RCMP Didsbury received a complaint of a break and enter at a rural property just west of Didsbury on February 22, 2010. Sometime between the afternoon of February 21 and trhe early morning hours of February 22, unknown persons broke into a building located at a residence and took 3 Can-Am ATVs and 2 Ski-Doo snowmobiles. Also taken were two avalanche air back packs.

If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact RCMP Didsbury.

CST T.Q. (Terrance) Willard

Didsbury RCMP Detachment

p. 403-335-3382

f- 403-335-3853

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Mountain View County wishes to provide some background information regarding a decision made by the County's Municipal Planning Commission on March 3, 2010.

The Municipal Planning Commission, a municipal body consisting of four public and three County Council members which reviews, makes decisions on development and subdivision applications. The Commission considered an application on March 3 to subdivide out a 21.4 acre subdivision from an existing 160 acre parcel. The subdivision authority was responsible for considering the intended use of the property, which has an existing hog operation, to ensure the proposed subdivision was suitable.

Currently the existing operation has a sufficient land base to dispose of their manure in their ownership. However, the proposed subdivision creates a circumstance where the approving authority is knowingly creating a situation where the operation will no longer have permanent legal access to lands. Due to this situation, the Commission was of the opinion that in order to proceed with the subdivision, it was prudent to place a condition on the quarter sections owned by the applicant that the operation will always have the ability to spread manure on those lands. This caveat is consistent with the manure management plan submitted by the applicant, and is a process that has been used in the past.

It is not the County's intent to caveat other lands this operation may wish to spread manure on, or limit the operation specifically to those lands identified in the caveat. This requirement was only added due to the subdivision application and to meet the subdivision authority's concerns. The County is not looking at making this mandatory for all operations within Mountain View County.

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For more information, please contact

Diana Hawryluk
Director, Planning and Development
Mountain View County
403-335-3311 ext. 166
Diana.hawryluk@mountainviewcounty.com

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Mountain View County has taken the next step in the development of a major business and residential subdivision east of Olds...

Click here to read the entire article in the Red Deer Advocate.

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Mountain View County approves 565 acre residential, commercial concept

Mountain View County, Alberta - The largest single concept plan for future development in Mountain View County’s history has been given the go-ahead. On Wednesday, Mountain View County Council approved the Netook Crossing North Concept Plan, which affects approximately 565 acres of land immediately adjacent to Highway 27 and the QEII (Highway 2) and Hwy 27 interchange, within the County’s ‘Olds Growth Centre’.

The Netook Crossing North Concept Plan was given third reading by Council on March 3, establishing a development framework to guide the implementation of a comprehensive commercial and residential subdivision northwest of the QEII/27 interchange. The concept plan was prepared by developers Neuroese Properties of Calgary in accordance with the County’s Highway 2/27 Area Structure Plan (ASP), which establishes guidelines for a mix of business and residential subdivision within the Netook Crossing area, and the County’s Municipal Development Plan. Significant upgrades to the QEII/27 interchange identified by Alberta Infrastructure were also accommodated within the concept plan.

According to Mountain View County Reeve Al Kemmere, the Netook Crossing North development is not just an economic driver for Mountain View County, but the entire region. “Netook Crossing North is another big reason why people should look to Olds and Mountain View County as an ideal location to raise a family, or locate a business,” Kemmere added.

Herb Styles from Neuroese Properties Ltd. says that the Netook Crossing North Concept Plan provides an opportunity for County residents to live, work and play within the same community – a benchmark for sustainable land use planning. “We are delighted to receive our initial planning approvals and look forward to working with the administration and local stakeholders to implement the County’s strategic vision for the Olds Growth Centre,” Styles added.

The first phase of development will be the Netook Crossing North Business Park, which will accommodate 38 commercial and industrial lots. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2010, and remains subject to subdivision approval.

The second phase of development is the Netook Crossing Estates residential development, which at full build out will accommodate approximately 431 residential lots clustered around an integrated open space network. The concept plan includes a comprehensive open space network and long term vision for recreational amenities benefitting the entire area, including a conceptual walking trail network connecting the development with the Town of Olds. Development of the Netook Crossing Estates community is contingent upon the availability of full water and sewer servicing to the subdivision.

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The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) establishes a policy framework for land use and other matters for the entire municipality. The Municipal Government Act requires a municipality with a population of 3,500 or more to adopt a Municipal Development Plan.

FACT: A Municipal Development Plan must address: future land use; the manner of and proposals for future development; provision of transportation systems, municipal services;; allocation of municipal and school reserves; and policies compatible with the subdivision and development regulations regarding the protection of agricultural operations.

FACT: A Municipal Development Plan may address: proposals for fi nancing and programming of municipal infrastructure; the coordination of municipal programs relating to the physical, social and economic development; environmental matters; fi nancial resources and economic development;

A Land Use Bylaw is a detailed planning document used to regulate land use and buildings. The Municipal Government Act requires every municipality to pass a land use bylaw. Mountain View County's existing Land Use Bylaw has not had a complete review and update in over 15 years.

FACT: In preparing a Land Use Bylaw, a municipality must:

• Divide the municipality into land use districts
• Establish permitted or discretionary uses of land in each district;
• Establish appropriate development regulations in each district;
• Provide a method for making decisions on development applications;
• Provide for how and to whom notice of the issuance of a development permit is given;

FACT: Land Use Bylaw development regulations may include but are not limited to:

• Setbacks from property lines
• Floor area and height of buildings
• Number of permitted dwelling units
• Size and location of signs

FACT: A Land Use Bylaw may provide for other matters including subdivision design standards, landscaping, fences, signs, parking, exterior appearance of buildings, and excavation or fi lling of land.

FACT: Amendments to a Land Use Bylaw may be necessary to subdivide or for special development (i.e. recreational uses)

FACT: The Draft Land Use Bylaw has proposed new land use districts to refect the current development pressures and to provide consistency with the MDP

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Minister rules against administrative inquiry of County

Council commits to conduct independent review to identify strengths, areas for improvement

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs will not be conducting an inquiry into the affairs of Mountain View County. In correspondence received on February 16, Minister of Municipal Affairs Hector Goudreau found a petition for an inquiry submitted by the Rural Roots Association "to be insufficient under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act."

"There is no legal obligation for me to conduct an inquiry", stated Minister Goudreau in a letter dated February 4, 2010. "[H]owever, I suggest that the municipality consider engaging a third party to conduct a review of the administrative, planning and governance processes in place."

Goudreau added that a review presents an opportunity to evaluate the municipality's strengths and to identify potential areas for improvement. "This evaluation should be a co-operative effort of council, administration and the community."

At the Minister's suggestion, Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer at the February 17 meeting of Regular Council to obtain proposals from experienced, qualified consultants on a review of the issues raised by petitioners, up to the date of the presentation of the petition to the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

Council have requested the review include necessary interviews and report:
- If administration has acted illegally or inappropriately
- If planning has acted illegally or inappropriately
- If operations has acted illegally or inappropriately
- If Council has acted illegally or inappropriately

As a part of the consultant's mandate, a telephone survey of residents of Mountain View County will also take place to garner feedback on the municipality's strengths and opportunities for improvement, with the consultant's final report to be delivered to Council and the public simultaneously.

"Our Council stated last year that we have nothing to hide and that it is time to clear the air," said Reeve Kemmere. "We are committed to conducting our affairs in an open and transparent manner, and we believe a review of the administrative, planning and governance processes in place is further evidence of that commitment."

In the meantime, Council has agreed to move forward with new Land Use Bylaw and the Off-site Levy Bylaw, fulfilling a pledge made on November 4, 2009 to delay both processes until the Minister had made a decision on the Rural Roots Association's request for an administrative review. A Public Open House and Discussion Forum on the revised Land Use Bylaw has been scheduled for April 19, 2010, with first reading of the bylaw expected to take place on May 26, 2010. Special Council Meetings for public hearings on the new Land Use Bylaw have been scheduled for Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 9 a.m. First reading of the Off-site Levy Bylaw is expected to take place in the Spring, with a phone survey and legal review to occur over the following months.

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The Municipal Government Act requires every municipality in the Province of Alberta to pass a Land Use Bylaw. Land Use Districts are a key element of this bylaw:

Fact: Every parcel of land in Mountain View County is affected by a land use district. The majority of lands in Mountain View County are classified as agricultural land use district.

Fact: Land use districts protect the rights of property owners. They establish compatible uses within specific areas by outlining permitted/discretionary uses of land.

Fact: Land use districts establish other relevant development regulations. These include but are not limited to: setback requirements, parcel coverage provisions, height of buildings limits, and restrictions on the number of dwelling units.

Fact: The draft Land Use Bylaw has proposed a series of new land use districts. New districts proposed pertain to environmental protection, commercial/industrial land uses, residential and recreational development. New districts have been proposed to reflect the development pressures facing Mountain View County and to be consistent with the County's Municipal Development Plan.

Fact: Under most circumstances, the subdivision of land first requires the redesignation of the subject property to an appropriate land use district.

Fact: In order for certain development types to proceed (i.e. recreational facility, business park commercial/industrial uses) redesignation may be required.

Fact: Any proposed land use district adjustment must be considered by Council, and requires a public hearing under the Municipal Government Act.

Fact: Adjacent landowners within a ½ mile of a proposed land use district amendment are notified in writing of the application and the public hearing date on the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment and public hearing date is also advertised in the Mountain View Gazette for two consecutive weeks.

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Waste Commission launches new website

(OLDS, Alberta - February 8, 2010) The Mountain View Regional Waste Management Commission is driving a new website that acts as an information source for area residents allowing them to find out about waste disposal and recycling services, as well as providing education resources for the public.
Living sustainably means living smarter. By educating the public, the website will help residents reduce our impact on the environment.

"We want to divert as much waste as possible from disposal in the landfill," says Neil Kivell, Commission CAO. "Working together, we can reduce waste management expenses as a result, and we are very excited to introduce this new website as our forum to the public."

The Waste Management Commission is managed by a board of directors with representatives from each of the six municipalities in the county of Mountain View.

"The Commission has launched this new website in response to demand from our residents who are keen to continue the sustainability of our communities," adds Mary Jane Harper, Commission Chair. "The website offers tips for recycling, guides for users of our facilities, maps to our recycling centres and transfer stations, and a very nice photo gallery."

Kathleen Windsor of Windsor Graphics handled the design process from inception to delivery, working closely with administration to ensure that the presentation of environmental information and advice will help raise public awareness and encourage the sustainable use of waste materials. The website is an important shop window for the commission's mandate.

"Collection of all recycling materials in 2009 averaged 256 kgs/capita," added Kivell. "We hope this online presence will help make those numbers even higher in 2010!"

Visit the new website at www.mountainviewwaste.ca or call 403-556-8120 for ways you can help reduce, reuse, and recycle.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Neil Kivell, CAO Kathleen Windsor, Webmaster
Mountain View Regional Waste Management Commission Windsor Graphics
Olds, AB Didsbury, AB
mvrwmc@airenet.com office@windsorgraphics.ca
403-556-8120 403-335-9445

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There are a number of items dealing with "Development Not Requiring a Development Permit" (Deemed Approved Uses) within the proposed Draft Land Use Bylaw:

Fact - "Development Not Requiring a Development Permit" is development, or uses listed in the Bylaw that do not require a permit, but must comply with setbacks.

Fact - A Development Permit may not be required, but other Alberta Safety Codes permits may be required, including gas, electrical, plumbing and private sewage treatment system permits.

Fact -Routine maintenance on a building (mounting siding, painting, or replacing existing windows) does not require a Development Permit.

Fact - Structural alterations to a building (enlarging windows, changing roof lines, moving load bearing walls or adding an addition) does require a Development Permit, unless previously exempted from Development Permit requirements.

Fact - It is the intent of the Draft Land Use Bylaw that specific Agricultural Ancillary Buildings and Uses will not require a Development Permit as long as they meet setbacks.

For a complete list of uses not requiring a Development Permit please refer to section 4.2 of the proposed Draft Land Use Bylaw.

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The Land Stewardship Center of Canada (LSCC) has released a publication entitled Green Communities Guide: Tools to Help Restore Ecological Processes in Alberta's Built Environment which showcases the Bearberry - Red Deer River Corridor and the Bergen Area Structure Plans as a case studies for the effective use of density bonusing to achieve environmental protection and enhancement objectives (see pages 62 and 63 of Green Guide).

Who is the Land Stewardship Center of Canada (LSCC)?

The LSCC is an independent, not-for-profit, charitable organization that promotes the application of ecological principles to ensure the maintenance of ecological functions, and as a way to achieve sustainable use of land and resources. The LSCC supports a variety of community-based groups and other stakeholders through the provision of an electronic clearinghouse and free educational referral service.

What is the purpose of the Green Communities Guide: Tools to Help Restore Ecological Processes in Alberta's Built Environment publication?

Acknowledging the multi-faceted challenges facing Alberta municipalities and their ecologies from the provincial population boom of 2001-2006, the Green Communities Guide attempts to promote case studies of successfully-implemented green design and policy tools within a single publication which reflects the prairie context and the Alberta experience. The Green Communities Guide also seeks to highlight the following:

a. the role and importance of ecological functions and services;
b. complementary organizations, initiatives and resources (other websites and publications);
c. barriers to the adoption of greener development practices and policy initiatives;
d. economic costs and benefits of sustainable development practices.

What is Density Bonusing?

Density bonusing is an incentive system which allows developers to increase the number of dwelling units per area (density), in exchange for providing amenities or some benefit to the community such as the protection and enhancement of environmentally significant areas.

What is unique about Mountain View County's approach to using density bonusing in the Bearberry - Red Deer River Corridor and the Bergen Area Structure Plans?

While most municipalities utilize density bonusing to exchange density for material amenities such as: affordable housing; child care facilities; underground parking; public spaces and plazas; trails; fire halls; Mountain View County has also utilized this tool to preserve wildlife habitat/corridors, and other environmentally significant/unique areas. The Green Communities Guide also highlights the following green design and policy initiative of the Bearberry - Red Deer River Corridor and the Bergen Area Structure Plans:

a. the promotion of conservation subdivision design;
b. the promotion of stormwater management through natural means;
c. encouragement for energy-efficient building design and water conservation.

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The Draft Land Use Bylaw, which is currently under review, contains the following items on Permitted and Discretionary Uses:

• "Permitted Uses" are developments a landowner is entitled to do as long as they meet the necessary rules within their zoning/ district, such as setback distances to property lines. This has not changed from the existing Land Use Bylaw.
• All Permitted Uses require a Development Permit, unless it is exempt within the zoning/district. Approvals will be issued in 14 days on average. This has not changed from the existing Land Use Bylaw.UPDATE- For a list of exempt uses see Section 4.2 on pages 51-54 of the first draft of the revised Land Use Bylaw.
• "Discretionary Uses" means a use of land or buildings that may be approved within your zoning/district at the discretion of the Approving Authority (see next item for defi nition). This has not changed from the existing Land Use Bylaw.
• "Approving Authorities" are Development Offi cers, the Administrative Subdivision and Development Approving Authority and the Municipal Planning Commission. Each authority has rules on what types of applications they are allowed to deal with. This has not changed from the existing Land Use Bylaw.
• All Discretionary Uses require a Development Permit. The Alberta Municipal Government Act gives municipalities a maximum of 40 days to make a decision once the application is determined complete. The Act also allows npermits to be issued with certain conditions.
• "Development Not Requiring a Development Permit" means any development or use of buildings or land that does not require a development permit, but must otherwise comply with the Land Use Bylaw. This has not changed from the existing Land Use Bylaw except the term has changed from "deemed approved."

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Environmentally Significant Areas are parcels or portions of land that have
desirable environmental features, including:

• flood plains
• steep slopes
• wetlands
• water bodies
• densely populated vegetation
• relatively undisturbed areas that provide shelter for species which are intolerant to human activity
• natural wildlife corridors

Fact: It is possible to develop on your property if there is an Environmentally Signifi cant Area identifi ed within it. Depending on the extent of proposed development, supportive studies may be required.

Fact: You can build a dwelling unit on your land if there is an Environmentally Signifi cant Area within it. Environmental Protection measures are only applied when required by County policy.

Fact: Your property does not just become environmentally signifi cant because a deer runs across it. Environmentally Signifi cant Areas are determined by Provincial data and the County Summit Study, which was completed in 2008. County Policy states how areas are added in the future.

Fact: Protecting environmentally signifi cant areas is important for future generations. Doing so helps to preserve and protect our water supplies.

Fact: There are Federal programs and Land Trusts whereby a donation of lands that meets criteria can provide you a tax credit.

Fact: Environmentally Signifi cant Areas are not a zoning district in the Land Use Bylaw.

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