County passes first reading for Speargrass land redesignation
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
During the Oct. 3, regular meeting of Wheatland County council, first reading was given to Bylaw 2023-14, and a public hearing was scheduled to discuss the bylaw.
Bylaw 2023-14 is a bylaw for the purpose of amending Land Use Bylaw 2016-01, to redesignate portions of subject lands from Agriculture General District, Speargrass Low Density Residential District, and Parks and Recreation District to Speargrass Medium Density Residential District.
The application, which was presented before council proposed to redesignate the subject lands in order to facilitate a future boundary adjustment.
This will eventually allow for the reconfiguration of the Speargrass Golf Course, as well as the construction of a driving range and practice facility.
The areas which are set for redesignation according to the bylaw include a 3.8 hectare portion from Agriculture General District to Speargrass Special Medium Density Residential (S-SMDR), a 0.19 hectare portion from Speargrass Low Density to S-SMDR, and a 2.2 hectare portion from Parks and Recreation to S-SMDR.
The exact locations of the proposed land use amendments are detailed in the Oct. 3 regular meeting agenda.
Subject lands are on the westernmost edge of Speargrass Boulevard within the Speargrass community, and are immediately North of the Bow River, which abuts Vulcan County to the south.
If the redesignation component of the proposal is approved, technical and environmental considerations will be accounted during the assessment of the subdivision application.
The difference between medium and low-density residential district was clarified during the council meeting to effectively be regarding the style of dwelling and structures which do or would occupy designated land segments.
County administration had recommended that Wheatland County council approve first reading of the bylaw, as well as to schedule a public hearing prior to moving on to second and third readings, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
The proposal for the bylaw was noted by county administration to be consistent with the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, Regional Growth Management Strategy, Municipal Development Plan, the Land Use Bylaw, Speargrass ASP, Speargrass II ASP, and the Vulcan County and Wheatland County IDP.
Coun. Donna Biggar motioned that council approve first reading of Bylaw 2023-14 following brief discussion by council. The motion was passed unanimously without discussion.
Coun. Tom Ikert motioned to schedule the public hearing for Bylaw 2023-14 for Nov. 21, in Wheatland County council chambers, beginning at 9 a.m. Ikert’s motion was passed unanimously without further discussion.