Photo: Hanna council postponed a proposed land exchange with Apex Utilities so the golf club executive could be consulted about the portion involving golf course land. Screenshot

Hanna council tabled a proposed land swap with Apex Utilities at its Oct. 13 regular meeting to allow time for consultation with the golf club executive.

The proposal would allow Apex to enlarge its existing natural gas station site within the Hanna Golf Course lands to 20 by 25 metres. In exchange, the town would receive an 8.5-by-15-metre parcel at the northeast corner of the Hanna Community Centre parking lot.

During discussion, council members questioned whether the golf course board had been informed about the proposed exchange. They emphasized the importance of explaining the plan to the club executive and ensuring it understood what was being considered before council made a decision.

A motion to table the matter was carried.

According to a report prepared by acting chief administrative officer Kim Neill, Apex’s existing golf course station was constructed as part of a high-pressure right-of-way. Access to the station is through hospital lands.

The smaller parcel offered to the town previously housed another Apex station, which has since been relocated.

Administration recommended approving the exchange, stating in its report that the proposal would not affect the golf course and could provide additional parking space at the community centre.

The former station site is currently gravelled. The report noted it could be paved in the future if council chose to approve funding.

The recommended terms also called for Apex to cover any legal or administrative costs associated with the exchange.

Council’s decision leaves the proposed land swap on hold while consultation with the golf club executive takes place.