The Ranch continues development
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The final phase of development for The Ranch in Strathmore has begun, as developer Anthem Properties Group continues to work closely with the Strathmore Soccer Association.
The collaboration aims to minimize disruptions to the regular soccer season in Strathmore, while development of the homes continues.
Strathmore Soccer are the caretakers of the fields, which are utilized both for competitive and recreational purposes, though they are owned by Anthem. Strathmore Soccer also contributes financially to the maintenance of the fields.
Anthem Properties Group applied to the Town of Strathmore in 2021 for a subdivision application for Phase 5 of The Ranch in Strathmore. Phase 5 began development subject to the town’s approval of the application.
“It has been put on hold for the last 10 years or so, but it was in the plan since 2005 … I am not too sure as to why it was delayed,” said Angie Boyd, administrator for the Strathmore Soccer Association.
An open house was hosted in Strathmore in 2005 regarding The Ranch prior to an Area Structure Plan being completed for the residential area.
In 2011, the land use was changed from R1 Single Detached Residential District to R1N Single Detached Residential District (Narrow Lot).
In 2021, the land use bylaw saw proposed amendments to include some R2 low-density residential land use. This was defeated and the previously established R1N land use bylaw remains in effect.
“Anthem United has done a really great job of contacting us and letting us know that the development is happening and when our access to what has been the space that we park is going to be limited; they will be providing us with a different access point so that emergency vehicles and such can still make it to the soccer fields as necessary,” said Boyd.
“They are working with us to make sure that our soccer season is still successful and that it is not interrupted at all.”
Though Anthem currently maintains technical ownership over the subject greenspaces utilized and maintained by the Strathmore Soccer Association, titles will eventually be returned to the Town of Strathmore once the project has been completed.
Upon project completion, a through road at Ranch Gate will expand to Park Lane Road to help alleviate traffic congestion that occurs when Strathmore hosts large soccer events.
More information regarding the history of the project is available publicly through the Town of Strathmore website, and in the July 14, 2021 council report.