Construction work at the Paradise Shores RV Resort may be delayed after the nearby Summer Villages filed a 60 day dispute resolution process.
This means that the project cannot move to second reading under two bylaws at the Public Hearing at the Stettler Agri-plex on St. Patrick’s Day.
At issue, are the Area Structure Plan and Land Use Bylaw that both Rochon Sands and White Sands say violates the intention of the Buffalo Lake Inter-municipal Development Plan.
During the last week, both the County of Lacombe and the County of Camrose also filed letters of concern over the proposed RV park.
In a letter from Rochon Sands dated March 8, the notice points to issues with Bylaw 1588-18 and Bylaw 1589-18, stating they do not follow provisions within the Buffalo Lake I-D-P and that the RV Resort should be classified as a subdivision.
Developer Dave Hamm stated during the County’s March 14 meeting, that the property “should be classified as a campground, as I would be leasing lots instead of subdividing it.”
While these delays may kibosh plans to have Phase 1 open by mid-June, he stated that he plans on sticking around, and working with the community to address their issues.
Speaking after the meeting, the County’s Director of Planning and Development, Johan van der Bank pointed out again that the Buffalo Lake I-D-P is a bylaw that the County must follow.
“Conditions for a development permit cannot be set until the project has gone through a Public Hearing, and then a second reading.”
Preliminary construction has been allowed at RV Sites Canada’s own risk. Earlier this week, the company reported pre-selling 200 of the lots, even though construction on Phase 1 cannot begin until a development permit has been issued.
An eventual third reading of the bylaws is needed in order to lay out conditions for final approval. These would address issues such as an emergency plan for the RV Resort. Cellphone and internet service, as well as garbage and sewage disposal have also been highlighted.
Provincial authorities are also involved as approvals are needed for stormwater systems, wetlands management and an Environmental Protection Plan.
A traffic impact study is also in the works to determine what the capacity for recreation vehicles in the area is, and whether Highway 601 or Highway 835 would be the intended route to the RV Resort. This decision may impact whether the intersections at these highways need to be upgraded with expanded turning lanes.
For now, the C.A.O’s from all three municipalities will meet to try to come to a resolution. If this does not solve anything, the County can proceed to second reading within that 60 day timeline.
The Summer Villages could then make an appeal to the Municipal Government Board, which could trigger a further review process.
Buffalo Lake communities concerned about Paradise Shores RV Resort
Online petition started against proposed RV Resort at Buffalo Lake
Proposed RV Resort at Buffalo Lake spurs public input period from the County of Stettler
landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com
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