County MPC discusses development permit application, subdivision applications
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Wheatland County Municipal Planning Commission approved three subdivision applications and refused a development permit application during the June 20 meeting.
The development permit application was for an abattoir business which would offer live animals such as cattle, sheep and goats to be purchased and slaughtered all at one site.
Staff had recommended the refusal of Development Permit application DP 2025-004, citing several reasons.
These included a lack of demonstrated due consideration for affected neighbours or the environment; the proposal did not align with Municipal Development Plan criteria for new single lot commercial and industrial proposals; the impact of adding on-farm slaughter operations to aesthetic, environmental and financial value of the area.
The application also could not be defined wholly as an agricultural operation, suggesting higher standards should be applied to associated buildings and infrastructure, on-farm slaughter operations were considered a new type of development in Wheatland County, and the land use bylaw was deemed insufficient to account for their operation, and the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated that concern regarding land use.
During discussion, members of the committee expressed concerns about the environmental impacts, lack of oversight, and water and wastewater servicing.
The MPC voted unanimously in favour of refusing the application following its presentation.
Subdivision application SD2025-001 proposed to create one 1.21-hectare parcel lot and a 9.71-hectare remainder parcel. Lot 1 would be designated County Residential District, and Lot 2 would be Agriculture General District.
Lot 1 is currently undeveloped, while Lot 2 is developed with a farmstead and accessory buildings for agricultural purposes.
County administration had recommended approving the application subject to several conditions, including the effect of a Plan of Survey, pursuant to the MGA, or other such means satisfactory to the Registrar of the South Alberta Land Titles District, among others.
Subdivision application SD2025-004 proposed to create two 2.02-hectare parcels and a 52.41-hectare remainder. The lands are designated Agriculture General District and are currently undeveloped. There is not currently any servicing infrastructure in place.
Future servicing is proposed for the two smaller parcels, to be provided by individual wells and private sewage treatment. The third parcel is intended for continued agricultural purposes.
The applicant provided a Phase 1 Groundwater Supply Assessment in February, which indicates sufficient aquifer yields to meet the demand of the Water Act and support future residential development.
Approval of the subdivision was subject to several conditions outlined by county administration and overall aligns with the county’s municipal development plan.
Subdivision application SD2025-005 proposed to adjust the boundaries between the two subject parcels, resulting in a 5.67 hectare parcel, and a 58.63 hectare parcel.
The intent of the application is to transfer a 4.05 hectare portion of land from Country Residential to Agriculture General District. This is to facilitate more pastureland for resident horses.
The applicant did not provide any plans within the application which suggested further development on the subject lands.
Subject to conditions outlined by administration, the application was approved unanimously by committee members. Anticipated impact to neighbouring properties is anticipated to be minimal if noticeable.
A large wetland system which is present on the lots is not anticipated to be affected by the changes. Subject lands will be required to be inspected as is detailed in the conditions of the application approval.