WATER VALLEY - A developer who is proposing a new RV resort in the Water Valley-Winchell Lake rural district should participate in a future area structure plan (ASP) review rather than proceeding with a concurrent area structure plan amendment and redesignation application supported by a concept plan, council said July 14.
“The feeling from council is we want to have an opportunity for the entire community to look at the whole area structure plan and how that relates to development,” said reeve Bruce Beattie.
“This is a very significant (proposed) development. I think the size of the development, and the fact that it was an entire quarter section, it demanded a review of the entire area structure plan.
“The consensus of council is it should be an opportunity for the whole community to be involved, to look at the whole plan rather than one specific area.”
Public response to the circulation of the proposed plan also played a part in council’s decision to call for Richard Kimmitt to participate in a future ASP review, Beattie said, noting both he and Division 2 Greg Harris received calls on the matter.
In June developer Kimmitt outlined for council the proposed year-round membership Northern Lights RV Resort RV campground with about 350 RV sites, tenting area, cabins/chalets, RV storage area, activities centre and day use areas.
The resort would be located on a 148.97 acre parcel at SW 15-29-5-5.
Administration had recommended that the applicant concurrently apply to predesignate the lands to a P-PR Parks and Recreation District that is appropriate for the proposed development and proposed uses, and amend the area structure plan to identify the lands as commercial recreation.
In order to proceed with a developer-initiated area structure plan amendment, policy and procedure 6006 requires the developer to appear as a council delegation to seek consent to proceed with an area structure plan amendment that includes public engagement.
During Kimmitt’s June presentation, Coun. Peggy Johnson asked him whether adjacent neighbours have been consulted about the proposed project. He said not yet.
Coun. Greg Harris asked if a layout of the proposed facility is available. Kimmitt said not yet.
Although a date for a future ASP review has not been set, reeve Beattie said it could be in 2022.
“When we go into our budget discussion this summer and fall there will be decisions then whether that works into the work plan for the planning department,” Beattie said.
