Richard Froese
South Peace News
A parcel of land in Faust on the south shore of Lesser Slave Lake has been redistricted by Big Lakes County council to allow for a proposed recreational vehicle park despite opposition by several residents.
At its regular meeting Oct. 23, council gave the final two readings to Land-Use bylaw 18-2024 to amend the bylaw for a property on the north side of Railway Ave. east of Fourth St. W to commercial recreation (CREC) from hamlet residential (HR).
Council received an application from RM Site Works Inc., of Calgary, to amend the Land-Use Bylaw to redistrict S 1/2 LSD S and LSD 4-16-73-11-W5, Pat Olansky, director of community services and planning, told council.
“The applicant is proposing to develop a destination RV park with related amenities on the site,” Olansky said.
Council received one letter of opposition from a concerned Faust resident while two other local residents spoke on the proposal at the public hearing during the regular meeting.
Longtime resident Violet Campiou said the land would be better used for something other than a campground.
“There are many reasons why this should not proceed,” Campiou wrote in her letter.
“This development will not assist with the lack of housing or employment opportunities in our community.”
She suggested the area be developed to encourage growth in the hamlet.
“Our town needs more permanent housing to help those who no longer have homes due to changes with Heart River Housing.
“Our town needs housing development, which will bring jobs and secure long-term housing solutions, not more campsites.”
Debbie Cook echoed the words of Campiou.
“There are quite a few Faust residents opposed to this,” Cook said.
“It doesn’t benefit our community.
“We don’t need more campers in our town.”
Niki Conrad spoke on both sides of the issues.
“I’m on the fence,” Conrad said.
Campsites bring a lot of money to the community,” Conrad noted.
However, she, too, is concerned about the added tourism traffic.
No council members commented on the concerns before the Land-Use Bylaw was approved.
Notice of the public hearing was also sent to Big Lakes public works and utilities department and fire chief. No concerns were raised.
The purpose of the hamlet residential district is to allow a variety of residential land uses of a smaller scale and higher density compared to hamlet estate district, which are compatible with the overall residential character of a hamlet.
Campgrounds and RV parks are currently allowed under the Faust Area Structure Plan and the parcel of land is within the northern residential and recreation character area.