Council backs 398 unit 55-plus development

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new 55-plus rental community with nearly 400 townhouses is moving forward on Strathmore’s east side after town council approved amendments needed for the development.

Council gave second and third reading to Bylaw No. 26-11 on Sept. 2 following a public hearing on changes to The Prairies Area Structure Plan.

The approximately 47-acre site is located at the northeast corner of George Freeman Trail and Edgeview Road near the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre and George Freeman School.

Nautical Lands Management Corporation is proposing 398 one and two-bedroom rental townhouses under its Wellings model. The company would retain ownership of the residential development.

The development is geared toward independent adults 55 and older rather than operating as a retirement or assisted-living facility.

“We don’t provide any services that you would find in a traditional retirement home,” Whittington said. “We really cater to 55-plus demographic that is still very active, both physically and mentally.”

Lawn care and snow removal would be handled for residents. A private clubhouse would include a fitness area, games room, common area and communal kitchen. Outdoor amenities would include pickle ball, shuffleboard and a community garden.

The plan also includes approximately 700 parking spaces. Around 183 units would have garages.

One-bedroom units are expected to be approximately 700 square feet while two-bedroom units would range from roughly 900 to 1,000 square feet.

Rent became a focus of council’s questions.

The monthly rent for a one-bedroom would be approximately $2,999 and $3,999 for a two-bedroom.

The proposal also includes a 3.74-acre commercial parcel at George Freeman Trail and Edgeview Road along with open space, pathways and a storm water management pond. Approximately 10 per cent of the site would be dedicated as Municipal Reserve.

While the clubhouse and recreation amenities would primarily serve residents and their guests, the pathways and public green space would connect with Strathmore’s broader pathway network.

The project is expected to create approximately 10 full and part-time positions once completed, primarily in management and maintenance. 

Contract instructors could also provide activities such as fitness classes.

Council questioned whether municipal infrastructure could accommodate the additional density.

CAO Kevin Scoble pointed to the town’s central trunk sewer main project, where existing infrastructure is being replaced and expanded.

“We’re replacing old infrastructure, but we’re also upsizing, it and in the upsizing, it accounts for this type of growth that we’re seeing,” Scoble said.

Town planner Kate Bakun said no significant concerns were identified through the circulation process. Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors also raised no objections and accepted the revised Traffic Impact Assessment.

Council members expressed support for the project before voting.

Mayor Pat Fule said the development could provide an option for older residents wanting to move into a smaller home while remaining in Strathmore.

“I really do like the fact that people who do want to, not necessarily downgrade, but go smaller, can really put a lot of money into their bank, live there with less hassles, less maintenance, and it’s just a win-win for our community,” Fule said.

Coun. Jim Chisholm said the business model could fill a gap in the community. 

“The group business model really supports kind of that niche that we need here in our community and for the seniors and allowing them to kind of do that transition,” he said.

Coun. Brent Wiley also pointed to the commercial development and potential increase in the town’s tax base. 

“Higher density residential and non-residential is a win for current residents,” Wiley said.

The original Prairies Area Structure Plan was adopted in 2011 and encompasses approximately 394 acres divided into four neighbourhood nodes. 

The developer held an open house May 6 with approximately 40 people attending according to information provided to the town.

Council carried second and third reading of the ASP amendment. The related Land Use Bylaw amendment also received second and third reading moving the Wellings Development another step closer to construction.