Town passes first reading for land use bylaw amendment

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town of Strathmore council passed first reading for Land Use Bylaw Amending Bylaw 24-16, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 14-11 regarding 137 Orchard Way. 

The amendment to the bylaw aims to facilitate the construction of a multifunctional light industrial building, featuring a health services facility. 

“The external/internal circulation concluded on July 12, we received no concerns regarding this project during circulation,” said Kate Bakun, a planner with the Town of Strathmore. “The site currently consists of an undeveloped lot with an old metal shed. The lot has an area of approximately 7,236 square meters; currently this is the M1 Light Industrial District and it does not list health services as either permitted or discretionary use and a land use amendment is required.”

Bakun added neighbouring properties to the site include M1 Light Industrial District uses to the west, east and south, and Highway Commercial District to the north. 

The health services wing to the construction will include medical and dental offices, as well as health clinic laboratories for testing radiology and counseling services.

The Town of Strathmore maintains policies to seek and to attract light to medium industrial developments in order to further substantiate Strathmore’s place as a regional service centre, as well as to provide employment opportunities and growth to the community. 

Additionally, the municipality is to encourage the development of more innovative and environmentally friendly industrial employment centres so as to create employment opportunities for residents of Strathmore, and to create minimal environmental impacts. 

Should third reading of the land use bylaw amendment ultimately pass, the proposed construction project will require a development permit and building permit applications, which will include the collection of all applicable fees under the town’s fees bylaw. 

The project proposes to provide 61 parking stalls, which will require a granted variance from the town at the development permit stage. 

Following the passing of the first reading, the town may not proceed with second or third readings until after a public hearing has been held regarding the land use bylaw amendment. 

Town of Strathmore council has directed administration to schedule a public hearing for Bylaw 24-16 on Sept. 18, beginning at 6 p.m. in council chambers. 

Notice to the public from the town directly will be distributed with respect to the scheduled public hearing. Those who wish to state their opinions, support or concerns about the bylaw may do so at that time, as designated.