Conservation-based neighbourhood design was the overarching conversation at City Council for a new neighbourhood which could be built around the Northeast and Small Swales. Administration presented three options for boundaries of protected area, but in the end, after presentations from concerned citizens and various nature groups and organizations, Council approved option three with an amended larger area for preliminary study.

A group called the Swale Watchers presented the option, which was backed by other nature groups. Co-Chair Meghan Mickelson, told Council that Administration’s boundaries didn’t take into consideration how much land is needed for the Sharp-tailed Grouse and its mating area called a lek, where the grouse do their mating dance. Mickelson says if this area isn’t protected, with space around it, that could be the end of the Sharp-tailed Grouse in this area.

Councillor Darren Hill moved that this added land be included and it was carried. He told Council, these are preliminary boundaries, and if we don’t add these areas now, it won’t happen, so our opportunity is now. This neighbourhood isn’t being built in the near future, so there are still many steps to go through before any final decisions are made.