Agree to disagree

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor 

 

Another round of hashing out terms for the Municipal Development Plan erupted in Wheatland Council, when councillors tried to once again to fine-tune the reworked document. The document has gone back to the planners several times for revisions and tension was expressed by councillors about the process.

“We feel it is a strong document,” said Alex Taylor, planner for the project. 

He said he had included the suggested amendments put forward by the lawyers and council.

Councillors questioned some things pertaining to planning development that were included, and planners said they were included as planning tools. Other additions suggested by council were suggested by planners to be better dealt with in land use bylaws. Then council worked through the document section by section, allowing wording changes and clarifications. 

Councillor Ken Sauve expressed his frustration with the constant revisions taking place.

“Why are we constantly reviewing this? Staff has put considerable time and effort in preparing the document. We were consulted on it and the time has passed for revising this document, “said Sauve.

“It is Council’s responsibility to make sure we agree with what is included here,” said Reeve Glenn Koester. 

“It is getting frustrating to have things that keep coming up,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

Council had paid an additional $1,500 for revisions and there were concerns that each time revisions were made, more money would be required. There was a suggestion to roll the process over and table enough time to get everything finalized.  Council extended the meeting on Oct. 16, to discuss the document and finally approved third reading of the MDP.

Once the planners complete all the suggested revisions, the document will be posted on the Wheatland County website.