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Possible third RV storage site proposed near Beaumont

Rezoning 4.82 acres of land from agricultural to direct control for the development of a RV storage site...

Rezoning 4.82 acres of land from agricultural to direct control for the development of a RV storage site was stopped at two readings when Leduc County councillors could not unanimously agree to move to third reading during their Sept. 27 meeting.

The first and second readings passed 4-2 with Mayor John Whaley and Coun. Tanni Doblanko opposed. When council motioned to move to third reading Coun. Clay Stump opposed.

The land is located along range Road 243, north of Secondary Highway 625 and west of the Town of Beaumont.

If left agriculturally zoned the storage site could have no more than five per cent of the parcel used for RV storage. What the applicants are proposing has 32 per cent coverage.

“There are currently two recreational storage areas near the Town of Beaumont,” said Charlene Haverland, senior planner. One is five acres and the other is 15 acres.

Whaley questioned whether rezoning the land to direct control and allowing the applicants to bypass the five per cent rule would set a precedent in the county.

“I guess I have to consider what’s best for the individual but I also have to worry about precedent setting,” agreed Doblanko.

Haverland says there are 33 recreational vehicle storage sites across the county. Six exceed five per cent coverage, going as high as 12 per cent.

The Town of Beaumont objected to redistricting the land; the land is in an area Beaumont is looking to annex from the county.

The municipality has cited it feels an RV storage site is not conducive to future urban growth of the area.

“Respectfully we find the objection from Beaumont towards opening RV storage completely contrary to what their vision is to the future,” said applicant Gail Goudreau.

“RV storage business very much fits with urban development. It is that exact urban development that is creating the need and the demand for convenient RV storage facilities,” she added.

Goudreau showed councillors a type of concept plan developed by Beaumont for the land. The three proposed land uses are commercial, residential and business park.

“Interesting. They already assume it’s annexed,” said Whaley with a laugh.

The matter will be back before council at its Oct. 4 meeting.

If approved it will be subject to a five- year time a limit. At that time the applicants can apply for an extension. If not approved the land will be rezoned back to agriculture.

The other two RV storage sites in the area also have time limits put on them.