Campground quashed

Times Contributor

 

Wheatland residents gathered in Wheatland Council chambers July 15, to object to a campground proposed for an eight acre parcel near RR235 and Hwy 21.

“We understand the risks of agriculture, but we are inviting people in who do not understand those risks. Seventy five per cent are long term residents, but 25 per cent of the spots are unreserved and there is no control over that demographic” said one of the adjacent landholders. “The possibility of having 100 to 300 people on eight acres and not having any problems with it are slim.”

Many of the surrounding neighbours appeared at the public hearing to register their opposition to the proposal. The list of concerns included camper complaints of farming practises, which generate dust and over-spray drifting into the campground, increased traffic on the road, conflicts over farm equipment movement, campfire hazards and drifting smoke, no recreational facilities and safety of campers. They also felt the proposal did not fit into the definitions of the Municipal Development Plan, which discourages fragmenting agricultural land outside of designated growth nodes. The campground is centered in an agricultural area. Some people said the open house was not well advertised, and did not know when it occurred.

The owner said she hand-delivered invitations to the open house; however, she could not reach some neighbours directly. She said that the campground was intended for middle age to senior recreational users and she adjusted the quiet time parameters to start at nine o’clock.

After the public hearing closed, council’s unanimous vote defeated the second reading to re-designate the acreage for campground use.