Thumbs down for medical marijuana production in certain areas of Wheatland County

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County council voted against allowing cannabis production plants to set up shop in other areas of the county, in a first reading motion for a textual amendment held on July 3.
“If council goes ahead with the refusal of the bylaw, it will set a clear message that medical marijuana production facilities are only allowed in an approved and comprehensively planned industrial area structure plans, such as the Wheatland West Highway 1 area structure plan, rather than open up the possibility of allowing a medical marijuana production facility anywhere in the county,” said Colton Nickel, senior planner with Wheatland County.
Nickel said if the textual amendment was approved, it would open up any industrial area in the county for medical marijuana production and any applications would go directly to development permit stage, which bypasses processes leading to council for direction. Legal counsel cautioned council about approving the decision.
In 2017, Wheatland County staff drafted a land use bylaw to designate the Wheatland West Highway 1 industrial site as a preferred location for medical marijuana production. Rocky View County also limits these facilities to designated industrial areas. Previous consultation and open houses were held, which led to situating these types of facilities in the West Highway 1 industrial area. Some of the issues this measure is thought to address are safety and security issues, close availability for transportation, availability of servicing for heavy water use and reduced impacts to adjacent land owners.
Sensi-Cann owners had asked for a location near the Carseland industrial area, bordering the new Goldfinch development, and were disappointed by the vote. An area service plan for the Goldfinch development and related land use amendments is set for completion in 2019. However, Sensi-Cann asked for the textual amendment early, as a year delay did not fit with their business plan and timeline.

Contracts – not fences – make for good neighbours
Wheatland County sent letters to Rocky View County, the Municipal District of Foothills and the Town of Drumheller to begin inter-municipal development plans IDP) between neighbouring communities. The agreements are an attempt to solidify respectful discussion and consistent approaches to areas within common borders.
“It is our anticipation that the amendments and public engagement will be relatively straightforward, and will work to preserve and maintain each municipality’s autonomy, while ensuring continued communication and considerations on applications within the IDP areas,” stated Wheatland County Reeve Glenn Koester.
All municipalities not covered under municipal growth plans are required by the province to have updated or new agreements in place by 2020. However, since only a portion of Wheatland County is included the Calgary Metropolitan Region Growth Plan, additional agreements were required for areas not included in the growth plan.
IDP’s aid in planning and development for future land use and take into consideration environmental, transportation, physical, social and economic development of the common areas.

Direct control approved for Midwest Hutterite Colony near Rosebud
The new Midwest Hutterite Colony, located on Township Road 262 and about 10 kilometres southeast of Rosebud, received a direct control designation first reading approval for 159 acres that will house, employ residents, and address social and spiritual needs of the colony.
“The intent of a direct control district is to provide specific regulations to developments that are proposed on the land that are not currently found together within existing districts of the land use bylaw,” said Odessa Cohen, Wheatland County junior planner.
Colonies are unique as they include things like agriculture buildings, communal living spaces, worship centres, family daycare and schools all on one piece of property. Plans include an abattoir, processing area and a greenhouse. There may be an addition to accommodate a cemetery.
“The cultural circumstances surrounding the requirement of these uses in the district for the colony are intended to ensure a level of quality of life and cultural and social support for these communities in the county,” said Cohen.
First reading was given approval and a public hearing will be held in council chambers on August 14.

Re-designation for portion of Western Feedlot property
On July 3, part of the former Western Feedlot property on Highway 817 got second and third reading approval from Wheatland County council. The applicant applied for a re-designation of 4.98 acres from agriculture general to country residential.
The application indicates the remainder of the property will be used for agricultural purposes.
“The land use approval will also allow the submission of the subdivision plan to Wheatland County and the sale of this subdivision property will allow the home to be occupied rather than vacant,’ said Cameron Wallace, planner for Western Feedlots.
There was a concern listed by Alberta Health Services that the well is tested and an environmental site assessment be done on both the subdivision quarter and the adjacent quarter, due to the previous use for feedlot purposes.

Cluny area covered by Gleichen fire services
In December 2017, the Cluny Rural Fire Protection Association terminated their joint fire service agreement. The assets were transferred to Wheatland County and inspections showed equipment and building did not meet operational guidelines.
“The fire department building condition was so poor that the building had to be closed for safety reasons,” said Wheatland County Councillor Jason Wilson.
Fire services will be provided through the Gleichen Fire department under the direction of Gleichen Fire Chief Ron Welcher.