A camping gear business will be allowed to set up shop in Red Deer County after a number of conditions were added to the approval to address neighbourhood concerns.
Abri Slabbert owns Gear4Overland, which imports and sells a number of camping-related products, such as vehicle roof tents, awnings and accessories, including camp kitchen equipment, storage, lights, roof racks and stoves. He will operate the business out of his home and shop in Trestle Estates, an eight-home subdivision south of Red Deer off the C&E Trail.
Other residents in the neighbourhood were concerned about additional traffic, including safety concerns around large trucks making deliveries in a neighbourhood with children and potential damage to local roads. Noise and the impact on property values were also issues cited among seven letters of concern sent to the county. There were also three letters of support.
Coun. Lonny Kennett proposed a motion to approve the home business as long as additional conditions were added to the 16 already recommended by planning staff.
To address traffic concerns, Kennett proposed that drop-offs and deliveries only be permitted three times per week and no freight deliveries be made during the times school buses are running. As well, only five customers would be allowed to visit the property weekly, and by appointment only.
Kennett also wanted the development agreement to include a clause making the business responsible for repairing any road damage caused by its delivery vehicles and to cover the full cost of repairs.
Mayor Jim Wood, who sits on the municipal planning commission along with the rest of council, said he believes the additional conditions will address neighbourhood concerns.
“I believe we went a long way there,” said Wood.
Only a five-year approval was issued, so if there are ongoing concerns it is unlikely the approval would be extended, he said.
“I believe we need to give him the opportunity,” he said.
Coun. Dana Depalme said she could support approval with the additional conditions added.
“I do definitely want to see these people have the chance to try to go forward with this.”
Coun. Brent Ramsay credited Slabbert for trying to work with neighbours and his willingness to adjust his business model.