To accommodate its exploding population the Town of Black Diamond is undertaking a growth management study which may include expansion of its boundaries.

According to the province’s latest statistics, Black Diamond’s population is 2,308 residents, up from 1,900 in 2006. The growth management study being undertaken by the Town is to determine whether they will need to secure additional land for residential, industrial and commercial expansion.

The study is still in the draft stages and remains politically sensitive ground.

“It is the precursor and it is the document that sets the stage for annexation,” said Rod Potrie, development officer for the Town.

While the Town didn’t grow much in 2009 due to the recession, the study looks forward 20 years anticipating future economic boom periods.

“Even last year in a very tough year we had some growth,” said Potrie. “We have very little land in the town boundaries that is available for development purposes.”

Currently, the study is under review by Joanne Irwin, Black Diamond town manager, and needs to go through several stages before it is taken to town council. After it is reviewed by council the plan will be made available for public review. No date for a public hearing has been set yet.

Irwin said it could take up to four years before any land is annexed by Black Diamond.

“The growth management study is expected to provide council with a comprehensive review of relevant land use plans and related studies, a compilation of relevant historical data on population and residential, commercial and industrial growth trends in our municipality and surrounding areas,” said Irwin.

If the study is approved and it is decided the Town needs land for future development, they will enter negotiations with the Municipal District of Foothills to annex land on Black Diamond’s borders.

Work on the study has been underway for six months.

“In our case it will be a situation of looking at the existing municipal development plan between the MD of Foothills, the Town of Turner Valley and the Town of Black Diamond,” said Potrie.

Due to their close proximity, Black Diamond and Turner Valley cooperate with the MD to plan future developments. All three parties have met informally regarding the study.

“It is expected that the projected growth directions and land use recommendations will be provided as a result of this study, enabling our municipality to use this information for future planning requirements,” said Irwin.

The study will also take into consideration protecting ecologically sensitive areas around the Sheep River as Black Diamond gets its water supply from underground aquifers along the river.

“That’s (areas near the river) not for development at all, in any way, shape or form, but it is for the long-term protection and general public use of environmentally sensitive river valley,” said Potrie.

Irwin said the study would allow the Town to determine how best to position itself economically and properly manage future growth issues.

“The study will further allow the Town to focus on any necessary amendments to our planning documents based on the results,” said Irwin. “With proper long-term planning, using the results of this study, the Town will be better able to sustain itself well into the future.”

rnorthrop@okotoks.greatwest.ca

http://www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca/

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