Photo:  A proposed Kneehill County equestrian facility could include a heated indoor riding arena, 60 horses, outdoor paddocks and approximately 15 events each year. Screenshot

Kneehill County council held a public hearing July 21 on a proposed land-use redesignation that would allow a commercial indoor riding arena and horse boarding operation on a 31-acre property.

Bylaw No. 1934 proposes redesignating the entire 12.7-hectare parcel at SW 18-28-24 W4 from Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District.

The application was submitted by 2744499 Alberta Ltd., which plans to develop a heated public riding arena measuring approximately 100 feet by 60 feet.

Plans for the 6,000-square-foot building include 20 indoor horse stalls and a horse-washing area. The property would also include 30 outdoor paddocks, separate pastures for mares and geldings and an outdoor riding arena on the south side of the parcel.

The operation could accommodate as many as 60 horses when fully developed.

According to information provided with the application, the facility would operate seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and would typically generate approximately 10 vehicle visits each day.

The owners also anticipate holding about 15 weekend events annually. Those events would operate between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and could attract as many as 25 vehicles.

Riding disciplines offered at the facility could include western and English riding, jumping and horse training. The owners also intend to make the facility available for lease.

The application states efforts would be made to limit noise and reduce impacts on neighbouring properties. Cross-fencing and electric fencing would be installed, secured and regularly inspected to prevent horses from entering adjacent land.

Horse pens would be cleaned three times a year, with manure spread or disposed of on the fields of participating farmers.

Water for the horses would come from an existing well on the property that is reported to produce approximately 15 gallons per minute.

Hay and feed would be purchased from local farmers and stored in a waterproof pole building.

The business is expected to employ one or two people. The owners plan to live on the property and complete most of the daily work themselves.

The applicant said the operation would comply with Kneehill County bylaws and regulations, Alberta’s Animal Protection Act and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines.

The Agriculture Business District is intended to accommodate agriculture-related commercial uses that can operate on smaller parcels while maintaining the county’s rural and agricultural character.

Council opened the public hearing during its July 21 meeting to receive comments regarding the proposed redesignation.

Bylaw No. 1934 will return to a future council meeting for consideration of second and third readings.