The City of Chestermere has closed the file regarding the proposed redevelopment of Lakeside Golf Club.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Bernie Morton posted his third update on the contentious project, which has garnered criticism among Chestermere residents, to the City’s website on June 24.
According to Morton, the proposal as described by developer Slokker Homes to rezone and redevelop the 18-hole golf course into a residential community is currently not permitted under local and provincial regulations.
“As the City’s CAO, I have significant concerns with the development as proposed,” Morton said in the post. “Regardless of the reasons, the housing types considered, or the intended benefits offered by the developer, the golf course lands are specifically designated for parks and open space use in the Municipal Development Plan.
“It is my duty to support the laws and policies as enacted by City council, including the MDP, and when I believe they deserve amending, I advise City council as such.”
Morton continued by saying the municipality has a duty to be fair and open to “all potential developers and to duly consider all suggestions brought forward.” He added the City’s planning staff members have met with Slokker Homes representatives and the golf course’s owners many times since the proposal was first announced in September 2020.
“[We want] to better understand their intentions, to communicate our concerns, to outline the process that would be required should they wish to submit a formal application, and to explain that, ultimately, any application would have to be brought to City council for consideration, consultation, and required amendments to their laws and policies,” he said.
It has been nearly nine months since Lakeside Golf Club’s owners first announced the plan to redevelop the golf course, which has operated just west of Chestermere Lake for nearly 30 years. Morton said since the announcement, City staff have been accommodating in “assisting the partnership in reviewing their proposals, detailing the application process, the review process, and the city council approval process.”
However, Morton said the developers have still not submitted a formal application for an amendment to the Municipal Development Plan, which is the required first step should they wish to pursue the project.
“We have many dozens of developments and building files we are working on, and that there is no indication that an application is coming anytime soon,” he said. “Rather, the developer is considering waiting for a new City council and term before proceeding, we now consider the redevelopment of Lakeside Greens golf course file closed.”
The partnership between the golf course and Slokker Homes has been a point of contention in Chestermere, with residents working to make sure the redevelopment did not go through.
In October 2020, residents launched a petition aimed at formalizing their opposition to the development and formed the Lakeside Greens Golf Course Preservation Society. Since then, the society has been vocally against the proposed project.
In a statement provided to the Rocky View Weekly, the society said it was pleased to see the City of Chestermere temporarily close the file.
“This demonstrates the City is listening to the needs of its community members and understands how vital the golf course is to our city,” the statement read. “While we believe this is an important step forward in preserving this significant landmark, the society remains committed to actively working to preserve the golf course area until new ownership of the property takes place.”
The statement said only at that point can society members feel confident all discussions or potential applications for rezoning will be permanently closed.
“We would like to thank all those who have come together to show their support in protecting this essential recreational green space,” read the statement. “Your dedication and determination toward this cause has helped us reach this first critical milestone."
Peter Paauw, president of Slokker Canada West Inc., said the reason an application has not been submitted is the partnership is fully aware of the challenges surrounding the development and the concerns residents brought forward.
“We want to make a good plan,” he said. “A good plan that brings economic benefits and a win for the City of Chestermere.”
According to Paauw, as it stands currently, the golf course is an “economic desert in the heart of Chestermere.” He added it only contributes $60,000 annually in property taxes and 50 part-time jobs.
“That is not sustainable,” he said. “We are proposing something that on low end estimates could provide 60 full-time retail jobs.”
Paauw said he understands and appreciates that there is a passionate opposition from some of the residents, but that many others have expressed positive sentiments about the company's ideas.
“It is not all of the neighbours,” he said. “We have had a number of them reach out saying they look forward to it.”
He also added the company believes creating job opportunities will be important to keeping the area sustainable long-term.
“We believe firmly in that,” he said. “We are willing to back that up with a long-time commitment to get this right, so citizens of Chestermere at large are aware this is a win-win proposition,” he said.
In response to Morton’s letter that said the company may be waiting for another council before applying, Paauw reiterated the plan is not ready for submission and consideration.
As it stands, he said the hope is to have something put together for early 2022.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
