The Town of Bashaw’s stop order against a detox service operating in the community without development approvals has been upheld. The documents relating to the stop order were included in the July 16 regular meeting of council.

The document titled Camrose County Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) notice of appeal decision stated that board met on June 16 in the Camrose County council chamber to hear the Bashaw Retreat Centre’s appeal of a stop order placed on addictions and sober living services at that facility by the Town of Bashaw.

The SDAB notice stated, “The development authority of the Town of Bashaw issued a stop order on Apr. 24, 2025 for lands municipally described as 5430 Fairview Ave. Bashaw.

“The development authority issued the stop order on the basis that the lands are being used as an addictions treatment centre and a sober living facility, which are not approved uses for the lands.”

“The stop order required the appellant to cease all unauthorized uses of the lands, including ceasing any use as an addictions treatment facility, sober living facility or any provision or facilitation of medical treatments on the lands by June 1, 2025.”

The notice clarified the stop order was sent to Bashaw Retreat Centre and that on May 12 the centre filed the appeal that was currently being heard. The notice also clarified that some parties involved in the appeal attended the hearing in person and some virtually with both sides making their cases.

The Town of Bashaw stated it was justified in issuing the stop order and that the SDAB’s responsibility was to see if the stop order was proper and if so, uphold it. 

Further, the town stated, “The lands are rented by a tenant marketing itself as Wild Rose Retreat.” The town noted the owners of Bashaw Retreat Centre applied for development permits twice for an addictions treatment centre and sober living facility and were turned down by town council, pointing out the facility has a development permit only for independent seniors living, dining room, retreat centre and lodge and community event centre.

The Town of Bashaw further stated, “The development authority has evidence indicating the lands are being used for some kind of rehabilitation, addiction treatment or sober living facility,” stating in the notice that the town office apparently received phone calls from members of the community saying as much.

Further, it appears Mayor Rob McDonald himself had an encounter with someone who appeared to be attending Bashaw Retreat Centre as either an addictions or sober living client and the notice included a link to video evidence plus a written statement proving this; during the encounter the client said she “probably need mushrooms and weed with no THC.”

Bashaw Retreat Centre’s response was that it is operating properly under its current development permit as a retreat centre and lodge, that it never operated as an addictions or sober living facility and that workshops such as spiritual growth or health and wellness were offered.

Bashaw Retreat Centre further stated its tenant, Wild Rose Retreat, doesn’t allow drugs or alcohol and that their facility does not offer healthcare or treatment of any kind.

The SDAB upheld the Town of Bashaw’s stop order and denied Bashaw Retreat Centre’s appeal, and in its written decision stated the stop order was properly issued, the stop order met the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and that there was evidence that potential addictions or sober living clients were informed by phone that a facility for such services existed in Bashaw plus the video evidence of the woman referring to mushrooms and cannabis plus other evidence that proved Bashaw Retreat Centre was being used for either addictions treatment or sober living.

However, in its decision the SDAB tweaked the Town of Bashaw’s deadline for compliance and noted Bashaw Retreat Centre has until Sept. 30 to comply.