County to consider land use redesignation for potential future wedding venue

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new wedding venue may soon begin to see development in Wheatland County, as council has passed first reading to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-01.

The bylaw currently specifies the subject plot of land, located in the southeast quarter of 33-23-25, west of the fourth meridian, five kilometres south of the Town of Strathmore, immediately west of Range Road 253 as Agricultural General district. 

Should the amendment pass third reading, the plot will instead be classified as Rural Business district, in order to facilitate the development of a wedding venue that includes a bed and breakfast, entertainment venue, and short-term overnight camping for patrons.

As it stands, the site is occupied with a dwelling, detached garage, a concrete pad and patio space that are used for outdoor events and entertaining, water and wastewater services provided by means of a private well and a sewage treatment system.

Regarding its agricultural use, the plot produces what was described by Taylor Phelps, speaking to council on behalf of planning and development services, as a small yield of alfalfa annually, and is used as pasture lands for two draft horses. 

The applicant has reported to the county they do not intend to subdivide the land parcel further, though future development plans include the use of a large tent for hosting events and gatherings. 

A business and operations plan was provided to the county which outlines a calendar of annual events the applicant wishes to host. 

The plan also includes details regarding visual screening, dust, and noise mitigation related to events that are planned to be hosted. The plans are all posted to the county website and are publicly available for viewing and nearby landowners’ consideration.

The applicant also submitted a transportation impact assessment to determine if improvements to the county’s transportation network would be required to support the proposed development. No technical concerns were raised regarding servicing or access to the lands by the county. 

Adjacent landowners and stakeholders within a one-mile radius were notified of the application, and four written submissions were received by the county. These were included in the Sept. 19, agenda package, which is available for public viewing.

Coun. Tom Ikert moved to grant first reading to the amendment of Land Use Bylaw 2016-01 to redesignate the subject land parcel from Agricultural General to Rural Business district. The motion was carried without opposition.

Coun. Shannon Laprise motioned for a public hearing to take place on Oct. 17 as recommended by administration. The motion was also carried without opposition.