Red Deer’s proposed land annexation reaches Land and Property Rights Tribunal public hearing

David Girardin, City Major Projects Planner, previously explained the centre would be a significant economic development opportunity, with retail space such as a large outdoor shopping mall, big box stores and smaller restaurants, similar to the South Edmonton Common.

The land is located mostly to the northwest of the QEII Highway and Highway 11A overpass; it starts at 11A between the QEII and area known as Linn Valley, and then goes north just past the CN railway.

Most recent proposed land annexation in blue dotted line. (City of Red Deer)

While the sole two landowners within the annexation area, CN Rail and the Hazlett Family Farm, have voiced support for the application, adjacent landowners raised concerns, requiring a public hearing.

Some concerns from the public included traffic/access, availability of agricultural lands, wetland preservation, noise, and property values, among others.

Girardin shared that the most recent update for the annexation plan includes an approval by the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to build an access ramp into the lands from the southbound lanes on Highway 2, roughly 1,800 metres north of Highway 11A. He believes this will support further development and reduce traffic congestion at the intersection of Highway 11A and Range Road 273. No further details have been planned as of yet.

He also said that most concerns can be addressed with the adoption of the Area Structure Plan which outlines the details of what exactly will take place on the land. However, he said that process can only begin once the land is annexed by the City.

The Hazlett family, with a longstanding farming history on the lands, spoke in favour of the annexation at the hearing. They said while they regret seeing land development in the area, “cities need to grow or they die” and the best way to do that is nearby city boundaries rather than dispersing commercial and housing properties within farming communities.

On the other hand, the Smyth family, residents of Linn Valley, described the annexation as urban sprawl rather than urban densification. They said with urban sprawl, energy uses are increased along with pollution and use of cars while wildlife and available agricultural lands are decreased. They said the City already has various lands within City boundaries like Capstone that could be used for the project and foster urban densification, which will increase tourism and efficiency while minimizing the need for new roads and utility lines.

Girardin added in his presentation that although it is difficult to ask the public for their trust, the City has a history of good developments and protection of the environment.

The three Tribunal members assigned to the hearing will now prepare a written report with recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, who will then make a final decision in a few months’ time to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

For more information, visit www.reddeer.ca/annexation.

by Alessia Proietti

Red Deer’s proposed land annexation reaches Land and Property Rights Tribunal public hearing

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