ADAM JACKSON/Ponoka News
Rezoning requests
Council reconsidered a request from the previous meeting, involving Ron Shewchuk and his request to rezone a 62-acre parcel of land just north of the Chain Lakes. Shewchuk was looking to create two 10-acre lots, while keeping his own home farm on the remaining 42 acres. During the initial proposal, council did not see any issue with the proposal on the west side of the lot, but they have an issue with the east side, as it would require a road to be built on marshy land. When it was discussed again by council on May 10, it was decided that the west side be approved for rezoning, but not the west side.
Council heard a request from Marjorie Boehm, regarding a parcel of land just north of Crestomere. Boehm was looking to rezone a portion of her land, creating three lots for her sons to build on. Public notice was put in the paper and CAO Charlie Cutforth received a letter from an appellant claiming that adding the three lots would increase the population density in the area and create problems on the roadways. There was also slight confusion about whether or not the land was suitable for agricultural use. Council denied the motion to approve the rezoning request.
Don Ahlquist made a request for rezoning to council. Ahlquist was looking to split one parcel into five lots, four three-acre lots and an 18-acre lot in the middle to be zoned as a hobby farm. Coun. Gawney Hinkley requested that the three-acre lots be made larger to allow space for septic systems and a well. Council approved this request.
Land donated for new gymnastics club
Robert Mackenzie made a request on behalf of the Ponoka Gymnastics Club, asking for a donation of land that was promised by council. The land donated is at the expired gravel pit just outside of Ponoka. Council decided to donate 2-4 acres of land to build the clubhouse on, providing that the club comes back with a plan on how much space they will need.
Council not receiving Rimoka board meeting minutes
During individual councillor reports Coun. George Verheire explained that council has not yet received minutes from Rimoka’s board meetings as discussed at a previous council meeting. Councillors Hinkley and Keith Beebe, who sit on the Rimoka board, said that there is no problem with getting the minutes to council, it just hasn’t been done yet.
Cemetery funding approval
Council approved a request from Richard and Fran Osokin regarding the Homeglen area cemetery north east of Rimbey. Richard, who has family buried there, has been working to restore and maintain the cemetery.
Council unanimously approved a one-time donation of $3,000 to cover costs accrued, as well as some future maintenance costs.