County conditions placed on Motorsport development

Times Contributor    

 

The Town of Strathmore has approved the development of a multi-use recreational motorsport track on the town’s southeast border.

The property is adjacent to Wheatland County land, and Strathmore Town Council has stipulated that the conditions and concerns of Wheatland County must be addressed by the developer.

On May 20, Wheatland Council outlined their concerns which were documented and sent in a letter to the Town of Strathmore.

The following concerns were included:

• The condition of the county road on the property be upgraded

• The town and the county have a working access agreement signed with the developer

• A traffic assessment be done, with applications to Hwy 1 use and access

• As a wetland area is situated on one corner of the land, a bio-physical impact wetland study should be provided. There were concerns fluids from the track would empty into the wetland.

• Storm water improvements may be needed, so a storm water drainage plan must be provided

• A berm with security fencing should be constructed to reduce sound, as well as tree plantings to improve visual effects of the berm.

Councillors had concerns that adjacent county landowners were not adequately consulted and Wheatland council notification was on short notice for reply. 

“We should have had due notification done in a timely manner, to address concerns of land owners as well as residents. We need to address this, so it doesn’t continue in the future,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

One landowner, who runs cattle next to the proposed development, had voiced concerns to his councillor over the potential effect the noise levels will have on his cattle herd. Studies have shown noise or startling can cause injuries and birthing problems in cattle.