Communities Development Society

About CDS - Where we work

The Western Rocky View County

CDS works in a rural geographical area of over 2,000 sq. km. (about half the size of PEI) with a growing population of 23,000 residents.

The rural communities in this area range from higher density acreage development on the borders of the City of Calgary to more remote and isolated ranches/farms/acreages in the Wildcat Hills of Beaupre.

History of the western county of Rocky View

The Region:

The geographical area CDS represents is over 2,000 sq. km. (about half the size of PEI) with a growing population of 23,000 residents in a rural/urban mix of ranch/farm land and acreage development. The rural communities in this area range from higher density acreage development on the western borders of the City of Calgary, farther west to more remote and isolated ranches/farms/acreages in the Wildcat Hills of Beaupre, north to the communities of Westbrook and Botteril and south to the hamlet of Bragg Creek.

The People:

It wasn't until the 1950s, that electricity was introduced to the area. Rural values, social bonds and respect for the environment formed their quality of life. A culture of "caring for" and "watching out for one another" formed the social network, and was considered a personal obligation. Residents bartered, shared skills, volunteered and inherently knew how to build a viable community.

During the 70’s more acreage development was occurring primarily on the borders of Calgary in the communities of Bearspaw and Springbank and scattered throughout the primarily ranching and farming areas of the west. Within the past 10 years, this pattern of expanding progress has added new challenges to the social, economic, and environmental impacts of rural life.

Communities are feeling the impacts of rapid, unplanned growth and loss of community character - open space and rural values. While many rural values remain strong, the nature of rural life is evolving with the influx of new residents and value systems. Ranchers and farmers are not only grappling with a variety of unexpected economic setbacks, increasing regulations and the inevitable environmental challenges but are also facing the concerns of development pressures, succession planning and having to take on jobs to subsidize their livelihoods. Many aging residents are looking for options to transition from full time involvement on ranches and acreages to other rural communities with aging housing options. Lack of strong economic and social environments can lead to disassociation of residents within their own neighbourhoods, and lack of resiliency during times of crisis or need.

Lack of strong economic and social environments can lead to disassociation of residents within their own neighbourhoods, and lack of resiliency during times of crisis or need.

Graphs and Stats for the Area:

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