Re: “Planning problems” (St. Albert Gazette, Our View, Nov. 14)
Thank you for pointing out the problem. As a representative for residents of Sturgeon Valley on county council of the day, I must make a comment.
The current situation is a great heads-up for the current council in St. Albert about the importance of long-range planning and thinking. This problem was created by a lack thereof in years past.
I presented to St. Albert council some years ago, when consideration was being made about closing Coal Mine Road, a historic route from northeast of St. Albert to Highway 2.
A developer wanted it closed to reduce the cost of development. The administration and council of the day supported the request, disregarding my plea and advice.
St. Albert administration should not be blaming the extra traffic on Sturgeon Valley residents, but recognize the lack of good long-range planning, thinking and collaboration is responsible.
The current problem is a result of a lack of these important steps.
Today’s council must learn from these previous mistakes. Remember that the current problem is one of the city’s doing, not the county’s. Finding appropriate solutions will not be easy nor will they satisfy many. A band-aid solution will not help, when a long-range solution is necessary.
This is an expense and frustrating lesson and I hope this council will expect better results from their current work.
Tom Flynn, former councillor and mayor of Sturgeon County
