/interchange and we would like to know whether any other lands on the Slopes are involved in that proposed land swap.

We have concerns that some large sections of the lands that are identified as developable should in fact be ER and would like to see further details specifically on the slope gradients and testing that established the suggested lines for the development, particularly the DC parcels on the lower part of the Slopes east  of 85th Street. Even the access road to those DC parcels appears to require cutting and grading of ER lands. We would like to see a grading plan and cross-sections of all those areas.
The "Improving Calgary's Entranceways" Study set out specific policies and guidelines that should be incorporated into the planning for areas adjacent to Hwy 1/16th Ave in this area of the City such that the building size, mass and architectural controls should be carefully limited and controlled to ensure that aesthetics of the Slopes are not lost for visitors to Calgary. This is a highly visible area of natural beauty that contribute to the qu
ality of life for a vast number of Calgarians and also serves to attract tourists and businesses to Calgary. It should not be despoiled by office or commercial buildings blocking the view or designed in a way that does not fit with the context and background.

The descriptions of the DC areas with floor ratios and building heights, along with Appendix A which lists of Permitted and Discretionary Uses being requested, do not provide any direct connection to the COP Area Structure Plan restrictions or limitations or confirmation that the conditions allow such uses.
We would like to see some direct connection and references that match the proposed uses to the approved ASP for the areas east of 85th Street.  
Perhaps the applicant can provide a simple table for each of the DC areas. For instance there are many uses proposed for the "Employment Area" of the ASP that wouldn't appear to fit that zone.
The plan speaks to being a comprehensive plan and yet it does not include the lands at the top of the Slope and east of 85th Street that are also owned by Winsport (including Loc2009-0095). We believe these should be included in the outline plan.
Many of these issues and concerns that have been raised are specific requirements outlined in "Section 7.0 Conservation Policies" of the approved "Canada Olympic Park and Adjacent Lands Area Structure Plan".

Subsequent to the above submission to the City, the PSPS executive have met and discussed the plan further.

It appears that the development along the TransCanada is being pushed way further up the Slopes than in the ASP and definitely into the ER territory.
Another major issue or concern are the expected restrictions on public access and use if CODA continues to keep control of the trail construction, maintenance and use.
There is also no information on the design or layout of the trails but building them to World Cup standards - 8 meters wide and at the international grade standards will require cuts and contouring and lots of further fragmentation of the natural environment and wildlife habitat.
The rest of their development includes up to 306 residential lots ranging from R1 to R-2M and we understand that they are now planning those lots as being residential lots for sale like any other developer...not athlete housing as was indicated in the ASP. The extent and types of uses for the DC commercial along Hwy1 is also more intensive and commercial than in the ASP and seem aimed at maximizing the economic potential versus what is a good fit with the area.
This proposal is very complex and extensive and will require detailed consultation with the  Stakeholder groups as well as much negotiation with the City on whether or not the "gift" is really in the best interest of the City, the preservation of the land and the long term benefit of Calgarians. Stay tuned…..

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Applicant: Stantec (Contact Brenden Montgomery 716-7957) for CODA (owner) Site Area: 136.93 ha (.0 acres) Application: Land Use Amendment and Outline Plan

City of Calgary File Manager: Shawn Small - 268-5914

    Address: 

    Community: Residual Ward 6

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Please Contact Hugh Magill ( Pres:) for more information about
the Paskapoo Slopes Preservation Society.