Despite neighbours' objection, Ponoka County council has approved two rezoning applications submitted by the same landowner, Dennis Hopper.
The first parcel of land, along Township Road 451 and Range Road 21, is four 40-acre sections being rezoned from agricultural to country residential hobby farm.
County road access exists on the property but would need to be extended. “Every parcel has to have physical access,” explained CAO Charlie Cutforth.
Derek Bolianatz, a landowner to the north, had some concerns regarding the rezoning.
“It also (has) a high pressure pipeline running through there, limited access . . . so I think there’s some concerns; at least I have some concerns as far as having four 40s back there. I don’t think it’s appropriate land for that type of use,” he said.
The second parcel of land, along the junction of Range Road 23 and Township Road 420, has three sections being rezoned from agricultural to country residential hobby farm to allow for future subdivisions of the sections.
The two south sections along the township road have appropriate road accesses. Kim Purdy, agent for the applicant, says an access easement has been agreed upon for the north section.
However, adjacent landowner Brendon Anderson says the access to the north section is a forced county road and he feels it wouldn’t be appropriate for residential traffic without upgrades.
Anderson was also concerned a multi-lot development could harm his agricultural business. The rezoning to country residential hobby farm addresses these concerns because the rezoning won’t allow the multi development, said Cutforth.