Conditions added to the development approval of a proposed Buffalo Lake RV park have addressed Lacombe County’s reservations.
Earlier this month, County of Stettler conditionally approved a development permit for Bar W Resort, a 318-site RV park to be developed on an 83-acre site between the summer villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands. Developers must meet 44 conditions, including numerous sub-conditions, as part of the approval.
Among those conditions is the requirement for a communal water system and that developers either contribute to upgrades at the White Sands Boat Launch or build a new boat launch at the RV park site.
Lacombe County had earlier offered its support in principle for the development but highlighted the need to address communal water and lake access when asked for input on the development permit application in August. County planners also pointed out a wetland impact assessment report does not contain any conservation or mitigation measures as required by policy.
Dale Freitag, county director of planning services, said the issues were raised as they relate to the intermunicipal development plan agreed on by Lacombe, Stettler and Camrose counties and the Summer Villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands.
“At the end of the day, if it meets the IDP that’s all we’re looking for,” said Freitag on Monday.
While the approval does not require mitigation reports for any environmental issues raised as is the county’s usual practice, similar protections are included in the conditions.
“We typically require the mitigation reports. But they’re saying stuff is being done in accordance with the IDP. So, it’s just a matter of interpretation.
“The county is satisfied that Stettler County is aware of the policies in the IDP that need to be followed and will ensure the proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on lake health and the shoreline habitat.”
Before any RV moves in, approval conditions require a development agreement with the County of Stettler be in place to link to municipal water services. A communal wastewater system and stormwater management plan must also be approved by Alberta Environment and Protected Places.