A decision by the County of Stettler’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) will make it easier for boat owners at Buffalo Lake to conduct certain storage over the winter. The decision was made at the MPC meeting Dec. 3.

Readers should note the MPC is comprised of members of county council and the Dec. 3 meeting was chaired by Coun. James Nibourg.

Councillors read a report and heard a presentation by Development Officer Carly Tateson regarding a development permit application from the Rochon Sands Heights Community Association to store boat lifts and docks on environmental reserve (ER) land mostly during the off-season.

“The Rochon Sands Heights Community Association on behalf of its members has submitted a development permit application to provide for the private storage of lifts and docks in designated areas on environmental reserve (ER) lands,” stated Tateson’s memo to councillors.

The ER lands in question are publicly-owned vacant land along Buffalo Lake’s shore and that abut privately owned land. Tateson explained a similar development permit was granted about a year ago and expired last July.

It was noted in the report that the county’s land use bylaw (LUB) allows such lifts and docks as a discretionary use, which means a development permit must be approved by the MPC board.

The bylaw also notes that the definition of “private storage of boat lifts and docks” is exactly that: the lifts and docks only, and nothing else, including sheds or boats.

The development officer observed in the application the community association has provided proof of liability insurance for the lifts and docks stored on public property. The community association has also included its own tracking and identification program that suggests 20 property owners will participate in the 2025-26 program.

Tateson noted county staff and community association representatives recently conducted site inspections at the lake and no problems were observed.

However, the proposed development permit did include some conditions for this program: the removal of any trees or shrubs on the ER is prohibited, lifts and docks stored on the ER may not block the public’s access to the walking trail adjacent to the provincial right-of-way and only lifts and docks tagged by the community association may be stored on the ER, among some other conditions.

As board members discussed the application, Coun. Nibourg stated it appears the program has been popular and successful.

Community Association President Jason Delwo was present at the MPC meeting and confirmed Nibourg's observation. Delwo added the program is in its fifth year and it’s been smooth sailing so far.

Board members unanimously approved the development permit as it was presented.