The Mountain View County municipal planning commission has approved a development permit for a new lodge with a wastewater treatment plant setback variance at Camp Evergreen in the Bergen rural neighbourhood south of Sundre.
The move came by way of motion at the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The owner of the camp is Alberta Conferences of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
The $4.7-million project would see the construction of a two-storey, 14,000-square-foot building near existing buildings at the camp.
“The main floor of the lodge will contain a commercial kitchen and dining hall with an initial capacity of 300 guests and staff with up to 400 in the future,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission.
“There will also be washrooms, boot room, storage, and additional meeting rooms on this level (first floor). The upper story will have up to 15 self-contained residential units of which two will be barrier free. These units will be used for staff and guest housing.”
The project will also require an upgrade of the septic system throughout the camp.
“There is an existing lagoon system that the camp has been using for septic services for the existing facility. However, with the expansion, it will no longer be sufficient for the camp. Therefore Camp Evergreen is proposing to discontinue using the lagoon and will be installing a communal water package wastewater treatment system in accordance with provincial codes and regulation.”
Fourteen letters were sent out to adjacent landowners regarding the proposed development, with one letter of concern received back, members heard.
“The letter received indicated concerns with the environmental impact this application will have on the Fallen Timber Creek, the increase in traffic on the range road, and the increased water and septic impacts,” administration said.
The letter writer said, in part, that, “The fragile environment along the Fallen Timber Creek can only handle so much development before it starts to collapse. I have a concern with the environmental impacts this will have on the Fallen Timber Creek with the continued expansion of Camp Evergreen year after year, with the increase of people and activities.”
In a letter responding to the concerns, the camp’s executive director said, in part, that, “there will be no direct impact of the lodge on Fallen Timber Creek. The lodge will be located 120 metres away from the creek and at an elevation of 13 metres above the creek on stable soil validated by a site-specific drilling program and a geotechnical report.”
The approval comes with a number of conditions, including the following:
• The applicant, landowner and/or operator shall ensure all waste products, such as garbage, that is generated on the subject property is disposed of in bear-resistant garbage bins and disposed of in a timely manner at a certified waste management facility.
• The applicant, landowner and operator is encouraged to incorporate BearSmart principles into their proposal.
• All development is encouraged to utilize fire retardant building materials and shall practise FireSmart principles.
• Future development, expansion, new or additional uses, shall require the issuance of a new development permit.
• Parking shall be contained as established on the subject parcel. No parking of vehicles shall be permitted on any county allowances at any time.
The camp has been working with the Sundre fire department to ensure emergency planning at the facility is current, members heard.
Alberta Environment must approve changes to the camp's water and wastewater system, members heard.
The municipal planning commission is made up of county councillors and appointed members of the public at large.
