Kneehill County began the re-zoning process for a parcel of land that a recent purchaser thought was already properly zoned for their business; turns out it wasn’t. The passing of first reading of a re-zoning bylaw was made at the June 14 regular meeting of council.
Barb Hazelton, manager of planning and development, presented a report written by Brandy Hay-Morgan, planning and development officer, for an application to re-zone a parcel of land located at SE22-30-25 W4, further described as Plan 011 2534 Block A Lot 1 from agriculture to light industrial.
“Ext Capital Inc., is the current landowner of the SE 22-30-25 W4 and have recently purchased this property in February of 2022,” stated Hay-Morgan’s report to council.
“The parcel was purchased by the new owners with the impression that the lands were already zoned commercial or industrial use.”
During discussion Hazleton pointed out the land was not, in fact, zoned light industrial but rather was zoned agriculture.
“The proposed site is located approximately 2.5 miles southeast of the Village of Linden as the crow flies,” stated Hay-Morgan’s report. “The site is accessed via Range Road 252 and is five miles south of TWP Rd 304.
The applicants currently store their business products, concrete forms, in one bay and are looking to lease the other three bays to other businesses for warehousing purposes.”
Hay-Morgan stated in her report that Ext Capital’s proposed uses for the light industrial zoning are already allowed in that zone.
“Industrial storage and warehousing is a permitted use in the light industrial district,” stated Hay-Morgan.
Hazelton noted the staff recommendation was to approve first reading of the re-zoning bylaw and set a date for the public hearing.
Coun. Ken King asked if there has been any consultation on this application with the neighbouring landowner.
Hazelton responded that the neighbours are located very close to the parcel in question but the new owner has been using the facility “for quite a number of years” so they have a good working relationship.
Hazelton also noted the neighbour in question will receive a mail-out notification about this re-zoning application.
Councillors unanimously approved first reading of the re-zoning bylaw, and set the public hearing for July 19.
Stu Salkeld
Local journalism initiative reporter
ECA Review
