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County approves dance studio to be built in Bragg Creek

Rocky View County council rezoned a parcel of residential land in the Hamlet of Bragg Creek to allow for construction of a dance studio, Oct. 5.

Rocky View County council rezoned a parcel of residential land in the Hamlet of Bragg Creek to allow for construction of a dance studio, Oct. 5.

The controversial public hearing had several residents in attendance, both in favour and in opposition of the studio, which is to be built on the south side of White Avenue.

The controversy stemmed from the fact that a portion of the 3,000 square foot studio and parking lot will be constructed outside of the designated business zone, located toward the front of the 4.23-acre parcel.

The owner and dance instructor at Rocky Mountain Dance Academy, Lindsay Boychuk, plans to construct a home on the same lot. She currently resides in Cochrane, but has taught in Bragg Creek, at both the Old West and Trading Post malls, for three years.

She is pleased with the decision.

“I feel absolutely wonderful,” said Boychuk. “I am very fortunate to have a group of people backing me.”

With about 100 students attending 30 classes per week, Boychuk said it is necessary to build a studio to create adequate classroom size, flooring and logistics.

Her plan for the studio includes change rooms, bathrooms, a waiting area, larger office space and a rental space in the front, which may be used for an underdetermined business in the future.

It is being built to fit into the existing area, with refurbished logs from a historic house that was removed from the property.

“Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for dance and have dreamed about sharing that passion with others,” said an emotional Boychuk.

Several residents spoke in favour of the project including neighbour Brad Heric, who has lived in Bragg Creek for eight years.

“We have seen a lot of things come and go,” said Heric. “I see Lindsay as a person who is willing to stay around and invest in people.”­

Resident Nicole Sheldon, whose children dance at the studio, said it gives an outlet for the community’s children.

“There isn’t a lot of stuff in the community at the level of professionalism that we have found in dance,” said Sheldon. “I’m just completely impressed and committed and I hope we can keep this…in the community.”

Resident Michelle Sinclair agreed, saying Boychuk has a special gift for teaching.

“I think we need her as a member of our community,” said Sinclair.

“We need her passion.”

Sinclair said the location is appropriate as several businesses exist on White Avenue.

However, Wally Michalski, who spoke for several residents, and had signed a petition in opposition of the studio, disagreed.

“This development will have a large footprint and it isn’t consistent with other businesses in …the area,” said Michalski.

“Our concern is with the volume of traffic, parking, noise and safety.”

Michalski said he is also concerned with the uncertain purpose of the commercial space in the front of the building and that the dance studio is in direct opposition to the Area Structure Plan (ASP).

“It also sets a precedent,” he said.

“We don’t see the Bragg Creek ASP as a guideline, we see it as a document that countless hours of volunteer time has been spent on.”

Resident Mel Swereda was opposed to the project, calling it a “mega project dance hall.”

He also expressed concerned about traffic, noise, light pollution, parking and dust.

“One person’s dream shouldn’t outweigh the many volunteers who put together the ASP,” said Swereda.

Boychuk said in her three years of teaching she hasn’t had any complaints about noise.

She said traffic and parking wouldn’t be an issue, as most parents drop their kids off rather than use the parking lot.

Division 2 Councillor Mitch Yurchak was also in opposition of the project, saying the studio could be built without redesignating the parcel.

Division 9 Councillor Paul McLean voted against the redesignation, saying, “the neighbours don’t seem to be on the same page.”

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