The Mountain View County municipal planning commission has approved a subdivision application to create an agricultural parcel for the purpose of growing genetically perfected blue spruce trees south of Sundre.
The approval came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The 39.60-acre parcel involved is located in the Bergen neighbourhood north of the intersection of Twp. Rd. 320 and Rge. Rd. 55 approximately 12 kilometres south-southwest of Sundre (at NW 5-32-5-5).
“The applicant has stated that parcel is suitable for this type of agricultural pursuit as there are no white spruce nearby that could cross-pollinate with the spruce species that they would like to propagate on site,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission.
“The landowners are tree farmers and have a few parcels within the county and neighbouring municipalities that they use for propagating various landscaping trees. Over the past few years they have been working on two types of genetically perfected trees, specifically the Hoopsii Kuster Blue Spruce and a Fastigiata Narrow Colorado Blue Spruce.
“As they have an established nursery near the proposal site, the landowners agreed to give a tour of the tree-growing operation during the site visit to better demonstrate how they intend on using the land being proposed for subdivision.”
The operation at the site will involve grafting the desired species to a common spruce tree species over several generations until seed can be harvested from the trees that strongly display traits of the desired species, members heard.
“The landowners intend on using selected seeds from this existing nursery and propagate the perfected strains within the proposal area. The subject lands have been identified by the landowners as a suitable place for this operation as the surrounding white spruce trees are well removed and should not cross-pollinate with the two species that they would like to grow on site.”
Administration was in support of the application, saying no concerns or objections were received from adjacent landowners or agencies.
“The parcel is within the parameters described in the Municipal Development Plan and the Land Use Bylaw with a slight variance that is deemed acceptable. The proposal also meets the intent of the Bergen Area Structure Plan,” administration said.
The commission approved the application by a 5-2 vote, with members Peggy Johnson and Heidi Overguard voting against.
“I think it’s further fragmenting the land and I think it is contrary to the area structure plan,” said Johnson.
Fitness facility approved
Meanwhile, the commission approved a development permit for a personal fitness training facility in the Netook neighbourhood east of Olds.
The approval also came by way of motion at the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The permit is for proposed accessory building-shop with business, contractors for personal fitness training.
The property involved is located about one kilometre south of Twp. Rd. 334 on the east side of Rge. Rd. 15.
The proposed building size is 2,400 square feet, including 500 square feet for personal use.
“The business will provide fitness training to a maximum of six clients a day and up to 30 clients a week,” administration said in a briefing note to council. “The hours of operation will be 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the week and will operate year-round. The applicant/landowner lives on-site within the existing dwelling and there will be one employee in addition to the applicant.
“Parking will be provided in front of the accessory building for clientele. The equipment on-site will consist of exercise equipment and a computer. There is no sign or outdoor storage associated with the business.”
Administration supported the application, saying no letters of objection were received from adjacent landowners.
