The County of Stettler’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a subdivision to expand an existing industrial yard at its Oct. 20 meeting, with an amended condition requiring a drainage right-of-way plan and agreement.

The application involves separating a triangular 1.68-acre (0.68-hectare) piece of land on the west side of a creek and joining it to an adjoining industrial property about 1.25 kilometres northeast of the Town of Stettler. The consolidated parcel will total approximately 14.75 acres (5.97 hectares).

During discussion, Craig Teal, director of planning and development, explained that the useful portion is higher, dry ground within the wedge where two tributaries meet. He noted the land’s industrial designation.

The consolidation will not increase the number of titles in the quarter section. Planning staff also concluded that it would not affect the ability to farm the remaining property or neighbouring land.

Drainage was a central consideration in the approval conditions. The written report recommended extending the existing drainage right-of-way east and northeast along the creek.

During the meeting, Teal requested that condition five specifically require a drainage right-of-way plan and agreement to be extended eastward.

The report identified approximately 0.83 acres as land qualifying for environmental reserve. Administration recommended leaving that area under private ownership and management, while extending the drainage right-of-way.

A municipal reserve payment of approximately $206.38 is required instead of a land dedication. The final amount will depend on the surveyed parcel area. Other conditions require the new parcel to be consolidated with the existing lot and outstanding property taxes to be paid.

The consolidated property has an existing access from Range Road 19-3. No comments were received from adjacent landowners during the referral process, and the report listed no objections from the agencies that responded.

The commission carried a motion to approve the subdivision application as presented by administration, including the amendment to condition five requiring the drainage right-of-way plan and agreement to be extended eastward.