Rocking R Guest Ranch expanded programs

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Rocking R Guest Ranch wants to expand their event list, and the owners brought their intentions to Wheatland County council on May 1 for property redesignation. The property would move from ag district to rural business. The land is located on the north end of Eagle Lake.
The idea is to utilize the ranch for seasonal activities like weddings, Christmas markets, farm-to-table dinners, ag tours, corporate retreats and cooking classes.
“The applicant is proposing to re-designate to rural business district so they can continue to accommodate the existing uses, while allowing for future expansion of their facility,” said Wheatland County Senior Planner Colton Nickel.
He said the current designation did not allow for expanded uses.
There are no current plans for new buildings. It was noted that it fit into the County’s land use and tourism goals. The Calgary Regional Municipal Board would not need to approve the different uses for the facility or challenge the ASP that is currently under review.
Terri Kinsmen, owner of the property, said that traffic should not be a problem, as they anticipated smaller crowds and many people would ride a shuttle to travel to the function. Extensive positive support was given from area residents. Nickel said the response set a record with 18 letters submitted on the proposal. Council approved first reading.

Recovery costs cut for technical peer reviews
A Peer cost-recovery policy will give county applicants a significant cost savings, as the county moved to cost share with the applicants, on peer reviews of technical studies required for redesignation, subdivisions and development permits. Currently applicants are responsible for 100 per cent of the reviews done by county engineering consultants.
“If this approved we would take on 50 per cent of the cost and the applicant would take on 50 per cent,” said Wheatland County Senior Planner Colton Nickel.
Nickel said it would cost the county about $50,000 to $75,000 yearly, dependant on the number of applicants. He felt it offered better ratepayer customer service and streamlined planning and development processes. The policy will be reviewed in one year to determine its effectiveness and applicant response.

Rec Centre recognition lacking
Wheatland County council wanted to ask why the Town of Strathmore did not mention their participation in funding for the new rec centre to a local reporter.
“This isn’t the first time this has happened,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong. “In the past, whenever we get together with them on something, we don’t get the recognition for it.”
Administration was asked to remind the town to mention the county’s contributions on joint projects so the ratepayers of Wheatland County would be recognized as supporting projects of both the town and rural areas.

Economic development reworks business talks
When a lack of participant response to the proposed Three Speaker Business series led to a cancelation of the event, the Wheatland County Economic Development Board went back to the drawing board to generate a way to present the information in a different format.
A new committee was formed, to look at revising ideas that might generate better response from the public. There was $10,000 support given from Wheatland County for the talk series and the group received $13,409 from a provincial Care Grant.
Councillor Donna Biggar said they would like to retain speaker Roger Brooks services, as his approach is about developing communities, not just tourism.
“He explains ways of keeping people in the community and explains different ways of bringing people in,” said Bigger. “He actually goes to the community and analyses what resources are available to you.”
They are thinking they will do an introduction campaign, going out to the communities and promoting the speaking event, which will have a workshop that would include a county information session. Reeve Koester said this would be a good opportunity to get feedback from county business owners as well. The Canadian Badlands is looking to partner in the initiative and the group hopes to have details in place by fall 2018.
Council approved the new direction of the committee.

Carseland town hall
A resident meeting will be held at the Carseland Hall on May 17 at 7 p.m., to advise Carseland residents about the various county projects happening in the area.
“There have been a great number of questions coming forward via social media and telephone calls regarding upcoming road construction projects for the Hamlet of Carseland,” stated Lisa Bastarache, Wheatland County Communications Coordinator. “The meeting will ensure everyone has the same information and offer the opportunity to ask questions of county representatives.”