Residents remain concerned with the protection and preservation of Saunders Lake, following proposed changes to the future land use concept plan surrounding the lake.
Leduc County and the City of Leduc are jointly invested in the proposed changes to the land use concept plan and area structure plan (ASP).
Under the existing ASP, the majority of the future growth is proposed for varying types of residential development, with the exception of a small area of business industrial development. With the new proposed changes the county and city are planning to provide business industrial use around the lake while retaining other lands nearby for long-term agricultural use, while maintaining the environment of the riparian area.
In continuing efforts to keep the public informed as the process progresses an open house was held in Nisku in late August. “The comments we had, there’s still a degree of concern,” said Colin Richards, Leduc County senior planner.
“That is something we hold very dear,” he added, preferring to the preservation of the lake’s health.
Richards says the current draft of the concept land use plan includes a strong policy for preservation.
Future long-term growth of the Saunders Lake area is tied to a number of determining documents: Saunders Lake Area Structure Plan, Leduc County Municipal Development Plan, City of Leduc/Leduc County Intermunicipal Development Plan, City of Leduc Municipal Development Plan.
Richards says as of Sept. 13, 15 official comments had been made. They are now being compiled for future use.
“When we take the comments we will revise a draft policy and framework,” said Jordan Evans, manager of long range planning with Leduc County.
Sylvian Losier, City of Leduc manager of regional planning and initiatives, says a summary of feedback and information will be posted on both the city and county websites and residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the websites going forward to stay informed.