A quarter-century dream to develop the west and north sides of Napoleon Lake has taken a big step towards reality, despite concerns from nearby residents the 28-acre project could adversely impact its pristine natural integrity.
But the developer, who has owned the property since 1988, insists the integrity of the lake will be vigorously protected as it's an essential component of the planned residential subdivision.
“We want to enjoy the amenity value. That is what is going to make the whole subdivision so desirable, is all the parkland on the north end of the lake, plus what we provided on the west side,” said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, owner of Napwest Corporation, whose proposal for the new 22-acre low-density subdivision – tentatively called Napoleon Lake West -- includes the creation of 62 lots of larger sized upscale single-family dwellings. The overall development proposal also calls for a separate six-acre area for higher-density condos that would overlook both the Innisfail Golf Club and the lake. There is no commercial development planned for the project.
“This is one of the most attractive pieces of developable land in Central Alberta,” added Campbell, who plans on starting construction later this year. “We do regard the presence of the lake as having a great asset amenity value to the community and as such, we plan to make this a tasteful and environmentally sensitive development.”
Campbell's development proposal was brought forward to town council at its regular meeting on Jan. 11. For Campbell's proposal to move forward, council held a public hearing and then approved amendments to the Napoleon Lake Structure Plan and the Land Use Bylaw. Council also approved a separate application to close a section of the existing Lakeside Way, which will remain the entrance to the subdivision from Lakewood Drive, but will be rerouted on Campbell's property to complement the design of the development.
During the public hearing, two citizens who live near Napoleon Lake said while they have long known the property would one day be developed, they passionately expressed hopes the natural integrity of the lake, with its abundant vegetation and wildlife, would not be adversely impacted.
“I wonder about the stress this will cause to the wildlife in that area. If you start construction, that reduces habitat for wildlife,” said Terri Hart, who lives on nearby 47 Street. “I don't want a lake to die because of development.”
Ron Bosse, who also lives on 47 Street, said he would have preferred a plan that called for the entire project to be just for low-density single-family dwellings.
“I am concerned about apartments being there,” said Bosse. “We really need to work with the developer to make sure there is not high density there.”
However, Campbell said he has long been an advocate for the natural pristine beauty and health of the lake, noting he has by legal requirement given at least 10 acres of his property as an environmental reserve, including lands now used for the natural walking path on the west side of the lake. Last year, the Rotary Club of Innisfail, in conjunction with the town, began its upgrading project along the west side of the lake, which included the construction of viewing platforms at the northwest and southwest ends. The Rotary-driven project, which will include new signage and improvements to the natural pathway, is continuing this year.
Campbell also maintains the view from the east side of the lake will not change. “There is nothing that is going to change on the west side of the lake in terms of all those trees and the vegetation that you see when you look across the lake. The development is going to take place behind that. The view from the east side is not going to change,” said Campbell, adding there will be a tree barrier around the north and west sides of the development. “It is our aim to try and preserve a barrier of trees around the periphery and the trees are big enough that we can accommodate that. We want to create that atmosphere of privacy when people drive into the area.”
Craig Teal, the town's director of planning and operational services, said the next step for Campbell's development proposal will be on Jan. 25, when council will be asked to approve a subdivision proposal for the property.
If council approves the subdivision application, Campbell said detailed drawings for the development would start. He said construction on the low-density section of the subdivision would “definitely” begin in 2016. Campbell added he is looking for an outside developer to construct the high-density area of the project.
Dr. Malcolm Campbell
"We do regard the presence of the lake as a great asset amenity value to the community, and as such we plan to make this a tasteful and environmentally sensitive development."
