WESTLOCK — The Town of Westlock will be developing a parcel of land to help fill a need for low-density residential lots after councillors passed a motion to initiate a local improvement levy at their Nov. 14 regular council meeting.
The levy will help fund proposed improvements to 93 Street and 99 Avenue as per the proposed local improvement plan.
In a presentation to councillors Nov. 14, planning and development manager Danielle Pougher spoke about the improvement levy process and reasons behind the initiative.
“Back in July, administration was directed by council to purchase a parcel of land in the Southview neighborhood with the intention of developing it for some low-density residential lots,” said Pougher. “That was caused by recent low lot inventory in the community and that location was determined to be the quickest option for us to bring on more lot inventory.”
Pougher noted that the subdivision project requires the development of a portion of 93rd Street and 99 Ave. to allow for proper access and vehicular circulation (traffic flow) in the neighbourhood.
“When exploring options for the funding for those improvements, administration identified the local improvement levy was an avenue we could pursue,” she said, noting it would require a portion of the necessary funds from the adjacent and affected landowners.
“Because the development of those roadways will also be a benefit to the surrounding property owners, (as) it provides them necessary infrastructure they need to further develop or sell their land,” explained Pougher, pointing out a levy also saves private property owners from the cost of having to pay for necessary infrastructure at their sole cost, which would be “the normal process should they develop the lands on their own.”
Pougher said costs for the levy would be spread over a period of 15 years, adding the town intends to create nine low-density residential lots in that area with an addition of eight more lots from the adjacent developer for the 99 Ave. extension and potential for future lots to the south.
“That would be an infusion of lot inventory that we’re currently lacking,” said Pougher.
