Coaldale rezoning bylaw passes

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

Land in north Coaldale has been rezoned for industrial uses.

A public hearing for Land Use Rezoning Bylaw 883-P-12-23 was held during Coaldale town council’s regular Jan. 8 meeting. Coun. Jordan Sailor was absent from the meeting.

The rezoning bylaw redesignates Lot 4, Block 1, Plan 181 1388, from Urban Reserve (UR) zoning to Industry (I), and brings it into alignment with the amended West Industrial Area Structure Plan (WIASP).

Hailey Winder, senior planner for the Town, said the lands around this area are under Industry, UR or Manufactured Home Park zoning. The subject lands would be further subdivided for industrial development, if the bylaw passes. They are also identified for future industrial growth in the Town Plan.

Two written submissions were received regarding the bylaw, both opposed to the development. The first raised issue with the timing of the public hearing with the winter holidays, and both raised issue with traffic concerns, noise pollution and property values.

When asked about noise pollution, Winder noted that it was raised during the creation of the WIASP.

“There are limitations on what types of uses can be put and permitted within the Industry district. A lot of those highly noxious or nuisance-causing uses are not permitted. They would be discretionary in nature if at all permitted within that district,” said Winder. “Any potential impacts, negative impacts, are also addressed through the means of sound attenuation, light pollution mitigation, those factors are integrated into any permits that would be approved for the uses in, especially adjacent to existing residential uses.”

Winder said issues like air quality and pollution are monitored by industry regulators.

Council unanimously performed second and third and final reading of Land Use Rezoning Bylaw 883-P-12-23.