A critical step in preserving the Nose Creek Valley is on the horizon as Calgary City Councillor Jasmine Mian prepares to submit a Notice of Motion (NoM) at today’s Executive Council meeting. The Nose Creek Preservation Society (NCPS), a local advocacy group, has tirelessly championed the cause of Nose Creek for over two years.
Stretching from Crossfield through Airdrie and down into North Calgary, Nose Creek serves as a vital ecological lifeline for the region. Its water ultimately feeds into the Bow River, making the watershed's health a priority for environmentalists, local officials, and residents who rely on it.
For the NCPS, this moment is the culmination of years of hard work. The group has been pushing for stakeholders to prioritize the protection of the Nose Creek Valley, which faces increasing pressure from ongoing development.
"We started talking with Councillor Mian and her team in July, and since then, this motion has taken shape," said Andrew Yule, a board member of the NCPS. "It’s a playbook for how Nose Creek can be managed as new developments spring up in the north end of Calgary."
The Notice of Motion outlines a strategy for balancing urban expansion with environmental preservation. It explicitly addresses major developments such as the Aurora Business Park, Stony Industrial Area, and the planned Nose Creek community north of Stony Trail. The motion calls for a cohesive environmental strategy to ensure that future developments protect the greenbelt around Nose Creek and preserve the area’s biodiversity.
If passed during the October 29 City Council meeting, this motion will lay the groundwork for sustainable urban planning in one of Calgary’s most critical ecological zones.
This Notice of Motion marks a significant achievement for the NCPS in its grassroots campaign. Their efforts are now paying off, with growing support from city leaders.
"This is a red-letter day for us," said Yule. "We’ve been asking for this discussion for two years, and seeing it finally gaining traction is exciting. Councillor Mian has picked up the torch, and we’re hopeful other officials will join her in championing this cause."
If approved, the NoM would direct city administration to develop a unified strategy for managing the Nose Creek watershed. This plan would ensure that future projects are aligned with environmental goals, emphasizing the need to safeguard the creek’s delicate ecosystem. Yule stressed the importance of collaboration across municipal borders, pointing out that the cities of Airdrie, Calgary, and Rocky View County must coordinate efforts to protect the watershed.
"The Nose Creek watershed is massive—it covers more area than the entire City of Calgary," Yule explained. "Most people don’t realize just how much rainwater and meltwater flows into the creek and eventually into the Bow River. We tend to take it for granted, but it’s an essential part of our region’s water system."
Yule also highlighted the broader significance of the motion, noting that it could catalyze regional collaboration.
"We’ve been in discussions with the mayors of Airdrie and Rocky View, and they’re waiting to see what Calgary does before making their own plans. This motion could bring everyone to the table, ensuring that the greenbelt is maintained throughout the region."
The NCPS sees potential for an even more significant impact, including collaboration with higher levels of government. The society has identified provincial Crown land along Nose Creek that could be incorporated into future parkland or conservation efforts.
"There’s a real opportunity here to create something lasting," Yule said. "This isn’t just about today—it’s about protecting this resource for future generations."
While submitting the Notice of Motion is a crucial first step, the journey toward full implementation will be complex and require ongoing effort.
"This is just the beginning. Once the motion goes through, it gives the city administration the green light to start planning. But that’s going to take time, and we’ll need to keep pushing to ensure this remains a priority."
Over the coming weeks, the NCPS plans to ramp up its advocacy efforts, encouraging members and supporters to contact city councillors before the October 29 meeting to garner widespread support for the motion.
Though much remains to be done, the NCPS remains optimistic about the future.
"We’re building momentum, and it feels like more and more people are getting on board," Yule said. "This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term, multi-government effort to protect one of Calgary’s most important natural resources."
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