Strathmore to consider annexation of Oxbow lands

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Following years of discussions and strategic planning, the Town of Strathmore was asked to consider the annexation of the Oxbow lands, thus increasing the areas possibility for overall growth and providing the town with a greater recreational opportunity as well as a senior assisted living facility.
The lands were considered for incorporation during the last annexation, but the landowner at the time was unwilling to commit. Civic Works informed council on Dec. 16, that the majority of lands surrounding the Oxbow golf course have now been obtained, and the organization expressed their desire to be included within the town limits. With lands that contain a 9-hole golf course, the WID Canal, a Class 5 wetland, and an expansion to the Sanderson Ridge adult living facility, Civic Works Planning and Design and Telsec Property Corporation, the owner of the lands, remained optimistic that officials would be interested in the long-term plan of incorporating a senior-oriented, villa-style, low-maintenance community into the town.
“For me this is semi-urban, and it’s half pregnant,” said Kristi Beunder, senior planner with Civic Works Planning and Design. “It basically says we’re going to be villa low maintenance. We’re going to retain some things, and mix uses in some places, but that’s as far as I can take it in the county reasonably and digestively. If we are talking about this being in the town of Strathmore, we talk a little differently about the mix of use, vibrant connections, celebration of the wetlands… and then the opportunity to network.”
The lands are currently located within Wheatland County, on the town’s western boundary and adjacent to the Lakewood Meadows development. If the Oxbow lands were to be annexed into the town, Beunder assured council contributions would be paid, including water, as well as for sanitation.
“It just seems more comprehensible more sustainable,” she added. “It provides a lot more recreational opportunity in terms of pathway, wetland interpretation, and a number of other things to the town. We have had conversations with Wheatland County, and I think they’re aware of the necessity for this ask. From an overall growth management perspective it just makes more sense to be in the town, and I don’t think they disagree.”
Beunder has been involved in the project since 2011 and began a dialogue with the town’s chief administrative officer shortly after. In August 2014, permission was granted by the town to connect to the town’s sanitary system. Since then, closer review and consideration led to the conclusion that the area would be better suited as a part of Strathmore.
“I like the project, [but] it’s kind of a catch 22 for me because I really feel that as a community we have to stop growing and at some point start being concerned about our infrastructure,” said Councillor Bob Sobol. “Spreading out does not assist us, but I would also be interested if a study is done in regards to the possible costs to us in the future. I would be very interested in seeing that.”
According to Beunder, the information will be made available to the town.
Wheatland County had no comment, but said according to the Municipal Government Act, the Town of Strathmore would need to provide the county with written notice prior to any discussions about annexation. At press time, the county said this hadn’t been done. Council advised Beunder that the project was of interest to the council for the future, and administration was asked to continue their consultation with Wheatland County in regards to the annexation.