A proposal that would see the arrival of a motorsports school and associated events has a number of Rocky Rapids area residents concerned.
At a public hearing on Tuesday morning Brazeau County council heard from several members of the public who believed the idea would create noise pollution, reduce property values and damage their quality of life.
If it goes ahead, the Northern Thunder Ranch would bring an events centre and racing school to a property located off Twp Road 500, to the east of Rocky Rapids. Dan Anderson, who is behind the proposal, said the location, which has hosted motorsports events and a music festival in the past, was ideal for what he wanted to bring to the county.
“It’s a track within a track. There isn’t another one in Western Canada,” he said.
Anderson went on to say that his main focus was on developing a school where children could learn the basics of kart racing. He was not interested in creating something that would create undue noise or attract partiers.
“I don’t want to have races every Saturday and Sunday that cause a disturbance for my neighbours. I want a school,” he said. “My focus is … young drivers and teaching them the respect they need to become old drivers.”
Council received numerous letters from the public expressing opposition to the idea, many reflecting concerns about noise, traffic and garbage in an otherwise quiet area. Several residents also spoke at the public hearing.
Donna Kisser said a project like this should be located far away from anyone’s home.
“There’s no way the nose is not going to affect everyone around you,” she said.
Mark Kolenc, another resident, said this type of proposal would “probably destroy my property value if it comes to fruition.”
In response Anderson said he’d tried to talk to as many people as possible in order to reassure them about the impact of what he was proposing. He understood that noise was the major concern and he felt that could be dealt with.
“The major concern I’m hearing is sound. I can regulate that,” he said.
Prior to making any decision on a development permit, council asked Anderson to set up a public meeting where he could directly meet with residents. The proposal will come back to council in August.
“We want to give you time to think about what you’ve heard from the public and what you can do to address it,” said Reeve Bart Guyon.
