Town moves forward with new development bylaws

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is moving forward with the Municipal Development Plan, and Land Use Bylaws required to progress a mixed-use development along Wheatland Trail.

During the April 1 council meeting, following public hearings for the MPD amending bylaw, and the LUB Amending Bylaw, discussion resulted in the passing of third reading for both.

The concurrent applications were submitted to the town by Green Maple Enterprises on behalf of the Strathmore Golf Course and the Turner Family.

“The lands are currently shown as open space, which is usually parks, pathways, schools, and the application proposes to change the MDP to show a mixture of residential and commercial,” said Chuck Proctor, manager of planning for the Town of Strathmore, during the public hearing. “The application proposes to change the MDP to show a mixture of residential and commercial … they propose mixed use development consisting of duplexes, town homes, apartments, and neighborhood commercial uses including retail, restaurants, professional services, and health and wellness.”

Throughout the development plan, approximately 302 residential, and 25 commercial units were outlined.

According to town staff, the previous designation of the land parcel, being Urban Reserve, was deemed to be outdated, and served as a holding zone similar to Agricultural General District – this being intended for change as the surrounding community develops.

Approximately 10 per cent of the subject parcel is being rezoned as municipal reserve, being a requirement at the subdivision stage in order to be later used for public green spaces and trails.

“Infrastructure for this parcel would all come primarily from the east. We have water and sewer near the Strathmore High School, and then with Grey Park, is actually what we would consider from our storm water system,” added Proctor. “Storm water would discharge that direction, it actually naturally flows there already, so … servicing of this parcel is actually relatively easy.”

Coun. Matt Hyde spoke to the growing necessity for more housing options to be made available in Strathmore, particularly in the immediate future with greater developments soon to take place within Wheatland County.

“Looking at the present vacancy rate in Strathmore, it is paramount that we look at increasing the inventory that there is for our residents, for future residents, for our children,” he said. “Having more homes available within the Town of Strathmore is a positive thing. I also appreciate the way that this plan starts to tie Hillview a little bit … knits it more closely with the rest of the existing town and being able to take advantage of our existing infrastructure.”

Second and third readings for both bylaws were ultimately passed unanimously by council members who had not recused themselves from the meeting.