Serving the communities of Rimbey, Bentley, Bluffton, Winfield, Alder Flats and Buck Lake
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Volume 15 Number 23
Seasonal delays: Construction on 53rd Avenue on the south side of the Rimbey Aquatic Centre will continue until mid to late June. Construction in Rimbey, as in other municipalities, is now in full swing. Repairs on the road will alleviate a problem with potholes, although motorists will be inconvenienced for a few more weeks. It’s business as usual at the aquatic centre, despite the road closure. Treena Mielke Photo
By Treena Mielke A second rezoning application by Keith and Glenna Spelrem has been denied, even though the couple promised to fork over a healthy chunk of change collected from the now defunct tax incentive rebate program. The Spelrems, who own property on the corner of 45 Avenue and 51 Street, across from the Outreach School applied to have their property rezoned to residential from commercial. However, council voted unanimously against the application following a public hearing May 27. The Spelrems originally applied to rezone the property in 2005 but were verbally notified their application was denied due to a shortage of commercial lots in Rimbey. However, the couple was hoping the development of more commercial lots might further their cause. “There has been additional C2 (commercial) property development on the perimeter of town, with high vehicle traffic volume and migration of existing businesses to this new commercial area. We see this recent development as addressing the reason given for the decline of our previous application,” Spelrem told council. In their application, the Spelrems noted commercial zoning in a residential area is detrimental to the lifestyle of families in the neighborhood. “The taxpaying residents we have spoken to in this area are concerned about this property remaining commercial,” said the Spelrems in a letter to council. “Permitted commercial uses in their neighborhood, affecting their quality of life and that of their children, is a serious concern.” Despite the Spelrems’ arguments in favor of rezoning, Ryan Andres, municipal planner with West Central Planning Agency, said the property abuts commercial and industrial development, making in an ideal location for a commercial use. “Although the parcel is not being used for a commercial use at this time, rezoning it to residential will preclude any future commercial activity from happening. Rezoning the district to (R2 (residential) is also in direct contravention with the town’s municipal development plan.” Of the nine written submissions regarding the rezoning, six were opposed and three were in support.
Benjamin Natural Gas Co-op Ltd.
Blindman Valley Rod & Gun Club
Box 560, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 Telephone: (403) 843-3291 Fax: (403) 843-4510
ANNUAL MEETING AND FAMILY BBQ
Tyler Jordan DD
ALL MEMBERS WELCOME
(Honours)
Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at Leedale Community Centre We are accepting nominations for our board of directors. The BBQ will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. Office: 403-843-3291
www.rimbeyreview.com Rezoning application denied by council
The Smile You’ve Been Looking For.
403.843.1110 Main Street Rimbey Beside the Bargain! Store
Thank You to: Lowe Backhoe Service Aspenworks Mechanical Midwest Propane JC Panels
For your generous support!