Residents of Rocky View County (RVC) have until Mon. Apr. 13 to provide input through an online survey on a proposal to become a specialized county.

The county is considering becoming the seventh specialized county in the province, sighting its blend of urban and rural development. Surrounding Calgary, it accommodates a range of residential needs, from farms to acreages to hamlets.

The county believes the change in status would allow them to better target these diverse service needs.

As a specialized municipality, RVC could create residential and business urban service delivery areas that are supported by different tax rates based on the services provided.

County officials explain linking service levels to tax rates would create a more equitable system for all ratepayers. Any future changes to services and tax rates require public engagement and a council vote.

Initially, RVC envisions the establishment of five hamlets and four business urban service areas, all based on existing approved plans. That includes hamlets in Glenbow, east of Cochrane, and Harmony, southeast of Cochrane. An urban business centre surrounding the Springbank airport is also proposed.  More could be forthcoming for future approved plans.

The current public engagement is just one phase of the application process.  Its results are currently scheduled to be presented to county council in May. By June, a decision is expected on whether the council wants to proceed with the application to Alberta Municipal Affairs.

With the current pandemic, this timeline may change.

Rocky View County has invited the Town of Cochrane to provide input, says Mayor Jeff Genung. He says it will be provided by the town's planning services.

Other specialized counties in the province include Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray) and Strathcona County (Sherwood Park).

Those wanting to complete the survey can find it here.