As long time homeowners in Braeside, we fully support the work of the newly formed Friends of the St. Albert River Valley. This grassroots movement has taken the lead in opposing a developer who wants to re-zone two large lots on Sturgeon Road from R1 to R3a (multi-density).
Equally alarming, the developer is also proposing a land swap that will create a “more developable site.” That according to a public information meeting notice from Greg MacKenzie and Associates. This land swap would “give” the city two small pieces at the ends of these lots in exchange for prime parkland that is part of the beautiful natural landscape along the Red Willow Trail and the Sturgeon River. Sadly, we have already seen the effects of this unbridled encroachment on our irreplaceable river valley. Re-zoning efforts and land swaps should be completely out of bounds in well-established neighbourhoods that border our cherished river valley. It is important to recognize that some things are not for sale to the highest bidder, especially when it comes to preserving the quality of our “diverse landscape, picturesque Sturgeon River, extensive trail system and thoughtful integration of urban and natural areas,” according to the City’s Botanical Arts branding statement.
As Joni Mitchell so aptly put it, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
Let’s not be that city. Marilyn and David Wangler, St. Albert
