Homesteads of Lyalta seeks extension

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

The Homesteads developers went to the Alberta Municipal Affairs to review their rights for the development near Lyalta. They contacted the Alberta Municipal Governance Board and the board decision of May 18 imposed 17 conditions that must be met by the developers for the development to move forward.
The recommendations covered many county requirements as well; however, the developer has not completed them all to date.
To comply with the recommendations the owners are requesting a year extension, but Wheatland County council considered a six-month extension was appropriate.
“We are recommending council approval the extension for the Homesteads of Lyalta, but we want to make clear that there are still significant development requirements outstanding for the development. We have not signed off on any conditions to date, but many of those conditions will be signed off at the end stage,” said Colton Nickel, planning officer with Wheatland County.
Some of the missing information is the technical and detail design information for waste water, potable water, storm water and landscaping plans. A registered homeowner’s association list is also needed. The Lakes of Muirfield will be providing a portion of utility servicing and staff indicated a report to confirm that servicing for the Homestead’s won’t negatively affect the Lakes of Muirfield servicing demands.
Alan Babcock from Zero Plus Planning Consultants, who does peer reviews of plans, said they had received a cost analysis for the project, but needed the detailed technical design to verify costs.
“It is very important to have that to properly evaluate information,” said Babcock.
It was noted that some delays occurred in back-and-forth email exchanges between county administration and the developers, but Nickel indicated they were clarifying information requested and received.
“The only actual major information that has been provided to staff in the last year is the construction cost assessments and the biophysical impact assessment agreement, but the detailed technical information is still outstanding,” said Nickel.
Councillor Tom Ikert was concerned about how the decision handed down by the province impacts the county. Councillor Ben Armstrong disagreed with an extension, and said he felt the developer had enough time to get the plans done.
The extension was approved for six months with the developer making a presentation to council. Councillors Armstrong, Koester and Wilson voted in opposition of the extension.

Communication strategy
Wheatland County council approved an updated communication plan that has a strategic focus on improving interaction with residents and all stakeholders to Wheatland County.
The move is one that Russell Smith of Gleichen might appreciate, as he approached council on May 15 stating he felt communication could be better regarding tree pruning and servicing issues in Gleichen.
“It is imperative that Wheatland County manage communications responsibly and effectively for all audiences,” said Lisa Bastarache, communications officer for the county.
A new communication plan sets out strategic initiatives for the county. It outlines the various means of communication used by the county and sets out areas for improvement including more town hall meetings, developing effective internal communications, setting up input/feedback systems and developing consistency for all printed communication materials.
The plan includes updates to the website, such as adding video and multi-media clips, and upgrading forms sections. Social media channels will be monitored and new channels such as Instagram will be added. A new logo was developed for the county and it appears on the new county flag. All printed communications and signage will be reviewed to fit the current county communication plans.

Retention of Gleichen school and upgrades to arena
Wheatland County councillor Amber Link submitted a summary of Gleichen’s positive attributes and potential for future growth to Wheatland County council on May 15.
She suggested to council they approach Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) about acquiring the school and hold the property until decisions could be made on whether it is feasible to keep the building.
“We need to be clear that if council approves this, it is not a commitment for council to do anything specific at this time, but allows us time to look at options,” said Link. “It allows us time to look at a community redevelopment plan for Gleichen. We do understand Gleichen has challenges and we need to work together in this.”
Link said members in the community have ideas about how to make the school a self-sustaining facility. She indicated the move would buy time to allow interested parties to bring plans forward to council. Deputy reeve Scott Klassen said there may also be external parties interested and acquiring the school would place decision making in the county’s hands.
Councillor Ben Armstrong clarified that the move allows the county to put the building up for tender if the community doesn’t come up with a feasible plan. He encouraged them to get details in order within a six-month window.
“If they are willing to give it a shot, I am willing to give them a chance to try it,” said Armstrong.
Council approved contacting GHSD about acquiring the school.
Upgrades for the arena were also discussed, with councillor Tom Ikert cautioning about the costs of handling both projects, and that it could affect financing for future projects in the area. He said he would like a more consolidated vote from the community.
Link moved that the arena upgrade financing be awarded to a maximum of $2 million. Grants and money raised by the Gleichen Ag Society will also contribute to the funding.
Klassen said he would rather see a new centralized facility built that could be used by all county residents.
Link countered that it is not just Strathmore residents supporting use of the arena, and qualified that groups throughout the county do utilize the Gleichen arena. Groups outside the county also book the arena.
Council approved financing for upgrades to the arena.
Economic development strategy
Wheatland County council agreed to move forward with an action plan for economic development. It includes hiring consultants McSweeney and Associates Consulting Inc. of Okotoks, to review and update economic development plans for the years 2019-2024. McSweeney came in with the lowest tender at $39,815. There were five other contender’s proposals ranging in bids from about $42,000 to $95,000.
Part of the plan would be to hire a county economic development officer.
“The kickoff would be with council and the economic development board, potentially in June, so everyone is on the same page, and then they would move through the action plan and it would be completed sometimes in October,” said Alan Parkin, Wheatland County chief administrative officer Alan Parkin.

Rail track complaint
A railway crossing along Highway 817 is in poor condition and Wheatland County councillor Donna Biggar asked council to join her in writing a letter about safety concerns to the CPR, the MLA and Alberta Transportation.
“I have had a few complaints. It is quite rough; the pavement is higher than the tracks,” said Biggar. “People have tried to contact the provincial government and Alberta Transportation and are getting back-and-forth response. The bump is quite large, and one trailer became unhooked and it has become a safety issue.”