Extension asked for Homestead development

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

The Homestead developer Bill Maher brought spokesman Matt Haasen, a 25 per cent stakeholder in The Homestead development, to the Sept. 4 council meeting to request a year extension of their development permit from Wheatland County, in order to fulfill development conditions on The Homestead development. Their development permits would normally expire November 2018.
Haasen said the company had recently suffered some serious personal, health and financial setbacks that have delayed their ability to finish all the 29 outstanding conditions listed on the file.
Engineer Jay Sheen met with staff and updated the things they were working on. Some of the things can’t be completed until the construction in the development is done. They are working on mapping the right of way easements, 90 per cent of the engineering drawings have been done and they anticipate the drawings will be complete in the next few weeks. They continue to work on the development agreement and find solutions for the sewage solutions. The Alberta Environment-approved solution is located a distance away from The Homestead development and they are looking at a less expensive option in a closer location, in partnership with Lakes of Muirfield.
“The sewage problem at Lyalta is like an albatross around the neck of everyone in this room,” said Haasen.
He stated economic downturns have tightened financial support from banks, and investors have dried up. He said movement on the development has been slow.
“It is our intention that we want to see a beautiful community in Lyalta, but it has been a financial struggle,” said Maher. “We have met with the community more than once and they are excited … not to create a new community but expand the existing community.”
Councillor Scott Klassen said there had been some sales of lots in the area and that construction is happening in the community; however, Councillor Tom Ikert had doubts the economy would recover significantly soon.
Council received the presentation as information and no approval for the extension was given at the time.