The Town of Stettler council approved a subdivision application for a proposed residential development, but the project’s future still depends on the outcome of a rezoning application.
The subdivision was approved at the April 20 regular meeting of council.
Director of Planning and Development Leann Graham presented Tracey Peters’ application to subdivide her property at 4501 46th Ave., also identified as lot 2, block 1, plan 1923086 and known around Stettler as Rotary Campground, in order to develop a residential subdivision of about 17 parcels.
Graham stated the proposed subdivision meets the town’s Municipal Development Plan, which identifies that area for future residential development.
Graham reminded councillors they had already approved two readings of a rezoning bylaw for this same project; the project’s re-zoning and subdivision applications are being processed at the same time, but third reading of the rezoning has yet to be considered.
Councillors noted that their agenda packages included some feedback from the community that was submitted for the rezoning, but Graham stated she included it again to ensure the resident’s concerns were heard.
Letters from Ryan Bolin and Melissa Huraj stated they were concerned about this project for reasons including drainage issues, loss of green space, demand for residential lots and possible conflict for the nearby Stettler Agriculture Society grounds.
A letter from the agriculture society was also included that made it clear the organization is also concerned about possible conflict with new neighbours.
Coun. Al Campbell stated he recently spoke with the agriculture society and they are not necessarily unhappy with the proposed project.
Mayor Sean Nolls echoed that statement, adding that the applicant is known to be addressing the society’s concerns.
Councillors unanimously approved the subdivision application, but as noted above, it’s reliant on the passing of third reading of the same project’s rezoning, which will return to town council at a future time.
Zoning changes
Town council gave initial approval to a rezoning that doesn’t meet an area structure plan that town staff described as “outdated in nature.”
Graham presented councillors with Bylaw 2140-21 which proposes to rezone lot 5, block 4, plan 1223548 from Direct Control Residential 2 to Highway Commercial.
“The property is currently vacant and accessed through 4019-50 Street,” stated Graham in her report to council. “The applicant (Gayle Cassidy) is proposing to rezone the property to DC2 and consolidate the parcel with 4019-50 Street.
“In 2012 the property was subdivided to accommodate three residential parcels and the highway commercial parcel.
Development has taken place on the residential properties with the original house remaining on 4019-50 Street.”
Graham added that the application doesn’t meet the South East Area Structure Plan, but pointed out that plan dates to 1989 and is “outdated in nature.”
She said the proposed rezoning actually reflects what’s going on in the neighbourhood.
Councillors unanimously approved first reading of the bylaw and selected May as the date for the public hearing.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
