After tabling a rezoning request to gather more information on the subdivision market around Gull Lake, Ponoka County council gave its approval for the move at its Tuesday, Oct. 24 meeting.
There were no written objections to Gregory Chalmers’ plan to develop acreages and a golf course; council, however, was cautious at the earlier (Tuesday, Oct. 14) meeting because the land is outside the catchment area prioritized for development around the lake. Council believed approving the request could set a precedent.
“Basically the whole idea was to push development toward the lake,” said CAO Charlie Cutforth.
Along the east side of Gull Lake, there are 350 lots with 150 of them in different stages of approved development.
Chalmers plans to develop approximately 10 10-acre parcels. In the course of last year, numerous 10-acre lots had to be further subdivided due to a lack of interest, but Chalmers says he has people specifically looking for that size.
“They’re (10 acre lots) more for people who want something,” said Chalmers, referring to small horse operations or other similar endeavors.
“They’re not looking for a lot with a view to retire on,” he added.
Council approved the request because Chalmers is not planning on recreational development that is popular within the lake’s catchment area and will not disrupt agricultural operations in the area.