The planned grain terminal near Bowden may very well be a welcome development for many in Red Deer County and especially the farming community nearby. It is a glimmer of light for Albertans as ways are sought to diversify a struggling economy.
A welcome announcement for many? Absolutely. Welcome to my wife and me? Not at all. As the only residents on the subject quarter north of Bowden, we made the choice a few years ago to live the rural lifestyle that had great harmony which we sought.
It was a location from which we could reasonably access the QE II Highway corridor to travel and visit our family. The location was centrally located for our clients coming to our small “Ma & Pa” landscape design business. As well, the location was big enough to grow and enjoy for many years.
And importantly, it is a rural location that offered all the enjoyment we have of the country, yet within reach of a community we wished to be part of.
The arguments for what's best for the community will be loud and clear, and with that, we have no dispute. However, a time for choice has been thrust before us again.
The NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) fraternity spoke to us loudly once before when we voiced concerns about a sour gas line and facility close to our property near Beaverlodge. Many residents of our subdivision expressed the same concerns at meetings set up by the energy board.
Revenues to the big producers and landowners for access rights spoke louder and young families were faced with a choice. This was the catalyst to us for making our move to Central Alberta near the heritage site of my homesteading great-grandparents.
A vision of being central to family at the big cities north and south, and developing our business were also part of the mix.
Recent plans for a new home with business development on our five acres were daily motivators. Things were happening to provide us purpose every day, until last week.
Our considerations on the grain terminal include a loop track well within a stone's throw of our north property line, the planned 15- to 20-storey tall structures nearer the north end of the quarter, increased traffic on the already busy highway with a diversion to the range road west of us, increased noise and lighting, disturbance of natural wetlands to link the track -- wetlands being home to much of the wildlife we have enjoyed.
What's the value of our dream now? What's the value of our property?
Plans for a new home have suddenly faded. Plans for an evolving business and market garden seem very distant.
The complete aesthetic picture of our home property is about to change. Who are we to stand in front of this progress? And at what cost? Prime agricultural land, I thought, but only to find out there had been some rezoning just a short time ago, which I was unaware of.
Time for a choice again.
Len Kobewka
Bowden
