Title
11:00 a.m. Public Hearing - Bylaw 2026-30 - Amending Bylaw 2025-12 - Land Use for Excella Equine Estates Direct Control (DC Area 7) and to Redistrict Lands at NW-22-52-1-W5M
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw 2026-30 receive second reading.
2. That Bylaw 2026-30 receive third and final reading.
Body
Recommendation by Administration
Administration supports the proposed motions as presented.
Purpose
To amend the Land Use Bylaw 2025-12 to provide for the proposed Excella Equine Estates Direct Control District (DC Area 7) and to amend the Land Use Map of Land Use Bylaw 2025-12 to redistrict an 8.55-hectare (21.13 acre) portion of NW-22-52-1-W5M from the CR - Country Residential District to the Excella Equine Estates Direct Control District (DC Area 7).
Summary
Background
Excella Equine Estates is a proposed country residential subdivision and equine facility located at 1221 TWP RD 524, approximately 0.8 km west of the Town of Stony Plain. The County has received and is currently processing two (2) subdivision applications related to the subject property. The proposed subdivisions include nine (9) residential lots as Phase 1 of Excella Equine Estates, and two (2) lots to accommodate the proposed equine facility. The subdivision applications have not received conditional approval by the Subdivision Authority to date.
Current Application (Bylaw 2026-30)
An application has been submitted by Al-Terra Engineering Ltd. on behalf of Excella Equine Park Inc. for the property located at 1221 TWP RD 524. The application proposes to amend the Land Use Bylaw 2025-12 (LUB) to provide for a new Direct Control (DC) district and to redistrict a portion of the property to the proposed DC district.
The proposed LUB amendment will accommodate the development of the proposed equine facility within the country residential subdivision. The facility will be located on the proposed Lot 20 & Lot 30 as illustrated in the attached Development Concept. The remainder of the lands will remain under the current CR-Country Residential district.
The facility will provide animal boarding, training, and riding services to residents of the subdivision, and has been designed to permanently house and professionally care for up to 34 horses. The facility will also accommodate up to 20 visiting horses utilizing the riding arenas and trails (up to 54 horses total across the two parcels). The facility will also support social activities including animal shows, community gatherings, and private events. Additionally, the proposal includes the development of a privately owned and maintained riding trail for use by residents of the subdivision. The riding trail is proposed to run along the perimeter of the residential lots within Phase 2 of Excella Equine Estates.
The proposed DC district includes two cells; Cell 1 for the Equestrian Facility and Cell 2 for the perimeter riding trail. Each cell contains specific listed uses and regulations applicable to that cell. Cell 1 includes a broader list of uses to capture potential future plans for the equestrian facility, while uses within Cell 2 are limited to accommodate only the perimeter riding trail. Structures will not be permitted within Cell 2.
The DC permits Animal Boarding and Training, Agri-Tourism, and Event Venue to be located within the DC area, despite Section 2.20.4.2 of the LUB which states that these uses are not permitted within a multi-parcel residential subdivision. The DC district includes enhanced screening and fencing requirements to mitigate potential impacts to adjacent residential lots. Subdivision of parcels within the DC district will not be permitted.
The applicant has provided a Manure Management Plan, Grazing Management Plan, Water Sources Plan, Holding Facilities Plan, and Carcass Management Plan. Administration has reviewed the plans and will require their implementation through the Development Permit application. Manure is proposed to be managed onsite in a centralized animal waste compost area. A covered, 3-bay concrete walled manure collection area will contain the manure and allow machinery access to drop-off and remove material from the holding area. The waste compost area is setback approximately 100 - 150 m from residential lots. The compost is designed to manage the maximum number of horses sought in the application, which is above the actual projected daily numbers. Operational results will ultimately confirm if the manure holding area is adequately managing the waste. Finished compost will be used on site and will be occasionally taken by a third party.
Public Consultation
In accordance with County policy, the applicant conducted public engagement in support of the LUB amendment application. An Open House was held on February 4, 2026, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rosenthal. A total of 10 residents attended the Open House, and six (6) comment sheets were submitted.
In general, attendees were in support of the proposal. Some concerns were noted surrounding fencing of the riding trail, wildlife safety, overall number of animals, and manure storage and management.
Policy Framework Alignment
The proposed amendment is supported by the NW-22-52-1-W5M (Meadows of Rosenthal & Excella Equine Estates) Conceptual Scheme (CS) which was approved by the Director of Planning & Development Services on February 3, 2026. The CS is presented to Council as information only to support the LUB amendment application.
The proposed LUB amendment is in alignment with the goals, intentions and policies of the supporting Conceptual Scheme and the Municipal Development Plan.
Strategic Plan:
The proposed amendment is consistent with goals of the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 2024-22, and the Parkland County 2026 - 2029 Strategic Plan (Land, Legacy & Agriculture, Goal 1 and Sustainable Growth, Goal 1, Goal 3).
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: N/A