Mountain View County council has approved a development permit application allowing for short-term camping on the property of a business located in the Wessex district at Rge. Rd. 292 north of Twp. Rd. 292.
The move came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
The existing direct control district contains a western retail business with retail store buildings, accessory buildings, riding arena, area for seasonal and short-term camping and an outdoor display area, with the balance of the title being agriculture production with a dwelling.
"The business that is currently operating on the subject property is called Irvine Tack and Trailer and has been existing, developed and expanded over time," CAO Tony Martens said in a briefing note to council.
"The applicant has requested 50 events as part of the business on the property. The events are considered part of the business occurring on the subject property and are agriculture in nature."
The approval came with a number of conditions, including the following: "The applicant shall ensure that all camping is contained within the approved direct control area, is considering dry non-serviced camping and does not exceed twenty recreational vehicles. The length of stay for campers shall not exceed ten consecutive days."
Councillors also approved two additions to the existing western retail store building within the direct control area.
"One of the additions (60' x 90') is an existing addition and is known as a ësaddle room'," he said "The other addition is proposed to be a 60' x 60' area located on the east side of the existing building.
"The additions will form part of the existing retail store and will allow for the expansion of the existing business."
Two of the approved conditions state:
ï The accessory building shown within the applicant's site plan referred to as a ëmachine shed' is considered a farm building for agricultural use. Should the use of the building change, a new development permit and safety code permits shall be obtained for the change of use of the building.
ï No additional signage other than the existing signage as mentioned in the applicant's proposal contained on the retail store shall be permitted. Additional signage shall require issuance of a new development permit.
Meanwhile, councillors approved $21,200 in funding to visitor and tourist promotion efforts in the county.
The move also came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
"MVC will provide financial assistance to accredited visitor information centres and projects within the geographical boundary of the county to enhance their ability to operate, deliver services to the community and heighten the overall visitor experience," he said.
"Grants may be used for general operations such as general maintenance. Volunteer hours will not be compensated for the purpose of operation or any expenses. Approved funding may also be used for fixed outdoor assets such as benches, signage, mapping, garbage and recycling collection, etc., that would enhance the ambiance of the visitor information centre property."
Groups receiving the funding are as follows:
ï Carstairs and District Historical Society ($5,000) for operating costs for staffing.
ï Town of Didsbury ($5,000) for outdoor furniture and trash receptacles.
ï Olds Institute for Community and Regional Development ($5,000) for digital information kiosk.
ï Sundre Chamber of Commerce ($5,000) for operating costs for staffing.
ï Village of Cremona ($1,200) for racks, shelving and signage.
