Town takes next step in The Prairies neighbourhood development proposal

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First reading has been granted to Bylaws 26-11 and 26-24, facilitating the next steps to be taken for more residential development to be constructed in Strathmore. 

Should they be allowed to pass, the proposed amendments would allow for the development of nearly 400 residential units as well as commercial uses within the area structure plan (ASP). 

“The subject lands are currently designated residential within the 2014 municipal development plan. The site is located at the northeast corner of the intersection of George Freeman Trail and Edgeview Road,” said Kate Bakun, planner with the Town of Strathmore.

The Town of Strathmore approved the area structure plan for “The Prairies” in 2011. The amendments to the bylaws would serve to implement changes proposed by the developer, as well as to properly designate the subject lands for this type of neighbourhood development.

Bylaw 11-08, being the initial Prairies bylaw, included four neighborhood “Nodes” throughout the ASP. Bylaws 26-11 and 26-24 focus on “Node D,” also known as “Prairies View.”

Node D is the southernmost section of the total area structure plan, which stretches up to Township Road 244 as its northern border. 

A public consultation for neighbourhood Node D was hosted at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Centre, May 6, resulting in positive reception, according to the developer. 

The 398 proposed residential units are described as one and two-bedroom attached dwellings intended for use as rental properties.

In its current iteration, the proposal suggests two entrances to the neighbourhood from Edgeview Road.

A community amenity described as a “clubhouse” has also been indicated within the ASP for use by future residents.

Currently, the subject lands are classified as Agriculture General District under the town’s land use bylaw. Residential, commercial, and supporting land use developments are not permitted use cases under this classification, thus requiring the amending bylaw to be allowed to proceed.

Land ownership of the Node D parcel is attributed by the applicant parties to PMC (Strathmore) Corp, consisting of approximately 47.35 acres. 

In its entirety, The Prairies area structure plan occupies a total area of approximately 394.18 acres, divided into nine ownership blocks at the time the document was prepared.

Approval of the land use bylaw amendment will result in future applications for subdivision, development permits, building, electrical, plumbing, and other applicable permits associated with the creation of a new neighbourhood.

As the proposed bylaws are concurrent, a public hearing will be scheduled for Sept. 2, for discussion and feedback regarding both.