MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - A special council meeting was scheduled to take place yesterday to consider an application related to a proposed expansion of the Schott’s Lake RV and Guest Ranch facility west of Sundre.
The proposed expansion includes the future construction of an 80-room hotel, according to the meeting agenda package published on the county’s website.
The Aug. 14 meeting was to consider second and third reading of an amending bylaw that, if approved, would redesignate an approximate 79-acre parcel from Parks and Recreation District to Direct Control District, and redesignate an approximate 80 acre parcel from Agricultural District to Direct Control District.
The Schott’s Lake facility is located approximately 16 kilometres west of Sundre along Highway 584 and about a kilometre north of Range Road 71 in the Bearberry/Coalcamp rural district.
In a briefing note in the Aug. 14 meeting agenda package, county administration said the applicant’s purpose of the proposed expansion is to “increase the year-round opportunities currently available at the resort, expand and improve the resort’s overall amenities and offerings, and continue to build on Schott’s Lake’s existing legacy.”
The proposed expansion would include an event centre to host weddings, conferences, family reunions and similar activities, a hotel that would include an indoor swimming pool and be developed in phases to a maximum of 80 rooms in total, a kid’s zone play area and nature-inspired playground, family campsites, and other buildings including administration office.
“Planning and Development is in support of the proposed expansion of the existing recreational facility to Direct Control District as the proposal aligns with the Economic Development Land Use Policy of the Municipal Development Plan and also complies with the Bearberry-Red Deer River Corridor Area Structure Plan’s planning strategy and economic goals,” the note states.
The application for Direct Control District requires the submission of a concept plan and engineering report in support of the application, biophysical assessment report, stormwater management plan, geotechnical investigation, on-site water well and aquifer testing, and other assessments.
The county has received letters of objection/concern regarding the proposed redesignation, including regarding impacts on wildlife, impacts on groundwater and aquifer, impacts on surrounding grazing leases and operations, and traffic impacts.
Nearby property owners have submitted some of the letters of objection/concern.
The complete agenda package and related documents can be found on the county’s website.
