Another candidate has stepped forward in Rocky View County Division 1 for this fall’s municipal election.

Bob Everett, a Bragg Creek resident for more than 30 years, is no stranger to Rocky View politics. He was councillor in Division 1 from 2001 to 2007, and lost the last election by a narrow margin to Councillor Harvey Buckley.

He says his experience and knowledge of the issues, both historical and present, make him the ideal representative for the Bragg Creek area.

“Bragg Creek is such a large dynamic community and you need someone from that area that knows those past issues and what is required,” said Everett. “I feel that if I was re-elected I would hit the road running.”

During his two terms, Everett played a role in several key policies and plans.

He brought forward the Commercial Corridor Enhancement Fund policy to council, which has resulted in beautification projects in several communities around the county. Everett also dealt with several annexations, including those for Calgary, Airdrie and Cochrane.

Everett was also involved in the formation of several area structure plans in the county, including one for Bragg Creek, which he says led to the formation of a trails committee, a stronger commercial core and a design review committee.

He said controversy surrounding the Bragg Creek Area Structure Plan likely cost him the election.

Everett said the document helped protect the environment and densities in the area, but a lot of other issues were set aside to accomplish the plan.

“There are a lot of things that the plan needs backup for,” said Everett, adding that he has the knowledge to help put those policies in place. “I was in a position where I was really looking forward to the next term. One good solid term…might give me the opportunity to do really good things.”

Everett is interested in working on trails to the areas of west Bragg Creek and Wintergreen to create more recreation for residents. Everett would also place a high priority on ensuring that seniors get housing in Bragg Creek.

“Out of all the things, that would become my number one priority,” said Everett.

“Right when they (seniors) get to the point where they really need the support of their community, they are shipped off to a facility…where they don’t have a friends or family around. It is a must for the community.”

Everett would also work to ensure that Bragg Creek gets wastewater and water.

“I am very familiar with the MD as a whole, but I would really love to put in a term where I am concentrating on my division and the needs in it,” said Everett.

According to Everett, the current council has done a good job, especially considering the challenges they have faced in regards to regional planning.

“A lot of information is given to council prior to making decisions,” said Everett.

“They make those decisions with a lot of information and background, and people get angry…they don’t want growth. We have been faced with unprecedented growth in Alberta. Those developers have rights…you have to at least give them a proper public hearing.”

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