Contentious development in Reunion going ahead
In a unanimous vote, Airdrie city council approved a development for the community of Reunion earlier this month. Council had asked the developer, Slokker Canada West, to make several changes after the first presentation to council two years ago.
The revision was approved for the 12.34-acre project which includes the addition of 120 attached homes and an adult 50-plus development.
Talks about what to do with this site, which is at 2084 Reunion Blvd, between a variety of developers and Airdrie council have been taking place for six years.
The original plan for this location was for a senior citizen’s complex and about 480 residential units but it was deemed unsustainable.
Slokker Canada West bought this parcel three years ago and with a new development plan in place, have been going back and forth with the city ever since.
The first proposal submitted for approval by Slokker was for 262 resident units in a multi-family development; however council felt at that time that it was too dense. There was also the expectation, created by the first proposed use for the site, that there would be some housing for seniors included. Within a year, Slokker came back with another proposal which saw decreased density but the second revision still didn’t have a proviso for seniors.
The addition of the 50-plus development, which includes a large amount of green space, was finally acceptable and approved by council on April 4.
Since it was first proposed in 2006, any development on this piece of land on Reunion Boulevard hasn’t been received well by area residents. Renderings of proposed developments have been made available to those who live in and around the community through a variety of open houses. Both Slokker Canada West and the city received negative feedback, citing the lack of senior’s housing as was initially promised and concerns over increased traffic due to the density of the project. The last incarnation of Slokker’s proposal, which was approved, received opposition from just three area residents.
About Reunion
The neighbourhood of Reunion is in Airdrie’s north western area, above Veteran’s Boulevard on the east side of 24 St. It lies to the west of Williamston Blvd and reaches north to Airdrie’s city limits. Reunion is easily accessible from highway. Calgary is just 25 minutes to the south.
A lovely stone archway greets visitors at the south end of the community. This neighbourhood is comprised mostly of single-family homes and some low-rise condominiums.
The Craftsman and Prairie-style architecture of the homes in Reunion add to the pleasant and friendly atmosphere of the community, which boasts plenty of green space, ponds and pathways.
Residents are close to shopping areas on Veteran’s Blvd and on the service road off the Queen Elizabeth II Highway.
Reunion is a popular neighbourhood for families with several schools close by. That includes Heron’s Crossing, a K-Grade 4 public school. Just south of Veteran’s Boulevard are Airdrie Middle School and George McDougall, both public schools as well. The Calgary Catholic School District operates separate schools in Airdrie.