MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Mountain View County council has been given an update on a proposed glamping retreat and wedding venue in the Water Valley-Winchell Lake area.
A delegation from the project made a presentation to council at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting. Glamping is camping with modern luxury amenities.
Mike Debnam and Mick McCullagh with Tyler Realty said Tranquility Base Retreat would include semi-permanent structures and renovation of an existing barn on a 40-acre parcel three kilometres south of Water Valley at NE 10-29-5-5.
“We want to show that we are thinking forward,” said Debnam. “It’s a beautiful site in Water Valley. The site is a great opportunity.”
Appearing as a delegation before council is a requirement for developers seeking area structure plan amendments.
The property is dissected by Stoney Creek that enters the property from the west, connects to a man-made lake, and exists the property on its eastern boundary at Rge. Rd. 52.
The eastern and southern portions of the parcel are forested, and the western and northwestern portions are on the site of an historic tree farm.
The site is currently zoned residential low density. The plan is to have the property rezoned direct control district.
The plan calls for 50 accommodation tents, with the existing barn renovated to accommodate gatherings and weddings.
The intention is to have each glamping site serviced with water, electricity and composting toilets.
“That is the luxury experience we are going for,” he said. “We want to be environmentally friendly.”
The project will have three development phases, with the first involving the development of the northeastern access point and accommodation along the north side of the lake, and will included renovation of the barn into a wedding and reception centre.
FireSmart and BearSmart plans would be put in place, he said, noting the facility would include visible signage, fenced property line and trail maps.
There would be various economic benefits realized with the project, including increase in taxes from the business operation, local shopping, and the use of facilities such as the Water Valley Golf and Country Club, and local ranch and riding centres, he said.
“We think it will have great impact on local businesses, Water Valley and Mountain View County,” he said. “Most importantly we intend to create strategic partnerships.”
Organizers plan to host a public meeting and undertake other community engagement regarding the project, he said.
Asked by Coun. Peggy Johnson how many people are expected to be onsite at full build-out, he said about 100.
Coun. Al Kemmere asked if RVs would be coming onto the site. Debnam said no.
The proposed restaurant at the site would be open to the public, he said.
Asked by Coun. Angela Aalbers about services, he said year-round is being explored.
Greg Harris, the county's deputy reeve, said public consultation will be an important part of the process going forward.
“I think they have started with a good step,” said Harris, whose division includes Water Valley.
Council passed a motion accepting the delegation presentation as information and directed the developer to proceed with the concurrent area structure plan amendment and redesignation application supported by a concept plan.
