Public hearing addresses concerns

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Ted Kleysen, owner of Calderon Acres, an RV park, golf course and driving range located 15 kilometres southwest of Strathmore, stepped up to address neighbours’ concerns at a public hearing held at Wheatland County offices on June 21.
Calderon Acres is looking to reorganize and expand their pro-shop and maintenance buildings for the site. They want to rezone their property from Agricultural General (AG) District to Recreational District (RD) to accommodate future expansion of their existing golf course and campground facility.
The recommendation indicated the golf course/campground has had numerous permit approvals over the years, all under the AG designation of the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). The existing golf course campground is within the scope of the original development permits and is therefore deemed to be non-conforming pursuant to Section 643 of the Municipal Government Act. Under this section, a non-conforming use cannot be expanded. Since the adoption of the LUB in 2007, a new land use district – Recreational District Bylaw 2012-102 – has been added to the LUB which permits golf courses and/or campgrounds.
If the subject lands were to be rezoned to RD, any expansion of the existing development on the property would be allowed.
“It fits under the parks and recreation section of the Municipal Development Act, which accommodates future additions and developments of campgrounds and golf courses,” said Gerry Melenka, community planner.
Melenka added that this was the first instance of properties of this type coming to council since the new designation was available in 2012.
Objections voiced by neighbours were traffic and dust concerns, campers trespassing on property, garbage, signage and notification of additional expansions.
Davell and Brian Gelinas said that over a period of 25 years, no notification had ever been sent regarding the ongoing development. In a submitted letter, they stated: “My concern is what’s next, seeing how things are done without us neighbours having any say. How many sites are there now? Will the campground double in size?”
Added Gail Burns, a neighbour who was present at the public meeting: “I am not against it, but we have concerns that could be addressed. If they set up rules and regulations about campers trespassing on adjacent yards, it would be good. I think it is a matter of education,” she added. “I would like to see some limitations on expansion.”
The county stated that neighbours were notified within a one kilometre radius and the advertisement was posted in local newspapers.
Kleysen said they have sent out letters to their customers regarding respecting adjacent landowner property. Their website lists an abundance of information on campground behaviour guidelines. He said garbage cleanup is done several times a year on areas surrounding the campground.
“I am not sure what can be done short of whacking them with a stick, but I am open to suggestions,” said Kleysen about errant camper behaviours.
He wasn’t sure why campers choose to use the dirt road access over the paved road. Owners are required by the county to pay for dust control measures on approaches to their property. Kleysen said he was open to a cost share agreement with the county on cold mix solution for the road.
Kleysen qualified that he wants anyone to contact him about concerns, so he can try to address those concerns and keep the camping experience a positive one for everyone.
There was a suggestion by council that bylaw officers may be called by property owners to deal with offsite issues, and that campers should be aware there are restrictions for some activity and understand the resulting fines associated with them.
Council gave approval to Bylaw 2016-16, passing second and third reading for the re-designation.