MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – The county's municipal planning commission approving authority has OK’d a development permit for the change of use of an existing riding arena in the Fallentimber rural neighbourhood.
The move came by way of motion at one of the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting, held by teleconference.
The arena is located about two kilometres south of Twp. Rd. 304 on the east side of Rge. Rd. 52 at SW 23-30-5-5.
The proposed development is for the change of use for the existing riding arena, private to riding arena public and boarding house within existing riding arena, public and sign, onsite commercial.
“The riding arena, public will be used every day year-round within the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. with up to four employees in addition to the applicant,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission.
“The business details indicated the arena use will include a monthly clinic with up to 20 participants and one weekly lesson with up to ten participants. The average client visits will be up to 20 per week.”
The application does not include events or camping on site, members heard.
“In addition, the proposal includes a boarding house with the riding arena with three bedrooms for accommodation, a common kitchen and associated parking.
“The boarding house is existing and recent ownership change for the property determined that no permits have been issued for the use to be compliant with the land use bylaw.”
Administration circulated the application to adjacent landowners within half a mile of the subject property and no comments or concerns were received, members heard.
“The operations department was circulated and responded with no concerns with the proposed development. Economic development was circulated for information purposes.”
The approval comes with a number of conditions, including that “all riding arenas and associated facilities shall be kept in a manner satisfactory to the Health Authority and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.”
The municipal planning commission is made up of county councillors and appointed members of the public.
