A proposed massive RV resort at Buffalo Lake has had overwhelming interest from potential buyers even though it hasn’t even passed all development hurdles.
RV Sites Canada proposes to develop Paradise Shores RV resort between the Summer Village of White Sands and Buffalo View Estates with 800 RV lots and 370 stalls in the first phase and people are lining up to buy them.
The development includes a retail store, clubhouse, restaurant, pa, bar, fitness area, marina, cottages, a swimming pool and tennis courts.
“We have had an amazing response to our pre-sales,” Dave Hamm, owner of RV Sites Canada, told County of Stettler Councillors during their regular meeting Feb. 14.
“We have had 6,000 people that we still haven’t been able to get back to. Over a third of the park is pre-sold.”
Hamm said to ensure everyone has access to the shoreline along the development, a walking trail will be put in at the top of the riparian zone and a grass swale between the first RV’s and the riparian zone.
The development will also have a green footprint with the least amount of disturbance to native waterfowl and animals.
Currently the development includes plans for four water wells but Hamm said if the county requests they connect to the regional water line they would.
Coun. Wayne Nixon said the county is working on extending the regional water line to that area.
“It would be very advantageous to the Shirley McClellan Water Commission to have you hook up to it. The more usage the cheaper the water is.”
Coun. James Nibourg praised the proposed development.
“The proposal looks phenomenal. You guys have done your homework. That’s awesome.”
He questioned, however, the issue of taxes and said the amount needs to be worked out sooner rather than later to avoid problems. He said he’s heard the development could generate anywhere from $200,000 to $1.2 million in taxes annually.
County of Stettler Director of Planning and Development Johan van der Bank said county staff have received many objections to the development from landowners through emails and phone calls.
Coun. Nibourg, however, told Hamm he’s received positive responses.
“A number of businesses are saying this is good, any economic development is good.”
Both phases are expected to be completed by mid-May 2019.
County council gave first reading to a bylaw paving the way for the development and set a public hearing.
Lisa Joy
ECA Review
