The MD of Bonnyville has rezoned a 146-acre parcel of land northwest of Bonnyville opening the door for the development of a country residential subdivision.
The MD of Bonnyville has rezoned a 146-acre parcel of land northwest of Bonnyville opening the door for the development of a country residential subdivision.
Lynx Estates, which proposes plans for 28 residential lots spaced out behind six commercial lots, would be located along Highway 28, north of Township Road 610 across from the Bonnyville Golf and Country Club.
The final reading was given to a land use bylaw and area structure plan bylaw on March 24 to rezone part of the land from Agricultural 'A' to Country Residential 'CR' and 'CR1.'
The subdivision was initially proposed back in October and was met with a ton of public concerns. A petition with over a hundred local signatures was submitted and led to the project being put on hold.
The main concerns raised by MD residents surrounded the commercial aspect of the subdivision. Initial plans for the project called for a portion of the land to be re-designated as Rural Commercial, which would have made accessory buildings, agricultural service facilities, commercial facilities, eating/drinking establishments and retail stores all permitted on the six commercial lots.
Changes to the scope of the project resulted in the land being rezoned to Country Residential instead of Rural Commercial, which has limited the commercial uses that are permitted on the land. The new land designation has 10 discretionary uses, some of which include: childcare facilities, family care units, home businesses, bed and breakfast's and community facilities.
"It is discretionary. It would come before the municipal planning commission. I think we are fairly diligent. We would never approve something that would affect the properties in close proximity," said Caroline Palmer, MD Director of Planning and Development.
The decision came after Lionel and Gloria Campeau approached council to object to several aspects of the plan and offer suggestions. They main concern brought forward by the Campeau's was in regards to the permitted buildings a 'CR1' designation would allow.
They voiced their displeasure over the possibility of outside lots having storage space for materials, goods and equipment and concern over the area structure plan not including a service road for the lots on Township Road 610.
"We are not against development. Having a CR development next to us is good for our property values. We just want it done correctly and within the rules laid out in the municipal development plan," said Gloria Campeau.
The developer has scaled down the number of 'CR1' lots they are asking for
"We will be diligent about ensuring that they adhere to the MD land use bylaws which are written to protect neighbouring acreages from noise, steam, odour, dust, vibration or refuse matter and any outside storage will be properly screened or fenced."
