The Glenbow Ranch Area Structure Plan (ASP) has received the blessings of Rocky View County (RVC) council, but not before reducing population densities in eastern areas of the plan.

Amendments proposed by division 8 councillor Eric Lowther were implemented that reduce the total number of residential units to 4,472 from 5,263 and will accommodate approximately 13,400 residents, down from 15,700 in the original draft. Area 'I' had its density reduced to 2.0 units per acres (UPA) from 2.4 and area 'J' dropped to 1 UPA from 3.

Lowther pursued the changes after listening to concerns expressed at open houses, during the RVC public hearing and even afterwards.

"The process was followed and the outcome is consistent with what the majority of the people are supportive of," says Lowther. "Local residents that were impacted were heard at the public hearing and we were able to make amendments that were supported by council so the end result was a pretty good balance.

"I'm quite excited about the plan, actually. It delivers something that is uniquely Rocky View and protects the argricultural component in the park, protects the park experience and still allows us for diversity of homes within the county."

Regardless of the revisions made, Samanntha Wright, of Rocky View Forward, says there's nothing stopping developers from coming back to request increases in population densities in the ASP.

"I've never seen a developer come back to lower density, only increase it," she says, pointing to the examples of Harmony, in the Springbank area, and Watermark, in Bearspaw.

While she thought it was a win for residents in areas 'I' and 'J' she says they are disappointed similar consideration wasn't given to residents in area 'A', on the northeast border of Cochrane, and believes Div. 9 councillor Bruce Kendall failed these constituents.

Rocky View Forward also believes the county should have taken the time to discuss issues Cochrane and Calgary have with the plan and wouldn't be surprised if one or both appeal the ASP.

"We now have a developer-paid, county-owned ASP and I guess Rocky View taxpayers will have to stave off Cochrane and Calgary. They could have listened to their concerns to see if they were reasonable but instead Rocky View residents will be on the hook for any legal costs that might be incurred."

Wright said Rocky View Forward is also concerned if the transferrable development credits (TDC) will now be adequate and whether the changes in density will make the plan even feasible.

The Town of Cochrane has expressed concern over the plan and had asked for the public hearing to be delayed to address those concerns. Now that it's received the blessings of the RVC council, Cochrane Mayor Ivan Brooker says the town will review its options.

"We already didn't like it, so if they only did minor changes to it they may not be significant enough to appease us. I imagine we'll evaluate it now and if need to be look at our options for appealing it. The City of Calgary was going to do the same."

Issues identified by the Town of Cochrane centre around transportation, water and soft services.

In contrast, Lowther sees how this plan will enhance the Calgary region.

"I know Cochrane has their own style of housing and Calgary has their style but this allows Rocky View to provide another option in the Calgary region.and I think it's going to be very good for the future of the area, not just Rocky View."

Division 2 councillor Jerry Arshinoff stood opposed to the plan through all readings of the bylaw and to amendments required to the Bearspaw ASP.

The Glenbow Ranch ASP terms of reference were adopted by council in February 2015 and the plan was developed over a two-year period and involved technical work and community, public and intermunicipal consultation. Build out won't be immediately, rather it's likely to take place over an estimated 20 to 25 years.