Yellowhead County council has deferred any further readings of Bylaw 04.25, which would eliminate the Municipal Reserve distinction on three county-owned lots in Evansburg, to Sept. 23 following a public hearing on the matter last week.
Removing the Municipal Reserve distinction would facilitate the development of residential lots on Plan 8321548 Block F Lot 1MR, Plan 3403KS Block 10 Lot R, and Plan 3403KS Block 11 Lot R, located in Evansburg.
The lots currently designated as Municipal Reserve. (Yellowhead County/Council agenda)
Two letters in opposition to the change were received, one from a landowner (K. Miller) immediately east of Plan 3403KS Block 10 Lot R, and another from an individual (O. Miller) administration could not confirm as a registered land owner in the county.
In their letter, K. Miller states the trees and foliage on the Block 10 lot have provided their lot with privacy, as well as protection from adverse weather from the west, including high winds, hail and blowing snow. The green space is also home to an “abundance of birds and other little woodland creatures,” and a diverse population of tree species, the landowner says.
They ask, “Do we really need to sacrifice this small green space just to put in one more residential lot?”
The second submission is from someone who could not be verified as a landowner, but says they reside closely to Block 10.
O. Miller also mentioned the variety of bird species and other wildlife that call the current green space home, adding that a drain ditch near the trees helps water flow out of the area rather than building on the roads or people’s yards. They also address the benefit of sheltering against winds, rain, hail and snow, and say they fear damage to their home if the trees were to be cleared.
“This close proximity to nature is part of Evansburg’s identity, and I ask that you please not remove that for further urbanization,” they comment.
First reading of the bylaw was passed on July 22 and the item is scheduled to return to council during its regular meeting on Sept. 23.
