MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county’s municipal planning commission (MPC) approving authority has approved a subdivision application in the McDougal Flats rural neighbourhood west of Sundre.
The approval came during the commission’s regularly scheduled Jan. 2 meeting, held in person and online.
The proposed subdivision would create lots of 2.87 acres, 2.73 acres and 2.75 acres from NE 2-33-6-5 consisting of approximately 160 acres.
The proposed subdivision was redesignated to country residential by council on Dec. 11, 2024.
The property involved is located approximately one mile north of Highway 584 on Rge. Rd. 61.
In a letter received by the commission the applicant said the subdivision “aims to create country residential spaces that embrace the natural beauty of our surroundings and bring community to rural Sundre.
“We are committed to addressing Sundre’s housing shortage by creating sustainable and stylish homes. Our team works diligently to design and construct quality residences that meet the needs of individuals and families in search of comfortable, rural living spaces.’
The application was circulated to nearby residents, with two adjacent landowners submitting letters of objection with concerns regarding access to mountain views, property values, and issues with drainage.
One of the landowners said, in part, “I am dead against this development. Money talks and you’re not listening to the small people. I get it, way it goes in big county politics, favours and friends so proceed within the parameters set forth by law as it will be reviewed and scrutinized above my humble ability by those with degrees and associates above the county pay grade or their back pocket help.”
The other landowner said, in part, “This proposed re-designation would put housing, not only directly in front of the only mountain view I have, but will also directly impact the value of my investment. In most cases I do not disagree on developers wanting to build more homes and do well with their investment, but in this case, they only want to steal my views to sell theirs.”
In a briefing note to the commission, administration recommended approval of the application, saying the proposal complies with the Municipal Government Act, the county’s Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw.
“Impact on adjacent landowners is acceptable as a result of file circulation and the evaluation of the application in accordance with county’s statutory plans, the land use bylaw and policies and procedures,” administration said.
The approval comes with a number of conditions, including that the “applicant shall construct/upgrade approaches from the municipal road to the proposed and residual lots. All new and existing approaches shall be constructed/upgraded in accordance with the construction specifications of Mountain View County.”
The commission approved the application as presented.
