Are you aware Revera Inc. the owner of the current Scenic Acres Retirement Residence and owner of the vacant land on Scurfield Drive between Scotia Point and Scotia Landing, is preparing a new development?
The current proposed development, provided to SACA by Alderman Hodges on Friday December 9th, is unlike any proposed development presented to residents in the past. This development, unlike proposals from the last, is not solely focused on retirement living. The proposed development includes a total of 3 buildings with an underground parkade. Two of the proposed buildings around the perimeter will be 3 to 4 story buildings. One building adjacent to Scotia Landing will contain 55 units, the other adjacent to Scotia Point will contain 87 units. The third proposed building is an 8 story building to contain 130 units. This total development as it stands, will include 272 units. This will likely have a major impact on the community of Scenic Acres, specifically those living in Scotia Point or Scotia Landing.
On December 20th, SACA hosted an Open House and invited Revera Inc. along with their Architect S2 Architecture to present their proposal to the community. S2 Architecture attended with plans for the proposed development and had representatives on hand to answer any questions. Representatives from the SACA Board and the City of Calgary were also on hand to discuss any concerns with residents.
As a result of the feedback received at the Open House, Alderman Dale Hodges is interested in working with any residents who are interested in forming a residents’ steering committee to challenge this development. To be workable this steering committee needs to be a core group of residents ideally from a variety of backgrounds, with a strong leader who can represent the residents as a whole. If you would be interested in being part of this committee and learning more about what this would entail you are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday January 17th at 7pm in the Palmer Boardroom at SACA. Please RSVP to the SACA Office at scenacre@telus.net or 403-547-9589 if you are planning to attend the meeting.
The SACA Board is of the opinion the current proposal is not consistent with current community architecture and the high density building is not appropriate for our community. We are voicing this opinion as the SACA Board on behalf of the entire community of Scenic Acres. The SACA Board ultimately has no authority on the final approval of this development. We can only voice our opinions. The real strength, is the message from the community surrounding this proposed development. This is why we are facilitating a residents’ steering committee from the community that can send a strong cohesive message that the current proposal is not right for Scenic Acres. Alderman Hodges is very supportive and is a good advocate for the message, but the real voice has to come from the community. This message, backed by the SACA Board and the Alderman, can influence the approval process.
If you would like to view the plans provided to SACA by Alderman Hodges or have any other questions related to the proposed development please contact the SACA Office (scenacre@telus.net/403.547.9589) or drop byduring regular office hours M, T, Th, F 9am to 3pm & W 9am to 5pm.
