County of Wetaskiwin council approved a proposed RV campground’s area structure plan near Winfield following a public hearing at their Planning and Economic Development council meeting July 11.
A proposed area structure plan was to be presented at the public hearing for councilors to examine.
“On March 29, 2019, Administration received a proposed Area Structure Plan (ASP) from Robert Riddett, on behalf of landowners Travis and Leigh Peirens, located within NE 28-45-3-W5M,” stated the agenda memo.
“The proposed Area Structure Plan is to create up to one hundred (100) Recreational Vehicle (RV) sites for seasonal rentals on the north end of the parcel, which is located on the west side of Highway 20, six (6) kilometres south of the Hamlet of Winfield. The current parcel is zoned Agricultural (AG) and if the proposed ASP is approved, rezoning to Recreational (R) would be undertaken by the Applicants.
“Referral letters were sent to West Central Planning Agency, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD), Alberta Environment, Alberta Transportation, and Administration on March 29, 2019.”
It was stated at the public hearing Alberta Transportation had no objections to the application, and only pointed out such things as proper development of offices etc.
It was noted that the proposed development has some decent farmland, but some less than desirable. “Forty-two acres are assessed at 33 per cent, the other 113.91 acres are under the 30 per cent threshold as stated by the County’s MDP,” stated the agenda memo.
“From what I can tell when comparing their supplied Map 7 with the soil assessment maps that the proposed development area is located on the approximate 42 acres of land that has the 33 per cent assessment rating.”
Water supply did not appear to be a problem either. “Regarding Water Supply, it was concluded by Envirowest Engineering Inc. that the proposed development of one hundred (100) new recreational stalls would not have significant impact on the local groundwater resources.”
As far as constant traffic to and from the site, it appears most of the time campers will remain in one spot with minimal moves. “Finally, the current ASP draft has clarified that individuals using the campground would leave their Recreational Vehicles on-site during the summer season.”
It was also pointed out neighbours were notified of this proposal. “Additionally, Administration notes that during March of 2019, a summary of the proposed Area Structure Plan was sent to fifteen (15) adjacent landowners and Crown Leaseholders within the required referral area by the Applicant.”
Once the public hearing was closed, councilors unanimously approved all readings of the area structure plan by-law.
Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca