Future remains uncertain for proposed Buffalo Lake RV Resort

However, according to County officials, the Summer Village of Rochon Sands has indicated they would be open to discussing a formal review process of the BLSSIDP prior to any proposed changes or amendments, in addition to amending any density levels in the Buffalo Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (BLIDP) as well.

County officials note the BLIDP already allows for a density of 325 units along the lake’s south shore, but the Buffalo Lake South Shore Intermunicipal Development Plan restricts the density of units at the proposed site to 168.

Buffalo Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (BLIDP) members include the County of Stettler, Summer Villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands, the County of Lacombe and County of Camrose.

Members of the Buffalo Lake South Shore Intermunicipal Development Plan include the County of Stettler, Summer Village of Rochon Sands and Summer Village of White Sands.

Cara McKenzie, development officer for the County of Stettler, says the County’s request to amend the BLSSIDP came at the request of the new developer.

“Originally they had requested 750 lots, and then the reduction to 168 lots impacted their business plan in such a way that it was no longer viable,” recalls McKenzie. “We presented the responses from the summer villages to the Municipal Planning Commission yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. The planning commission has directed administration to work through the process and to provide some options to the planning commission as to what our next steps may be.”

McKenzie says three options are currently being reviewed, including the County accepting the summer villages response and no longer pursuing an amendment to the BLSSIDP, initiating a dispute resolution process, or informing member municipalities of the their intention to withdraw from the BLSSIDP.

“That will be a council decision as to which steps they take next,” explains McKenzie. “The ultimate goal would be to maintain a working relationship with our municipal neighbours. Hopefully we can come to some kind of a resolution between them through one of the options.”

In the meantime, McKenzie notes a stop work order issued on the project last spring will remain in place until conditions outlined in the previous Subdivision and Development Appeal decision are met, or new provisions are issued for the property with an amended development in mind.

According to the developer’s website, the new ownership group which took over last summer, would like to open the park this May or June, noting nearly 300 lease holders and vendors waiting to set up camp at the resort.

“Once built, the park will possess numerous ways to entertain kids of all ages, including sprinkler parks, water slides, water obstacle courses, sport courts and playgrounds to name just a few,” reads the website. “These groups must remember that this is a business development zone intended to raise the business tax base of the County to help fund County development – roads, services etc. It is important for all to make sure this development is a success and adds to the long-term benefit of the County.”

“Until council makes a decision, we’re all kind of in a waiting period,” concludes McKenzie. “When we met yesterday (Wednesday), the planning commission didn’t assign any timelines as to when the options need to be done by or where they’re going to go from there. So it’s a waiting game at this point.”

by Sheldon Spackman

Future remains uncertain for proposed Buffalo Lake RV Resort

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