A proposed residential subdivision was sunk by Red Deer County council on Tuesday over concerns the site is too soggy.
Cygnet Lake Estates was to include 34 acreage lots on at 147-acre site just southeast of the Town of Sylvan Lake. Some of the site is low lying so developers had proposed bringing in engineered fill — layers of clay and compacted dirt — to ensure that homes’ basements remained dry.
However, some councillors remained concerned that developing the area was a recipe for future problems and voted 4-2 against giving second reading of an area structure plan for the project proposed by a group of area landowners.
“I do not see why we need to bring three metres of fill in to create a community when we’ve got other areas of Red Deer County that would be adequate,” said Coun. Dave Hoar, who voted against the proposal.
Coun. Richard Lorenz wondered how building up the development site with fill would affect drainage into neighbouring properties.
Coun. Penny Archibald also had misgivings about the site despite assurances from proponents it would be a suitable location. “You can sell anything if you’re a good salesman,” she said. But is it the right site, she asked rhetorically, “No, I don’t think it is.”
One councillor, Don Nesbitt, who had voted against the project previously because of water concerns, changed his mind after hearing a presentation from consultants for the developers outlining how the fill would be used.
“I think they came with the science today,” said Nesbitt, who voted in favour. Mayor Jim Wood also voted in favour, noting the amount of work that had been done to address the site’s issues. “It sounds like there is a plan.”
Serge Stelmack, of CU Consulting, said he was “flabbergasted” by council’s rejection.
“We proved scientifically, with engineering experts, this will not flood.” If council isn’t going to make decisions based on available science any proposal becomes a “crap shoot,” he added.
A number of people turned out to speak for and against the proposed subdivision. Those opposed expressed concerns that the low-lying area was not suitable for development, would cause drainage problems, and that additional housing would add to traffic and nuisance concerns.
A local realtor and land developer said the acreage development would prove a good seller and boost area property values. A nearby resident said adding more homes would boost security in the area and improve roads.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com