Airdrie city council discussed first readings on a pair on land use bylaws, Dec. 2, defeating one and approving another.
The first, Bylaw B-30/2013 was a proposed amendment to a lot north of Highland Park, east of Highway 2. An application was made by Citytrend to redesignate the land to Direct Control 39 and allow for storage of recreation vehicles.
If approved, the bylaw would allow a three-year term for storage of RVs on the land.
Deputy Mayor Ron Chapman spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment, stating it would be unfair to other RV sales companies that have made similar proposals.
ìThis would give the applicant highway-facing land for RV storage,î said Chapman. ìWe have had a number of applicants looking for this same type of land that we have said no to.î
Alderman Fred Burley was in agreement with Chapmanís statement, adding the occupant has used the land to store recreation vehicles in the past.
Early in 2013, complaints were received by surrounding properties with regards to increased traffic and the creation of RV storage on the site.
Upon review of the existing development permit as well as the current district rules, it was determined that recreational vehicle storage was not permitted on the site. A stop order was issued and appealed.
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board ordered that all recreational vehicles shall be removed from the site by June 1, 2013. Shortly after this decision, the land owner and his consultant proceeded to apply for this amendment.
ìI just want to clarify that with the Rocky View bylaw, (the applicant) is not allowed RV storage, but heís been doing so for nearly two years,î said Burley. ìReally weíd be approving a five-year term and I have a problem with that.î
Mayor Peter Brown stood behind the comments of Chapman and Burley.
ìIíve driven by there and it looks like they have a lot of RVs on their lot, and I agree with Alderman Burley that this has been a total disregard for the rules,î said Brown.
Council voted unanimously to defeat first reading of the bylaw amendment.
Peter Schryvers of Citytrend said, ìthis was an introductory hearing to introduce the bylaw before bringing it to a public hearing, it should not have been defeated at this time. Weíve always followed the direction of the planning department with regards to our business.î
Schryvers said he will bring this item in front of council once again.
The second land-use bylaw that came before council on Dec. 2 was to amend Bylaw B-34/2013 to redesignate lands in Highland Park to accommodate the development of a UFA (United Farmers of Alberta) card lock and bulk fuel storage facility, a retail store and outside storage.
The land in question is located between Cam Clark Ford and Costco in the north end of the city. UFA currently resides at 613 Edmonton Trail. A move to the proposed location would allow for expanded services including card lock and bulk fuel storage. Card lock is an unmanned fueling site that can only be accessed by those who possess authorized cards.
Chapman was supportive of the amendment, standing behind UFA and their proposal.
ìIíve been here since 1978 and UFA was here when I got here, it was a meeting place at that time for all the local farmers and one of the biggest things that UFA has always asked for here in Airdrie is a fuel station,î said Chapman. ìI think it would be welcomed by outlying communities and it will draw people in to Airdrie and I think itís a good move.î
Brown called it, ìan excellent proposed development,î and that UFA has always been flexible in working with the City.
Council voted unanimously in favour of first reading.
Alderman Allan Hunter was not present at the Dec. 2 meeting.
