County reviews land use redesignation

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County council passed second reading for Bylaw 2024-34, being for the purposes of amending Bylaw 2016-01, during the May 6 regular meeting.

Passing third reading of the bylaw would redesignate approximately 6.68 hectares from agricultural general district to country residential district in order to create four 1.67-hectare parcels, and a 54.51-hectare remainder. 

The land is currently undeveloped and is used for agricultural purposes. Subject lands are bisected by an extension of the Western Irrigation District’s (WID) canal network, which separates the lands designated for residential and agricultural uses. 

Within the application for land use redesignation, the applicant notes challenges maneuvering farm equipment and machinery on the lands east of the canal, as well as those lands being not ideal for livestock due to a lack of water access. 

Documents provided to county council by the applicant included a transportation impact assessment, a site-specific storm water implementation plan, a Phase 1 groundwater supply assessment, and a level two sewage treatment system assessment. 

This documentation suggested minimal adverse impacts to other nearby residents and farmland, management of runoff to avoid impacting the WID canal, sufficient aquifer supplies for the proposed developments, and suitable site and soil conditions for soil-based wastewater treatment systems on each lot. 

County administration noted the proposal aligns with the Municipal Development Plan and does not exceed the 20-acre maximum nonagricultural area within the quarter section. It also will not result in more than five parcels in the quarter section. 

Concerns raised by nearby and adjacent landowners largely regarded local water use, and how an additional four residential properties would impact both local wells, as well as irrigation use.

During the meeting, no presentations were made by the applicant, nor members of the public either in support or opposition of the land use redesignation. 

Coun. Glenn Koester raised concerns about several acreages being so close together in regard to future road paving or maintenance

Support for the application referenced the applicant had completed their required due diligence and environmental impact assessments. Reeve Amber Link noted the proposal conforms to current county policies and statutory documents, including the Municipal Development Plan.

Permission for third reading of the bylaw was not granted following second reading, as council’s vote was not unanimous. Coun. Koester and Coun. Rick Laursen voted in opposition.

County administration noted the proposed land use redesignation bylaw would return before council during their next meeting.