SUNDRE – Council unanimously carried a motion passing a bylaw to dispose of and transfer to the province a small parcel of municipal reserve land on the west side of Sundre for next year’s planned construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of highways 22, 27 and 584.
The decision to go ahead with transferring the 0.12-acre (0.049-hectare) parcel that is located on the southeast corner of the intersection was made on Nov. 14 during a regular meeting of council that immediately followed a public hearing on the matter.
In October, council had set a date for and also subsequently advertised the public hearing, which did not have anyone attending to express either support or opposition.
“There was no requirement for adjacent landowner notifications to be sent,” Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, told council.
Benazir Valencia, manager of planning and economic development, said AECOM on behalf of Alberta Transportation will be constructing the roundabout and required the disposition and transfer of the former municipal reserve land.
“The existing Fortis infrastructure within the area highlighted will be relocated,” said Valencia.
Coun. Paul Isaac asked if the municipality’s Town of Sundre sign will also be moved back.
“That’s the intention, yes,” answered Valencia.
Seeking further clarification, Isaac also asked if the project would have any impact on the new permanent light fixtures and seating area immediately in the green space just north of Main Avenue across the road from Tim Hortons and McDonald’s.
“The tree stand, along with the lighting, is not within that planned area to be disposed of and transferred,” said Valencia.
“We are working with Fortis on this project as well,” added Nelson.
Council also heard from Nelson that the municipality “did not receive any public communication” to read into the minutes for the public record.
Mayor Richard Warnock offered an opportunity for those in attendance to speak either for or against the bylaw, but no one had anything to say one way or another.
Without any further questions or comments from council to the development authority, the mayor declared the public hearing closed.
Not long after returning to the regular meeting, council went on to give the bylaw its final readings.
