WANDERING RIVER — A couple in the northeastern corner of Athabasca County are one step closer to opening a much-needed service in the area to the benefit of locals and campers alike thanks to a recent decision by county councillors.
During their July 25 regular meeting, councillors unanimously passed second and third readings an amendment to the Land-Use Bylaw that saw one acre of agricultural land south of Wandering River rezoned to light industrial.
The rezoning request came from locals Bruce and Laurie Goodyear, who are looking to establish a new propane fill station near the remote hamlet. First reading of the amendment took place June 11, and the Goodyears attended a July 25 public hearing to make their case before Reeve Brian Hall posed the question of second reading to councillors.
“I love the idea. I think it’s very much needed where we are,” said Coun. Gary Cromwell, representative for Division 6, Wandering River area.
Light industrial zones are defined as land that “support(s) and serve(s) the regional oil and gas, agriculture, and forestry industry base,” according to Christa Wilkinson, director of community and protective services.
Bruce said the couple have taken propane fill courses through Western Propane in Grassland and have secured a permit through Alberta Safety Codes Authority for the installation and alteration of the gas system
The Goodyears submitted letters of support from several campgrounds in the area, expressing their backing for a fill station so guests have less distance to travel for tank refills.
“As campground owners, we see great value in having this type of service available. This would not only be a benefit to the campgrounds in the area, but also a great asset to the community and surrounding area,” wrote Tyler and Trista Barker.
“As a much-needed service in the area, I strongly support the approval of this request,” wrote Evan Dicks of Creekside Campground. “They have the facilities and professionalism to complete this setup while keeping safety at the highest standard.”
Wilkinson read aloud submissions from Apex Utilities, Telus, provincial Forestry and Parks, and the county’s infrastructure department, all of which expressed no concern with the rezoning.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors said in their response the county must adhere to rules and regulations around provincial highways and must be able to mitigate increased traffic in the surrounding area as a result of the development.
Coun. Rob Minns inquired if the fill station would be utilized by commercial vehicles, to which Bruce replied the only commercial truck using the station would be the one delivering the gas.
Cromwell went on to question the proposed size of the land to be rezoned, pointing out the 48 metre by 90 metre area is more than large enough to fit the tank system, and could open the door for other industrial development if the land is sold in the future.
Wilkinson clarified the additional space is needed to house the entire propane fill station, including a parking lot for patrons.
Bruce and Laurie Goodyear will be able to submit a development permit application for the fill station, complete with project details, proposed start and finish dates, and a safety plan to the county.
