Another hotel has been proposed for Stettler with a plan to develop on land on Highway 56 just south of the railway crossing west of Lakeview Cemetery.
Town of Stettler council approved a staff recommendation at its recent regular meeting to approve a subdivision application for a 6.14-acre highway commercial lot on the northeast corner of the intersection of Highway 56 and 38 Avenue.
Developers and applicants Gary Fedick and Gary Grant plan to provide access from 38 Avenue and have a cul-de-sac service the highway commercial and future multi-family lots.
Town staff and the developers plan to finalize the development over the next few months.
Three neighbouring property owners oppose the proposal, claiming it would devalue their property and disrupt the area with noise and increases highway traffic.
“The land has been designated for motel/hotel development for many years and the property owner does have the right to develop what the property is designated for,” said town manager Rob Stoutenberg.
Councillors Leona Thorogood and Redford Peeples expressed their support for the application and development as council fully endorsed the application.
“Administration feels strongly that this subdivision can be approved as it is in compliance with a number of long-term planning goals and policies,” said Dave Dittrick, contract development officer.
Staff assessed this proposal with the land-use bylaw, Municipal Government Act, municipal development, the inter-municipal development plan, Southeast Area Structure Plan, and the Fedick-Grant outline plan.
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation has no concerns however it recommends that if the subdivision is approved, that a meeting be held with the town and AIT and the applicant to determine road access which will not be allowed directly off Highway 56.
Costs of road access would be borne by the town.
Storage facility for business
Council approved an application for a development permit for Wells Furniture to build a public storage facility measuring 48-feet by 114 feet on its property at 4908 – 43 Street.
Under the plan, the applicant proposes a rear yard setback of 6.2 feet to accommodate the length of the building that will be located closer to the rear yard setback than the two adjacent buildings.
“The affect that this development would have on neighbouring properties is minimal,” said Dave Dittrick, contract development officer.
“It’s a good solid use in a transitional area,” said Stoutenberg.
Emergency plan
Council was updated about the new Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency with director John Bishop, and deputy directors Ian Mose and Phil Holton.
“We have a regional emergency plan and it allows us to have a local response to a regional response,” said Bishop.
“We do have excellent resources and we are constantly upgrading our training.”
Currently, the three are visiting local municipalities to determine resources available in an emergency or disaster and to plan for a tabletop exercise next year.