Recreational vehicles on vacant property continues to be an issue of debate at County of Wetaskiwin meetings. At the June 8 Planning and Development meeting, a proposed permit for RVs at family reunions was defeated by council’s vote.
The issue was brought forward by Director of Planning and Development David Blades, listed on the agenda as “unfinished business, Recreational vehicle Use During Family Functions.”
“At the November 1, 2017 Council for Planning and Economic Development meeting, council resolved “that the draft policy setting out requirements for RV use during special events such as family functions be tabled until the January 11, 2017 Council for Planning and Economic Development Meeting to be discussed concurrently with proposed Land Use Bylaw 2017/48.
“At the April 12, 2018 Council for Planning and Economic Development meeting, council gave third and final reading to Land Use Bylaw 2017/48.
“At the May 10, 2018 Council for Planning and Development meeting, council discussed a proposed draft policy for Recreational Vehicle Use During Family Functions. During this meeting, council directed “Administration to draft a Policy to be presented for approval at the June 8, 2018 Planning and Economic Development Council meeting with the following changes: Where a dwelling exists on a parcel of land between half an acre (0.5 acre) and two (2) acre, a maximum of five (5) Recreational Vehicles may be present; and Where a dwelling exists on a parcel of land between over two (2) acre and less than twenty (20) acres, a maximum of twenty (20) Recreational Vehicles may be present.”
The draft policy noted, “The Council of the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 wishes to accommodate Family Functions including reunions, weddings, and other similar family functions and that associated temporary use of Recreation Vehicles be allowed during these functions on a given property.
“Applications shall only be allowed within properties districted as Institutional (IS), Recreational (R), Watershed Protection (WP), Wizard Lake Watershed (WLW), Agricultural (AG), and Residential, excepting Urban Residential (UR), Mobile Home (MH), and High Density Rural Residential (HDR) District. “
It also noted that applications and permits were needed for large numbers of RVs at family functions on vacant property.
Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers very quickly stated she didn’t support this policy as she didn’t see a need for families to be applying for permits and that most people wouldn’t apply anyway.
Blades said staff wanted some direction on how certain RV situations are handled; as the RV issue came forward, some members of the public asked that guidelines be in place.
Councilor Lyle Seely also saw no need for the policy. “It doesn’t make sense,” he said. At the same time, Seely said he could see where some people who are violating the RV limit on a private lot could simply claim everyone is family, and that it’s a family get-together.
Blades stated the number of complaints related to family functions have not been collected.
Rooyakkers said the county has a noise bylaw which applies to all events, and further requirements shouldn’t be needed. “We’re being too controlling,” said Rooyakkers.
Councilor Josh Bishop said he felt current bylaws should be able to handle RVs being used at family functions and any issues that surround them.
The proposed policy was defeated in a 2 to 4 vote.