An area structure plan detailing further development of the Black Bull Golf Resort was repealed by Wetaskiwin County council at it’s March 10 planning and economic development meeting.
The area structure plan was approved in 2014. However, owner Patricia O’Connor came to council seeking the repeal.
An access road O’Connor thought had been removed was still a part of the structure plan and with the expansion of the RV park nixed the purpose of the plan is now moot.
Daniel Jackson owns the adjoining property the access road would have looped around and he too was surprised it was still a part of the area structure plan.
“We had a verbal agreement with the Jacksons, we met with them and agreed not to have a road around … their property,” said O’Connor.
“I was kind of disappointed you’re repealing it because I thought it was a really good development,” said Coun. Larry McKeevers.
McKeevers questioned whether there’s the option of leaving the area structure plan open; the councillor suggested O’Connor may want to develop more in the future and would need the area structure plan to do so.
Assistant CAO Rod Hawken explained there is the option to remove any trace of the access road from the area structure plan.
Jackson urged council not to repeal the structure plan as he believes without it future development in the area may negatively impact his land.
He explained other than the access road he, his sister and his mother supported everything outlined in the area structure plan. “It took the existing campground and relocated it a south quarter, which removed a bunch of concerns that we’ve had over the past.”
Concerns included noise pollution, camp fires, theft, trespassers and dust.
“Other than eventually replacing our club house, which is falling apart, and getting our RV park back to functioning standards we have no desire to do any further development within the County of Wetaskiwin ever again,” said O’Connor.