by Don Patterson

MD of Foothills council gave first reading to a plan to build an indoor/outdoor BMX and mountain bike track about one kilometre south of Okotoks

Plans to construct a BMX and mountain bike training facility with indoor and outdoor tracks passed its first hurdle earlier this month.

MD of Foothills council approved first reading of the plan for the Alberta Action Sports Complex after a public hearing on July 8, but a few conditions need to be met before giving final approval.

The facility is proposed to be built on an 18-acre parcel about one kilometre south of Okotoks on Secondary Highway 783.

Track founder Evan McClelland said the facility would be unique because there are few indoor tracks in the country.

“It would benefit not only the MD, but also Okotoks, the Calgary region, Alberta and Canada,” he said. “People will come from very far to ride indoors, especially in the winter.”

Council said it wants to see a traffic impact study completed and more information on the building design and colour scheme. It will also decide between one of two options for second and third readings, either approving a permit with an expiry date of up to five years or approving a temporary two-year permit. In the latter case, the track’s owners could either renew the permit or apply for permanent status once the temporary permit has expired.

McClelland said he is happy with the decision and he’s fine with approving the permit on a temporary basis.

“It’s a win so far for the first hurdle,” said McClelland, a former professional BMX biker.

McClelland said he will comply with whatever else he is asked to do as the process moves forward.

The facility will include BMX and mountain bike tracks for all levels from beginner to professional. The plan includes a gym and training centre and would offer cycling courses as well as coaching and fitness programs.

The indoor facility would be between 20,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet in size. MD rules limit potential height to 10 metres.

They plan to use either an air dome or Sprung-type structure.

“There are different types of structures,” said McClelland. “We’d like to choose one that is aesthetically pleasing and works for us.”

He said the tracks would only be constructed of dirt and no motorized bikes will be allowed on the track.

The proposed operating hours for the facility are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with potential exceptions on weekends during events. They anticipate at least six events per year, with five in the summer and one in the winter.

McClelland said he plans to truck water in from outside sources and to use port-a-potties on site.

He said it would be a private facility and they are not affiliated with the Okotoks BMX Club, but he hopes to be able to work with the club.

Track partner Kim Smith said there is a lack of facilities for the sport, indoor tracks in particular. She lives on the property immediately to the south and has children who ride BMX.

“I know that a lot of kids would benefit from a year-round facility,” said Smith.

She said it will give bikers a competitive edge to be able to train all year.

In their decision council supported the idea but were wary of the site.

“It’s going to be used,” said Coun. Larry Spilak. “It’s a good facility to have, I’m just concerned about the location.”

He said he is concerned about putting a sunset clause on the facility.

“It may impede them and I’d rather see them do a good job,” said Spilak.

Coun. Ted Mills said he likes the proposal, but wants to ensure it’s done right and it fits with the surrounding area.

“I don’t want to see a big, white, ugly building,” he said. “I want to see something that appeals to the area.”

A few area residents spoke out against the plan during the hearing over concerns ranging from noise, water, wildlife and traffic.

“I’m concerned about the noise, I’m concerned about security in the area,” said neighbour Ruth Degana.

If approved, she said the track would be built before the Wind Walk development, meaning there would be a lot of additional traffic in the area.

Area resident Kalman Herbath said he’s not opposed to the track, but doesn’t think it’s a good place for it.

Herbath said increased traffic on Secondary Highway 783 could be a problem and a left-turn lane should be added to the road if the facility is approved.

Richard Thibideau was with his two children racing at the BMX track on July 14. He said he would welcome a track in the Okotoks area, adding it would likely attract BMXers from across the province.

“Two years ago, we went to an indoor (horse) arena in Morley which had been converted for BMX,” Thibideau said. “There were people coming from as far away as St. Albert.”