For more than three and a half hours on March 12 citizens passionately addressed town council. Each respectfully gave their point of view. Members of council in turn respectfully listened.
In the end it was unanimous. Council rejected an application to rezone land for industrial development in the deep southeast corner of the town’s Woodlands south area. It is a pleasant and serene spot where Buffalo Creek meanders through, where residents live in tranquility across the road, where the town years ago designated the land for far less intrusive commercial and open space uses.
What is interesting is that four years ago citizens were told the previous council made the disastrous decision to green-light a decision to move the town’s dump site a few feet away from a residential neighbourhood. Public pressure forced elected officials at the time to bend to the outrage and will of the people, but it was a mighty undertaking.
Not so today. Innisfailians have a new council and administration committed to finally listen – so far, anyways.
Council and administration had plenty of notice the March 12 regular meeting was going to be a test. There were two sensitive rezoning applications for the Woodlands area, including the proposed change to the aforementioned deep southeast parcel of land, and to turn a portion of another Woodlands property from residential use and open space to future commercial use.
Most citizens living near those two seven-acre parcels of land vehemently objected. Many sent council and administration emails about their concerns, which included potential excessive noise and light, adverse impacts on water wells, unsightliness, an increase in traffic volumes, and a decrease in residential property values.
They also came to the speed dating engagement event at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on March 3 to make sure council members did not miss these concerns.
What is also intriguing is that many citizens referred to the town’s recently released Strategic Plan, a blueprint for the town’s future. Too many times in the past, zoning plans were made but then changed, leaving parts of town with a visually unappealing “patchwork” look. But no more is the growing mantra with many, who before this current council would not even bother to show up at open houses because they felt their voices would not be heard.
Today a revitalized citizenry is telling their elected officials they want responsible planning that embraces innovation alongside healthy and protected wetlands, green spaces, trees, trails and waterways.
This council is off to a good start, yes. But the dangers of complacency always linger, ready to trigger discontent. The town and its elected officials ought never lose sight of that.
Johnnie Bachusky is the editor of the Innisfail Province.
