What was termed a mistake by those who own the development has resulted in Ponoka County withdrawing its support to dissolve the condo association in order to proceed with a new development.
Council, upon recommendation of CAO Charlie Cutforth, rescinded a May 12 motion that provided county approval for the dissolution of the Deere Park Condo Association during its May 28 meeting.
Cutforth explained the recommendation comes after it came to the attention of administration following the long weekend that a large new sign, complete with the new name Aspen Hills Estates, along with print and website advertising was distributed that announced lots were available that included lots for RV camping.
“We got calls from nearby landowners asking why they were not notified, so we contacted the development representatives and told them to no longer pursue the dissolution,” Cutforth said, adding they were told to cease and desist with the advertising.
“In meetings earlier this year, we were assured this would not become a private RV or campground. They got the message as the developers contacted us saying the website and signage are incorrect and that they issued immediate instructions to fix this.”
Further, the developers acknowledged it was a mistake made by agents hoping to take advantage of a short 60-day selling season and that they want to meet with the county regarding a new development permit. They also stated they are looking for answers as Deere Park residents have been calling them about a dissolution package the developers know nothing about.
The county has since learned the website is gone and all of the printed advertising has been retrieved.
“Frankly, I don’t have confidence that this project will proceed and the county will inherit something we’d be proud of,” said Cutforth before making his recommendation.
Roads, Fibre
Public Works superintendent Herb Schwingel provided an update regarding the status of several projects.
Work is underway on the new cell at the Bluffton landfill while work has also started on the upgrading of three miles of road on Township 434 just east of Sec. Hwy. 771. Completion of a half mile of road on Range Road 24 north of Twp 440 is slated for later this summer.
Dust control was scheduled to start the week of June 1 along with sweeping, patching and filling cracks on county pavement and chip seal areas. Stripping and crushing has also begun in several county gravel pits.
While the county is waiting on grants to start three bridge projects, council was informed about an unexpected cost it will have to bear.
A fatal accident on the Leedale Road bridge last month caused extensive damage, estimated to be at least $50,000, which will have to be paid. Cutforth did add that the damage is insurable, but the county will wait and see how the situation plays out before deciding whether it will make a claim.
Lastly, with the upgrade of Wooddale Road (Twp 424) being delayed, the installation of Missing Link’s fibre optic project between Usona, Gull Lake and Rimbey will change slightly.
The work will begin this month from Usona and was supposed to be laid in conjunction with Wooddale Road work. The county will continue to get all land agreements in place for the construction so the fibre line can be laid within the road work area, with the county ensuring it is buried deep enough so the road construction won’t impact the line when it eventually begins.