Title
Overlander's ATV Society - OHV Staging Area Proposal
Proposed Motion(s)
1. That the Governance and Priorities Committee direct Administration to work with the Overlander's ATV Society to identify a different more suitable site for OHV focused development.
2. That the Governance and Priorities Committee direct Administration work with residents in addressing the ongoing OHV issues in the area located east of Canterbury Estates.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports these motions as presented. The idea of a specific area/site for OHV use has merit, but Administration believes the site identified in the proposal is not a suitable site.
Purpose
To provide the Governance and Priorities Committee with a summary of the public feedback received and seek direction regarding next steps with this proposal.
Summary
The Overlander's ATV Society approached Council in October with a proposal to develop an OHV Staging area on a piece of reserve land situated close to an area regularly used by OHV's along Twp Road 534 between Range Road 30 and Range Road 24 (commonly referred to as Hell's Half Acre). Council expressed interest in the idea but prior to making a decision on the proposal directed Administration to gather feedback from County residents with respect for the proposal. Council felt this is vital information they require in order to make a decision regarding what has been put forward.
Administration carried out a public engagement process and has summarized the results in the attached Survey Report. This Survey Report was also sent out to residents living within the surrounding area, and those who provided contact information at the Open House.
Based on the results it is Administrations opinion that this site is not suitable for this type of development. The majority of the residents living within the surrounding area who provided feedback are not supportive of this development citing the issues of noise, property damage and trespass. Maintaining the environment is important to all respondents regardless of whether they do or do not support the proposal. It is generally believed that increased development will likely result in increased use of the area, likely resulting in additional impacts on the area. OHV Parks/Trail systems tend to be developed in areas away from residential development; this proposal is in close proximity to a number of subdivisions in the area. The agencies consulted are not supportive of the development due to degradation to the area or underlying infrastructure. The Alberta Conservation Association, who manages the Buck for Wildlife Agreements for the Province, prefers foot access only. Other sites that they actively manage (this is not one of them) prohibit the use of OHV's. Alberta ESRD Staff do not supprt further development that could increase the environmental damage on the neighbouring crown land. Companies with pipelines running adjacent to or through the site do not support any type of development within the pipeline right of way. However, many respondents also indicated the need for a place to go that is controlled, managed, accessible and safe. Finding a site away from residential areas to accomodate focussed use of OHV's may provide an alternative venue for County residents and visitors from other municipalities addressing some of the common OHV issues within the more populated areas.
The results also identified a number of issues and questions about proper use of this area. Environmental degradation was important to most respondents whether they supported the proposal or not. Administration believes work needs to be done with the communty and interested agencies to address the impacts on the area caused by OHV's and more importantly work to identify an end goal for public use of the land in this area. This may or may not mean restricting use of OHV's in the area; this discussion will need to occur as part of this work.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Quality of Life - Goal #1: Parkland County is a diverse and inclusive community that will balance the needs of its residnets and provide a choice of lifestyles in a harmonious and safe environment.
Environment - Goal #1: Parkand County will be a respected stewerd of the environment.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: N/A
Other (As Required)