Mountain View County council has been given an update on the proposed Rocky Mountain Motorsports Park outside Carstairs.
The status report was presented during council's recent regularly scheduled meeting.
Rocky Mountain Motorsports is proposing the construction of a multi-million-dollar facility, which could include a motorsports racetrack, a driver training facility, a business area, commercial retail services, outdoor recreation and sports fields.
Bylaw No. 14/16 redesignates the 545.64-acre parcel near Highway 2 from agricultural district to direct control district.
If eventually given final reading, the redesignation would provide for the opportunity to develop a motorsport park at the site, located at SE 12-30-1-5 and NE 12-30-1-5 in the Wessex rural neighbourhood.
The bylaw received first reading on Oct. 26, when the public hearing opened. That day saw supporters and opponents speak to the matter, and councillors pose several questions to administration.
Hundreds of area residents have signed a petition against the proposed facility. Opponents have expressed a number of concerns, including possible increases in noise levels, traffic, trespassing and crime, and possible negative impacts on area property values.
A public hearing was held on Dec. 14 and since then administration has received a number of related reports, said director of planning Margaretha Bloem.
The county has received a sound impact analysis report that has been received and accepted in principle.
A transportation impact assessment report has also been accepted in principle.
"The two outstanding items are related to sour gas facilities, that's the first time, and the second items is the applicant now needs to review the concept plan to make sure that it aligns with the approved studies as well as dealing with the sour gas facilities," said Bloem.
A further status report will be given to council on Feb. 28, she said. A date for the matter to come back for possible second reading of the bylaw amendment has not been set.
