It was a full house at the Stettler Agri-plex on Saturday, March 17 for the County of Stettler’s Public Hearing on the Paradise Shores RV Resort.
Opposition to the project has been vocal since it was first announced at the end of January, and this meeting was the first chance for area residents to share their thoughts with council.
Over a dozen concerns were highlighted over the four hour meeting, such as the proposed density of the RV park, and it’s classification as a campground, instead of a subdivision. Concerns over a lack of public consultation, and engineering designs beyond Phase 1 of the project were also brought up.
Issues with the plans for water and sewage management, garbage disposal, dust control and wildlife protection were also mentioned. The eventual road access into the park, and impact of traffic to the area were also listed as concerns.
The need for additional first responders and an emergency plan was also discussed, as the RV park would bring a substantial increase to the lake population. Use of the White Sands boat launch and increased boat traffic on the lake was another major concern.
The Summer Villages of Rochon Sands and White Sands have filed a 60-day dispute resolution process, which meant that Stettler County was unable to pass second reading on the Area Structure Plan and rezoning bylaw at the Public Hearing.
Representatives from both Camrose County and Lacombe County also made presentations inquiring about an environmental review and groundwater study, after both councils recently filed letters of concern over the project.
At the end of the meeting, Stettler County tabled the two bylaws, as they cannot proceed until the 60-day dispute resolution process is dealt with.
A full video of the Public Hearing can be found on the County’s YouTube page at: Paradise Shores ASP and LUB Public Hearing
More to come…
