Title
PUBLIC HEARING - 9:30 a.m.
Bylaw 2018-02: Whitewood Mine Redistricting Bylaw
- and -
Adoption of the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme
Proposed Motions
Upon closure of the Public Hearing:
1. That Council adopt the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme.
2. That Bylaw 2018-02 receive second reading.
3. That Bylaw 2018-02 receive third and final reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme and redistricting Bylaw 2018-02 as presented.
Purpose
The purpose of the redistricting application is to amend Schedule A, Land Use District Map within Land Use Bylaw No. 2017-18 to redistrict approximately 1600 hectares (3,954 acres) of land for the Whitewood Mine site under the ownership of TransAlta. The requested redistricting is from the Resource Extraction District (RE) to the Conservation District (PC), the Agricultural Nature/Conservation District (ANC), and the Agricultural General District (AGG). The amendment will also remove the lands from the Whitewood Direct Control District Regulations (DC Area 3). A supporting Conceptual Scheme has been prepared in support of the requested redistricting and to provide a framework for subsequent subdivision and development of the land.
Summary
The Whitewood Mine is owned by TransAlta and is located 65km west of Edmonton and directly north of the Yellowhead Highway. All parcels within the proposed re-districting and conceptual scheme area are owned by TransAlta Corporation. Mining activity at the Whitewood mine ceased on March 31, 2010 and reclamation at various stages has been on-going since 1982. The Whitewood Mine reclamation has been planned in such a manner as to provide large tracks of land for extensive agricultural purposes (AGG & ANC). In addition, large areas of recreational/conservation land (PC) will be developed; which includes Whitewood Lake, West Pit Lake and adjacent rolling topography to provide hiking trails and viewpoints for passive recreation activities. Rational for the proposed districting has been included within the Conceptual Scheme.
The phasing of development in the mine area will generally proceed according to market demand, subject to the completion of reclamation on mined lands. However, while redistricting and subdivision may occur immediately, TransAlta will not divest any lands until Reclamation Certificates are granted by the Province of Alberta. Adoption of the Conceptual Scheme and redistricting applications will establish specific expectations that will guide the implementation of the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme. Subsequently, consideration of subdivision and development permit applications may follow.
A detailed summary of the two planning applications are included within the attached Administrative Report. Referral comments from government agencies, first nations, public utilities, and County departments are included within Appendix 'A' of the Report.
Public Consultation/Notification:
Prior to submission of the planning applications to the County, the Applicant held an open house regarding the Conceptual Scheme and separate redistricting application on May 3, 2017 in accordance with Public Engagement Policy C-AD051. A detailed summary of the engagement and comments received are provided within Section 7.0 of the Conceptual Scheme. Upon receipt of the Outline Plan and separate redistricting application, Administration referred the applications to adjacent and area landowners on September 11, 2017. Administration received a few general inquiries, however no written correspondence was received.
The Public Hearing Notification was sent to adjacent and area landowners and impacted agencies on March 8, 2018. The Public Hearing was advertised in the local newspapers on Friday, March 9, 2018 and again on Friday, March 16, 2018. Administration received one (1) letter from a member of the public, and no requests to speak directly to Council at the Hearing at the time this report was prepared. There appears to be community support for the proposed redevelopment of the Whitewood Mine area as presented through the Conceptual Scheme as prepared by TransAlta and its consultants.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
The redistricting application was assessed against the County's applicable statutory and non-statutory plans. The redistricting application was determined to be consistent with the applicable statutory plans and surrounding land uses. Administration is supportive of the prepared Whitewood Conceptual Scheme which will provide a framework for the subsequent subdivision and/or development of land. Detailed review of the relevant planning policies regarding the proposed redistricting are included within the attached Administrative Report.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0
Source of Funding: Private Development
Alternative Motions:
Option #2 Upon closure of the Public Hearing, that Council refer the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme back to Administration to consider the comments from the Public Hearing before considering second reading to Bylaw No. 2018-02.
Option #3 Upon closure of the Public Hearing:
1. That Council defeat the Whitewood Conceptual Scheme.
2. That Council defeat Bylaw No. 2018-02 at second reading.