Rocky View County (RVC) council unanimously granted a revised application for a redesignation of 151.52 acres near Kathyrn to Agricultural Holdings following a public hearing Jan. 14.
According to planner Oksana Newmen, the application facilitates the creation of two 25.25-acre parcels and a 101.02-acre remainder. Applicant Bart Carswell, on behalf of the landowners, told council the new parcels were intended to be used for farmers' markets.
“They’re all a little bit different,” he said. “They’re all compatible; they’re all actually going to assist each other.”
Newmen noted the application was partly consistent with policies of the County Plan. However, the applicant indicated that, while new or distinct agricultural uses were proposed for the northern and southern extremities of the quarter section, the remainder parcel in the centre would not see a change.
“Option two provides for redesignation of the two 25-acre proposed parcels, which is administration’s recommendation given that there is no change of use proposed nor justification to redesignate the 101-acre remainder,” Newmen said.
She added the landowner could apply for redesignation when a proposal for a new or distinct agricultural use has been developed for the lands.
Reeve Greg Boehlke, who gave up the chair in order to act as the area councillor, followed administration’s recommendation to approve the revised application.
“I’m happy to see this is staying as agriculture uses,” he said.
