By Marianne Cole
NEW DEPUTY REEVE
At the County Council’s annual re-organizational meeting on October 22nd, Sydney Graham was voted in as Deputy Reeve while Michelle Swanson was re-installed as Reeve. We sincerely thank Councillor Gennifer Mehlhaff for her utmost dedication and hard work as both Councillor and Deputy Reeve for the past year. At the organizational meeting council members, as well as Public at Large members, were also chosen for the various county committees. We thank everyone who submitted their names for those committees for their interest in serving all residents of our county.
PAC/LUB REVIEW
The Public Advisory Committee for the Land Use Bylaw review held their most recent meeting on October 23rd. Notable points of discussion included:
· Unsightly Bylaw. Discussion took place on the benefits of developing an “Unsightly Bylaw” separate from including such a section in the LUB. It was noted that it may be helpful to have information on this in both places.
· Temporary Living Accommodations in RV’s Discussion focussed on the rules regulating such, including suggested timelines.
· Mandatory Sprinkler Systems The requiring/regulating of sprinkler systems in high risk fire areas was discussed. Concerns were expressed over the success/benefit versus the cost and enforcement.
· Use of Variances Variances are often allowed in development permit applications. Discussion took place on the numerical percentage commonly allowed. In other jurisdictions variances of 10% to 40% are allowed while in Clearwater County 20% is common.
· Number of Dwellings Allowed In the proposed LUB up to 3 dwelling units may be allowed in Agriculture Districts on a parcel over 80 acres. On a parcel smaller than 80 acres only 2 dwellings would be allowed. Those same allowed numbers would apply in Recreational/leisure Residence Districts. In Country Residential Estate, Industrial/Commercial and Hamlet Residential districts only one principal dwelling would be allowed per parcel.
· Off Property Sales Questions were posed re what people may be allowed to sell off their property without a commercial license. There is currently no section in the LUB governing this but it is in the Municipal Development Plan, Section 7.2.3 under Direct Market Sales.
· Renewable Energy Guidelines This matter was discussed in Council as well and there is an appetite for protecting agricultural land.
· Seacans and Signage There are separate parts governing each of these topics. They are both quite lengthy as well as specific about their use. It wold be very helpful to have public input related to these sections. You may call the County’s Planning Department and ask for copies.
· Future Plans for the Review PAC and Council will be having further meetings in November. Hopefully a draft of the completed document will be available for perusal in January with public engagement to follow in later January/February. Ultimately it is hoped the document will be finalized in April.
ROCKY ROD AND GUN CLUB DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION
After receiving development approval by Clearwater County’s Municipal Planning Committee in September, the Pine Ridge Woodlands Homeowners Group submitted an appeal of the decision. As the location in question involves a provincially controlled public land lease, the appeal was directed to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. Originally scheduled to be heard on October 11, 2024, a request for a delay in proceedings was approved. The hearing will now be held November 15, 2024. Matters of significant concern are the potential increase in noise irritation, reduced property values, negative environmental impacts, loss of public access/use of the land outside of gun range operations, and non-compliance with guiding documents if approval were to be granted.
NORDEGG DEVELOPMENT
At County Council’s Strategic Planning meeting on October 29th, there was significant discussion on future development plans for Nordegg. This included matters related to the Nordegg Cemetary, residential areas, the industrial subdivision, and road development/improvements. Of particular importance was potential improvements to Center Street and Stuart Street. These plans involve potential changes to the playground and/or golf course. At the meeting Councillor Mehlhaff made a motion to gather public opinion on these matters through Public Engagement meetings, but this motion was defeated. On Wednesday, October 30th Councillors Mehlhaff and Ratcliffe attended a Nordegg Community Association meeting to gather information from the area residents. Following that, discussion has taken place with administration and mitigating plans for these road developments are being considered.
CLEARWATER COUNTY TAXPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held on November 13, 2024 at 7:30PM at the Elks Hall in Leslieville. This will involve the election of officers and discussion on notable parts of the Land Use Bylaw being reviewed. We really encourage everyone to attend, become involved, and to voice your opinion of the LUB document.
“There can be no dedication to Canada’s future without a knowledge of its past.”
John Diefenbaker, 13th Prime Minister of Canada.