Town council has passed the East Olds Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) -- after a public consultation process that's taken more than two years.
The plan was approved Oct. 14.
Matthew Pawlow, planning manager for Parkland Community Planning Services, outlined the ARP in council chambers.
He said the goal of the ARP is to guide future growth, rehabilitate key areas, improve transportation, buildings, and set policies to preserve areas of historical and cultural significance.
Residential and commercial design guidelines will be set up to maintain consistency and the historical character of the area.
The plan area also includes an overlay district running along the eastern edge, within 70 metres (m) of the centre line of Highway 2A.
It addresses an area where land parcels vary from General Residential “R2,” to Medium Density Residential “R3,” to Highway Commercial zoning.
Under the ARP, several parcels will be redesignated from General Residential to Medium Residential.
Light Industrial areas west of 48 Avenue will be redesignated as either Medium Density Residential or Mixed Use.
The majority of the existing Auction Mart land will become a Medium Density Residential area with the southern portion zoned as Industrial Business.
Parts of the ARP, including a section regarding proposed changes to the lanes at Highway 27 and 2A, still require approval from Alberta Transportation because they deal with provincial highways.
Opening up direct access to those highways would also need provincial approval.
Pawlow said the intent of the district was to include more future commercial space.
