The Mountain View County subdivision and development appeal board has heard an appeal of the earlier approval of the expansion of Camp Evergreen south of Sundre.
Eighteen people attended a July 4 hearing, which was held in county council chambers.
The expansion includes a new lodge with a wastewater treatment plan setback variance. The development permit was approved by the municipal planning commission approval authority on May 16.
The $4.7-million project would see the construction of a two-storey, 14,000-square-foot building near existing buildings at the camp.
Gary and Barbara Labute are the appellants, Camp Evergreen is the applicant, and the Alberta Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is the landowner.
In the notice of appeal, the appellants said they have a number of concerns with the expansion, including impacts on area wildlife, increasing traffic and dust on Rge. Rd. 52, increasing number of trespassers, increased noise, and increasing the risk of pollution in the Fallentimber Creek.
The appeal notice reads, in part, that, “the proposed development and expansion of Camp Evergreen does not fit the characteristics of the area. The land surrounding Camp Evergreen is primarily agricultural and light recreational. There are very few full-time year-round residents in the area.
“This has created a diverse wildlife corridor consisting of elk, moose, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars and deer. The proposed development at Camp Evergreen would significantly increase the number of campers and year-round staff accessing the area increasing the potential for human-wildlife conflict.”
Appellant Gary Labute, who has property near the camp, spoke during the hearing.
“The present application for expansion of Camp Evergreen is too large,” said Labute. “You are basically moving the city to the country. We need to have balance and this is out of balance with the environment.
“You have to put a cap on this or you are going to kill the environment.”
The expansion is “out of line” with the Bergen area structure plan, he said.
Sarah Archibald, daughter of the appellant, spoke in support of the appellant.
“If this development were to proceed, the use and enjoyment of my parents' parcel would be greatly diminished by the increased traffic, noise and likely reduction in wildlife in the area,” said Archibald.
She voiced concerns about traffic, water and environmental impacts.
“I don’t think it conforms with county’s plans for that area,” she said.
Sharon Baldwin, who lives near the camp, spoke in support of the appellant.
“We have lots of concerns,” said Baldwin. “I have great concerns with what is going on. This does not fit a rural agriculture community. This is definitely not a positive for this area.”
She voiced concerns with noise and traffic.
Sandy Easterbrook, who lives near the camp, spoke in support of the appellant. She said she has several concerns, including the impact the expansion may have on wildlife in the area and its possible impact on water quality in Falltimber Creek.
Pat Ball, who lives near the camp, spoke in support of the appellant.
“We don’t want a huge development like that,” said Ball. “We don’t want that monstrosity. I don’t see why they have to have a structure this large. This doesn’t make sense. I don’t approve of this.”
Three letters of support of the appellant were submitted to the board.
Camp Evergreen board member Don Quapp and director Bob Krocker spoke on behalf of the applicant.
“We will continue striving to be good stewards of our land,” said Krocker. “Camp Evergreen has always been willing to work with the county and our neighbours. We want to be good neighbours.”
The camp is prepared to address concerns regarding water, wastewater, traffic, dust, noise and any other matters, said.
“We continue to be willing to work with the county and our neighbours on any issues, our doors are always open, and we welcome any comments and feedback,” said Quapp.
Two letters were submitted in support of the applicant.
There were a total of 4,450 guests at the camp in 2018.
The board must issue its ruling on the appeal by July 18.
