A proposed campsite development east of the Medalta Museum in Medicine Hat in Alberta is under consideration by city council, with a re-zoning application up for review. The plan outlines approximately 70 fully serviced and limited serviced sites intended for seasonal and some year-round camping.
The site, situated near Ross Creek, Seven Persons Creek, and the South Saskatchewan River, would incorporate surrounding natural spaces and link to nearby public trails, including those close to the Heritage Pavilion and McDonnell Park.
The developer aims to utilize largely undeveloped land with significant slopes, which city planners noted may not be ideal for traditional development.
The application, currently in its early stages, was previously reviewed by the city’s municipal planning commission. Council will now decide whether to approve the land-use re-designation at 620 Porcelain Avenue SE.
Before the project moves forward, a public hearing must also be held and adjacent landowners must receive formal notification. These steps will be required before any final approval is granted for the campsite development.
The proposed land spans three separate zoning districts, prompting the need for a reclassification to allow consistent and controlled development.
“The application has advised that their overall vision for the site includes this business industrial district to facilitate commercial or light industrial development,” Rebecca Arabsky, planning and development services, said, as reported by Medicine Hat News on July 17.
Part of the proposed development lies within the historical clay district, which includes the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile Factory.
Other portions extend into a business industrial zone, home to facilities such as Bad Guy Motors, and into a future urban development district.
To address the complexity of the zoning mix, city staff are recommending that the land be designated as a direct control district. This classification would give council oversight to manage site-specific factors and development outcomes.
“The direct control district over the subject site will allow council to manage the unique considerations, including the absence of a definitive long term vision for the mixed use general area of the River Flats area redevelopment plan and the interface between the site and the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile heritage resource and the various environmental constraints,” said Arabsky.
Environmental concerns are also under review, as the site is partially located within the city’s flood fringe zone identified by the Alberta Flood Hazard Identification Program.
The development area totals 74.1 hectares and borders Cypress County. Under the tri-area Municipal Development Plan, the City of Medicine Hat is required to consult with the County on proposals within the shared planning boundary.
The River Flats area redevelopment plan allows for low-intensity industrial and commercial uses alongside compatible new developments such as the proposed campground.
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has announced the addition of the Edmonton/Leduc Lions KOA Journey to its network of over 500 campgrounds across North America. Located
A proposed campsite development east of the Medalta Museum in Medicine Hat in Alberta is under consideration by city council, with a re-zoning application up
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