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County councillors challenge first reading policy

County council chose to preserve its process of automatically approving first readings, Feb. 1.

County council chose to preserve its process of automatically approving first readings, Feb. 1.

After postponing a decision, with the potential to change policy, for a week, council directed a developer to prepare a limited scope conceptual scheme on 20 acres west of Bragg Creek, effectively maintaining the status quo, Feb. 1.

“I think this is very onerous on any applicant who doesn’t know things have changed midstream,” said Councillor Greg Boehlke.

“If we are going to change first reading, it has to be fair, and I don’t perceive this as being fair.”

The discussion came as a result of council waiving its usual requirement of a full conceptual scheme for developments within the Greater Bragg Creek Area Structure Plan, but wanting more information about the parcel. According to Boehlke, council could deal with any concerns in its usual manner of placing conditions on the development at the subdivision stage, rather than changing its procedures.

“I absolutely agree with fair planning and this can be met within our system today,” said Boehlke.

Councillor Earl Solberg said the process should first be changed before requiring applicants to provide information not previously requested at such an early stage.

“We need to establish a procedure and make it a bylaw before actually making it a requirement at first reading,” he said.

Councillor Rick Butler disagreed and made a motion requesting the information prior to first reading.

“This is the most reasonable for the developer and it meets the needs of the area structure plan and the residents,” he said, adding that the Reeve’s Task Force report revealed a desire for more area-based planning, rather than top-down planning.

“The only other option we have is no assembly of information and simply fly by the seat of our pants.”

Although Butler’s motion was defeated in a five to four vote, Butler had the support of Reeve Rolly Ashdown, who said

“I think it is worthwhile to see information at first reading.”

As a result of the decision, Rolf Berg and Gunner and Norma Berg, the applicants, are required to submit a biophysical assessment of the land’s riparian areas, wildlife corridors, development constraint areas and plant and animal life prior to their application being considered by council for rezoning.

They must also submit a stormwater management plan, detail ideas for trails, conduct a public hearing and pay $2,500 in application fees.


Airdrie Today Staff

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