Water woes in Wheatland Industrial Park

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor

 

Developers were cross examined over the third phase of Wheatland Industrial park, which came up for third reading on April 9. Developers were also asking for a rezoning change on the frontage facing RR270 affecting 142 acres. The action would require a bylaw amendment. 

“If the rezoning is approved, we are committed to construct the other storm pond which will alleviate any further problems. If this passes third reading and rezoning, it will give us confidence to move forward with the development,” said Patricia Maloney, of Patricia Maloney and Associates, spokesperson for the project.

Last year’s contentious issues, over a storm water retention problem that is still affecting adjacent landowners, and the developer’s responsibility to undeveloped properties, were discussed. Both issues stalled the project due to complaints and concerns over weed control and upkeep.

“It is really critical that we look at these large developments when these things come up for third reading. The purpose of the third reading is to ensure that we get conditions fulfilled before development occurs,” said Councillor Alice Booth. 

Councillor Ben Armstrong agreed that once the storm pond was in place, it would handle the water problem and would not affect the requested amendment. However, he said that council had lost confidence because of the manner in which the east parcel was handled. To allow more land to be handled similarly was not acceptable. 

County development staff indicated the first phase had been approved because they considered water flow would not be big enough, once the site was developed and it should have been able to handle the flow. However, the site was not properly developed or maintained and staff recommended that water problems should be rectified.

“The issues have been dealt with and the area is being farmed. We would like to be able to move forward. Developments need to go in phases, in order for developing and marketing to occur. Without the rezoning, we cannot go ahead. Until the entire site is developed, it will be difficult to complete the operational issues,” said Maloney.

She indicated that the water runoff was due to a once-in-200-year event and that landowners had been compensated for the trouble they incurred for the overflow.

Booth indicated it may be a problem because all the water is collecting in one pond. 

“I would like to see us work as a team. The county, developers, BSEI engineers and get on this issue. We have to look at it to move forward. It seems to be a bad design and we need to make sure the plan is really a strong one, so no one is affected,” said Booth.

There was also discussion that the proposed lighting be reviewed to ensure landowners were not affected. Planning staff indicated the project had to comply with the Highway corridor overlay and plans were done to comply with Dark Sky Association guidelines.

The Councillors’ vote was split to pass the third reading and move to rezone. Four votes were in favour and Councillor Armstrong and Sauve were opposed.