City aims to protect Hazlett Lake with structure plan amendment

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After waiting nearly a decade since 2008 to see the recommendations, Tony Blake, President of the Red Deer River Naturalists, says he likes what he sees.

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“I’m surprised that it took until 2017 for it to come out. But it did come out, I finally got a look at it today and I’m very impressed,” he said. “There are very encouraging recommendations; a lot of them are very comprehensive.”

Blake noted that while the bylaw amendment is encouraging, some small issues still remain, saying it leaves the City with plenty of wiggle room.

“What happened tonight is council gave itself the leeway [to say] ‘Okay, we’ll handle these one piece at a time’ and that’s where we always lose. It’s always the ‘next piece’ that’s going to be preserved. This is how we lose natural areas and the function of natural areas. Yeah, it might have trees on it but maybe it’s full of exotic weeds or maybe it’s fragmented and it doesn’t serve the needs of wildlife or nature. Its natural capital is degraded, it just doesn’t work as well.”

Veer said the City will be treating the future of the lake with the utmost importance.

“As detailed planning occurs, specific areas will be identified for future zonings. So not only were more rigorous environmental protections added tonight, we will have other opportunities in the future to respond to local feedback, and to the specific topographies and wildlife corridors in the area.”

Blake says the importance of protecting the long-term future of Hazlett Lake cannot be understated.

“As council said, this may be our last chance [to save the watershed]. We’ve filled in a lot of wetlands over the years despite our intentions to be conscientious about the way we develop land. We want some assurances that this one won’t fall through the cracks.”

City planning staff will now work with property owners in the area to develop neighbourhood area structure plans, a process which typically takes 1-2 years to complete. Given the environmental sensitivity of the area, Veer says the process will be a rigorous one that includes plenty of public consultation.

A “Multi-Neighbourhood Community Centre” including sports fields adjacent to the lake is currently under strong consideration for the area.