Rocky View County council approved a land redesignaion near Airdrie, April 9. The approval changes the 10-acre parcel, located five kiometres north of Airdrie, from ranch and farm to residential.
The undeveloped parcel, on a quarter section of land, will receive water from an underground well and a septic treatment system will manage sewage.
Some councillors expressed hesitation with placing a home on the land, which has a sour gas pipeline running adjacent to the quarter section.
“I’m really struggling with this,” said Councillor Greg Boehlke.
He added the parcel size is double the size of what is typical for a first parcel out. He said he would like to see a caveat in the agreement where, if it were to be sold in the future, the owner would let people know they are “buying something where potentially lethal gas could pop out.”
He motioned to defeat the application.
Councillor Margaret Bahcheli said the size of the lot was needed for the required setbacks form the line so she wouldn’t support his motion to defeat.
“I don’t think we are putting future homeowners at risk,” said Councillor Lois Habberfield.
She said the County would have heard from the gas company if it was too big of a risk to build near it.
“I think this is suitable for first parcel out … it’s in a great location and we’re not losing ag(ricultural land).”
Councillor Al Sacuta echoed Habberfield’s comments and noted the gas lines will be registered on the land title for any future buyer to find.
“If a future owner doesn’t check and decides to put up a barn, this could be a major disaster,” said Councillor Liz Breakey, who had the same concerns as Boehlke.
“This is first parcel out … I can’t imagine why we wouldn’t approve it,” countered Reeve Rolly Ashdown.
Boehlke’s motion was defeated. Councillors Kim Magnuson. Breakey and Boehkle voted in favour; Sacuta, Habberfield, Ashdown and Bahcheli voted against.
