A popular camping resort near Buffalo Lake will be expanding over the next several years to accommodate the growing demand after neighbouring land was rezoned by the County of Stettler.
At its regular meeting Oct. 13, county council adopted a bylaw to rezone an approximate 106-acre portion of SE 15-40-21 W4M to recreational facility district from agricultural district to enable Ol’ MacDonald’s Resort to expand
“On Sept. 27, 2010, the municipal planning commission approved a development permit which includes a master plan for the future expansion of the resort,” said Johan van der Bank, director of planning and development.
Currently featuring 425 campsites, owner Jean MacDonald plans to add 250 campsites starting next year, and in the long term a service centre, restaurant, food store, fuel station, spa and condominium/hotel complex.
“We have high and growing demand for lakeshore fun,” said MacDonald.
“We want to keep up with demand.”
Council authorized a development permit at this time to develop the campsites while the MPC adopted the master plan, said van der Bank.
Part of the permit requires an undeveloped green buffer northeast of the resort between Scenic Sands after several residents expressed concern during a public meeting last year, he noted.
Land for sale in Byemoor, Endiang and Erskine
Several property lots owned by the county are going up on the market as council approved a staff recommendation to set eight lots in Byemoor, four in Endiang and one in Erskine.
Several requests have been filed to the county from county residents to purchase lots in these hamlets, while many properties were approved by an environmental site assessment.
Further funding for Byemoor reservoir
A project to construct a water reservoir for Byemoor has received an additional $101,636,07 under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership under Alberta Transportation.
The original grant funding of $860,543,50 was increased to $962,179.57.
Water truck fill station set for Gadsby
A rural water truck fill station has been planned for the Village of Gadsby area as council directed administration to proceed with the design and tender stage.
“There is considerable demand to provide potable water to residents of the county and to the general public and also a great need to have a facility that would enhance a water supply for emergency services in this location,” said Fox.
The new facility would have a capacity of 5,000 gallons and would be designed for easy access for fire protection if needed.
Cost of the project is estimated at $130,000 and the county would access grant funding.