Highway # 524 Area Structure Plan

 

Why An Area Structure Plan?

 

As a result of the proposed Tri-Area Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) that is currently in negotiations between Cypress County, the Town of Redcliff, and the City of Medicine Hat, Cypress County is required to adopt several Area Structure Plans within the boundaries of the proposed Intermunicipal Development Plan.  One of the necessary Area Structure Plan locations has been identified along a portion of Highway # 524, and west of the TransCanada Highway.  In addition, the Provincial Government is also looking at a future realignment of the TransCanada Highway that will pass through this area.  As a result, Cypress County is looking to establish a statutory document that will result in a planning framework for the anticipated development of the lands in and around this area.  The purpose is to develop a plan with policies and guidelines to allow development to proceed in the short term, and have a longer range plan for future compatible development.

 

What Is Involved?

 

Cypress County hired the Focus Corporation to prepare and draft a Plan, in conjunction with the County.   This Plan would act as a statutory document in order to provide the guidelines and details for development within the Area Structure Plan boundary, as well as the Rural Commercial/Industrial Area that is in close proximity to the Plan area.

 

The Highway #524 Area Structure Plan must be adopted and passed by By-law by the Cypress County Council to come into effect.  On June 3^rd, 2008, the Cypress County Council gave 1^st reading of the By-law. 

 

Then letters were sent to land owners inside and adjacent to the Area Structure Plan boundary, and to land owners inside and adjacent to the Rural Commercial/Industrial Area.  The purpose is to inform the public of the proposed Area Structure Plan and to formally notify them that they are welcome to attend the Public Hearing that must be held prior to the passing of the 2^nd and 3^rd readings of the proposed By-law.  The land owners and affected public are welcome to make a written or verbal submission to Council for consideration indicating whether they are in favour or against a portion or all of the proposed Area Structure Plan.

 

The Public Hearing was held and the Bylaw passed on July 15th, 2008.,