Lacombe County council has approved a five-year development permit renewal for the marina, fuel station and related operations at Sandy Point RV Resort on Gull Lake at its Sept. 10 council meeting.

The application covers an existing marina gas station, boat mooring and commercial building near the Sandy Point boat launch. No new buildings or structures are proposed.

The building is constructed from several sea containers and includes a rooftop patio. It is used for fuel sales, boat parts, lake-related products, convenience items, limited food and beverage sales, minor boat maintenance and public washrooms.

Major boat repairs will be completed at the applicant’s main shop in Red Deer.

The site also contains an above-ground double-wall steel fuel tank, a propane distribution tank and two transfer pumps near the boat slips. The fuel equipment has previously received required safety-code approvals.

The business is expected to have five non-resident employees, with no more than three working at the site at one time. Eight parking stalls are available, including three for employees.

The proposed operating hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year. Service will be available on call Mondays and Sundays.

From April through October, operations will focus on marina services and marine fuel sales. Land-based fuel sales are permitted from Nov. 1 through March 31, when the boat launch must be barricaded to restrict vehicle traffic.

Council’s approval includes 20 conditions. The permit will be reviewed annually by the County’s development officer and may be suspended or revoked if its conditions are not followed.

The operator must continue following the traffic accommodation strategy approved in 2021, maintain an emergency response plan and comply with provincial building and fire codes.

Parking is prohibited on the north side of the building. Two boat slips closest to the launch must remain available for temporary use by boat launch patrons.

The permit also limits on-site work to minor servicing of recreational watercraft. Automotive, ATV and RV repairs are not permitted at the marina. Outdoor storage is also prohibited.

County administration identified summer congestion as a concern and retained conditions allowing the County to require additional traffic management if safety issues develop.

The marina and gas bar were first approved in 2021. A three-year renewal and building expansion followed in 2023.

The County reported no complaints about the marina operation during the five years it has been approved. One complaint was received in 2025 about noise from a generator connected with an approved food concession. County staff determined the operation complied with its permit.

Because the property is within the Sandy Point Direct Control District, council was responsible for deciding the application. The decision cannot be appealed to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, although it may be challenged through judicial review.