MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - A proposed land use bylaw redesignation for a glamping retreat facility with luxury tent accommodations in the Water Valley/Winchell Lake area in Division 2 has received first reading.
The redesignation is from agriculture district to direct control district and also includes a map amendment to the Water Valley/Winchell Lake area structure plan to change a portion in NE 10-29-5-5 from residential low density to commercial recreational.
Council gave first reading to the proposed changes during the Feb. 22 council meeting, held in person and online.
The land use amendment is to accommodate a glamping resort development on a 40.41 acre parcel that is unique to a standard RV or camping development, council heard.
The county’s direct control district regulations under the land use bylaw states that a glamping retreat means a “facility that provides overnight accommodation for guests and associated uses for patrons but does not include an event facility.”
The Tranquility Base facility would be located approximately 11.25 miles southwest from Cremona, south of Twp. Rd. 292 and west of Rge. Rd. 52, about three kilometres south of Water Valley and two kilometres west of the Water Valley Golf and Country Club. The property is dissected by Stoney Creek.
The application for direct control district requires the submission of engineering reports in support of the application, including water supply evaluation, site servicing, traffic impact assessment, sanitary site servicing, a stormwater management plan and a biophysical assessment.
According to an information package from the applicant presented during the Feb. 22 council meeting, the proposal is to “create a luxury glamping retreat for guests to connect with nature in a beautiful setting” and will include luxury accommodations.
The year-round facility would include seven family style tents with an occupancy of four people and 14 double occupancy suites. It is anticipated that there would be a maximum of 56 guests on site, as well as 11 total employees.
The complete information package is available for viewing in the Feb. 22 council agenda located on the county’s website.
Council defeated a proposed motion put forward by Coun. Gord Krebs calling for council members to be provided with letters of concern from residents prior to the public hearing.
Letters from nearby residents commenting on the project will be included in the public hearing agenda package, council heard.
Council carried a second motion setting the public hearing on the matter for March 29 in council chambers.
