The Summer Village of Rochon Sands and the County of Stettler met June 17th to confirm they will continue along a collaborative path to developing mutual best practices for land use planning issues for the betterment of the greater public.
Rochon Sands and the County of Stetter have worked hard to ensure that the mutual best interests of all are considered, according to a release.
“Rochon Sands is committed to ensuring future needs are being addressed through land use planning, for all who wish to enjoy the south shore experience on Buffalo Lake,” said Mayor for the Summer Village of Rochon Sands, Dan Hiller.
The Summer Village of White Sands has withdrawn from the mediation process which was undertaken in 2020 to resolve a dispute under the Buffalo Lake South Shore Intermunicipal Development Plan (BLSSIDP).
After agreement on an amendment to the BLSSIDP could not be reached between the members of the BLSSIDP, the County of Stettler developed and presented a draft South Shore Area Structure Plan (SSASP) to the mediation committee in January, 2021.
The SSASP outlines the future use of County of Stettler lands. Extensive public engagement was conducted for the SSASP in April and May, 2021.
Council for the County of Stettler heard feedback from many citizens and community associations, and on June 1st, 2021, held a workshop to review all feedback and consider amendments.
The County of Stettler’s SSASP was presented and given first reading by council for the County of Stettler No. 6 on June 9th.
The public will have another opportunity to provide comment on the amended SSASP prior to second and third readings being considered, at the public hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 14th.
A video presentation of the amended SSASP along with all supporting materials is available on the County of Stettler website at www.StettlerCounty.ca. If given third reading and passed, the SSASP will replace the BLSSIDP as it relates to the lands within the County of Stettler.
“We feel Parkland Planning Services has developed and provided a very thorough and comprehensive plan through the SSASP, which will responsibly guide future planning decisions for the County of Stettler along the south shore of Buffalo Lake,” said Reeve Larry Clarke for the County of Stettler No. 6.
Additional BLSSIDP mediation sessions will be at the call of the mediators if the need arises or if requested by one of the parties. Both remaining municipalities have expressed a willingness to have the Summer Village of White Sands join them back at the table, should they change their mind.
The three BLSSIDP member municipalities, which include the County of Stettler, the Summer Village of White Sands and the Summer Village of Rochon Sands remain members of the Buffalo Lake Inter-Municipal Development Plan, which is the over-riding plan for the south shore.