Kneehill County council approved first reading of a rezoning bylaw that would allow a new auto wrecking yard to be developed near Three Hills. First reading of the rezoning bylaw was passed at the Nov. 26 regular meeting of council.
Manager of Planning and Development Barb Hazleton presented a memo written by Planning and Development Officer Brandy Hay-Morgan regarding a request to rezone land near Three Hills with the intention of eventually developing a wrecking yard there.
“Nalini Ramdin wishes to redesignate a portion of the land from the Agriculture District to the Light Industrial District,” stated Hay-Morgan’s memo to council.
“The subject land is southwest of Three Hills, approximately 6.75 km on a portion of SW 29-31-24 W4, Plan 9410761, Lot 1. Rezoning portions of the land to light industrial (LI) would allow for a wrecking yard to operate on the north portion of this property.
“The proposed redesignation is located off of TwpRd 31-4 southwest of the Town of Three Hills. The landowner wishes to redesignate portions of the 6.23 acre property [currently zoned agriculture] to LI. Approximately 3.98 acres will be for storage and dismantling for up to a maximum of 200 vehicles.
“There will be no crushing of vehicles at this location; the applicant has also indicated that this land will not be used for a storefront or retail location and will be mainly for employees to dismantle vehicles.” Hay-Morgan stated in her report that rezoning is a change to the county’s Land Use Use Bylaw (LUB) and itself requires a bylaw; the bylaw process involves three readings and a public hearing before the final decision is made.
Ramdin’s Oct. 22 letter of intent was included for councillors. It stated he intends to “…open and operate a business of selling used auto parts…mainly through generating online leads and delivering/shipping parts within North America.”
Ramdin’s letter stated most of the vehicles will be purchased at insurance auctions in Calgary and Edmonton. Vehicles will be delivered via transport company or Ramdin’s staff. He discussed environmental concerns and recycling for materials like engine oil and antifreeze.
He mentioned site fencing and controlled operation hours. “It is important to mention that it is a priority for us to ensure that we are not disturbing anyone in the area,” stated Ramdin’s letter.
Hazelton reminded councillors that rezoning isn’t a permit to develop; if the rezoning is approved, the applicant must still secure a development permit before proceeding.
Coun. Carrie Fobes asked if the site is large enough for a wrecking yard; she noted this concern because the councillor stated a different proposed wrecking yard in her area was turned down because the parcel was too small.
Hazelton responded she wasn’t familiar with that application and would have to investigate it. Hazelton added such information would be presented at the public hearing for this current application.
Coun. Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham observed that even though an applicant describes what they may or may not do, once the property is rezoned they can apply to do whatever the LUB permits in that zone. Hazleton confirmed yes, once the land is LI, all LI options are open to them.
Councillors noted that if land is rezoned then a development permit issued, that permit is valid for the uses specified and if land use changes a new permit must be obtained.
The public would also have a chance to comment on this application during the public hearing.
Councillors unanimously passed first reading of the rezoning bylaw and set the public hearing for January.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
