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Gonzo Road officially renamed by the MD of Bighorn

Goodbye Gonzo.
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A map of the portion of Gonzo Road in the MD of Bighorn boundary that was mailed out to adjacent homeowners to gauge public interest for a potential name change. PHOTO SUBMITTED

BIGHORN – Goodbye Gonzo.

The 800-metre gravel patch of road located on the eastern boundary of the MD of Bighorn was officially renamed to Highland Ranch Road during the May council meeting, after council received a couple letters of support from neighbouring homeowners. 

“We own and live on the quarter at the end of Gonzo’s Road. We are absolutely in agreement to the road name change,” two homeowners wrote in a letter dated March 31. 

Earlier this year, Bighorn director of operations Bill Luka brought up the unconventionally named road during the March council meeting, noting there were several informal requests to say goodbye to Gonzo and pick a different name.

"In the past, there have been numerous informal inquiries regarding renaming Gonzo Road ... administration received an inquiry to rename the portion of Gonzo Road within the MD's boundary to Highland Ranch Road," Luka said at the March council meeting.

Historically named after a landowner who resided at the end of the road, the MD reached out to landowners whose properties were adjacent to, or who have access from Gonzo Road, as a way to gauge public support for the potential name change. Five additional ratepayers were also notified by mail-out letter.

During the March council meeting, Councillors Erik Butters and Paul Clark spoke of the history of naming roads after early European settlers, but said they both supported a name change.

The road begins in Rocky View County with access from Highway 1A near the Ghost Reservoir Recreation Area, with only approximately 800-metres within the MD boundary.

During the March meeting, Luka also noted the MD contacted Rocky View County, which raised no concerns with the potential name change.

Council received back two letters of support and nothing to indicate homeowners wanted to keep the name.

“I am writing to confirm my support for the renaming of the Subject Road to Highland Ranch Road,” another homeowner wrote on April 6.

Bighorn administration recommended council rename the road to Highland Ranch Road, which had no financial implications to the MD.

Coun. Butters moved to adopt the staff recommendation and reeve and council all voted in favour of the motion. 

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