Dear editor,
The “Concerned Citizens from the Hamlet of Mulhurst Bay” or (CCM) thought it would be important to share a brief history of what has been happening in our quiet little hamlet. Over the past few months there appears to be misunderstandings and misinformation, related to the inappropriate use of recreational vehicles as per County of Wetaskiwin Bylaws 95/94. We would like to set the message straight that we have no concerns with individuals coming out in recreational vehicles and celebrating special family events such as weddings, birthdays or anniversaries, etc. Our concern is that we are not trying to “Save our Summers!” We are trying to “Save our Summers, Falls, Winters and Springs!”
Many of the estimated population of 277 individuals have spent hundreds of thousands of their hard earned dollars on permanent residences. They pay annual taxes and support local community events. That is why the “CCM” are confused on how a couple of dozen individuals who live part time in recreational vehicles deemed inappropriate by our current county bylaws feel that they are being negatively affected by our concerns.
These individuals have permanent residences elsewhere and only come out to the “lake” a couple of times a month normally in the summer time only. Most of these part time summer recreational vehicles are located within Cameron Highlands which is a small multi-lot subdivision within Mulhurst Bay zoned “Country Residential”. Cameron Highlands allows only for single family residences and does not allow recreational vehicles or park models to be used as a permitted nor as a discretionary land use.
Many of those arguing that use of recreational vehicles as a part-time summer campsite claim that they were unaware of the bylaw. Cameron Highlands has always been zoned as Country Residential. This zoning is identified on their land title documents, identified on their tax bills and identified on restrictive covenants that apply to land use. Each community entrance has permanent signs stating that any developments must have an approved permit.
Simply put; recreational vehicles as well as park model homes are not permitted within Cameron Highlands or in many other areas within Mulhurst. The surrounding 11 summer villages also do not permit such structures. There are areas that are permitted to store and house recreational vehicles such as Hilah Ayers Campground, Pigeon Lake Golf Campground as well as another half dozen other facilities all a short drive from Mulhurst.
Early in 2015, the “CCM” began their objection to the county. This unfortunate disagreement was originally not focused on those individuals currently using recreational vehicles; it was initiated by another unrelated event. It was this event that triggered the “CCM” to register a complaint to the county.
The “CCM” feels that recreational vehicles are a way of life if used appropriately and not for long term living or camping. Unfortunately in any argument one side will always try to get their way by intimidation, threats and accusations. We really did not want this to become a fight between neighbours but a means of our County to enforce the bylaws already in effect. We want to ensure that we Save Our Summers, Falls, Winters and Springs for everyone complying with the rules and bylaws. This is a residential community, not a summer lake lot.
Richard Conrad, Mulhurst Bay