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February 13, 2008 Strathcona County Land Use Bylaw affecting Equestrian Centres Submitted by Karen Nelson, Hillside Stable Strathcona County has a rather Equestrian Center unfriendly Land Use Bylaw and we are concerned the development in the area may cause existing stables to close, and will discourage new ones from opening. Although this does not affect our stable directly, it may affect the equine industry in our area as a whole. On February 12, 2008, along with some of our clients, presented to the council the issue and the proposed solution. The presentation was well received. As this Bylaw is about to come under review, it would be beneficial to get as many area horse enthusiasts to voice their opinion about this bylaw and bring it to the attention of their councilors. Find attached a brief summary of the bylaw and how it affects the equine community. Strathcona County’s Land Use Bylaws as they relate to Equestrian Centers. With the economic boom in Alberta, cities and towns are expanding, and new subdivisions are taking over what was historically agricultural land. Strathcona County is sharing in this growth, and saw an increase of over 2000 residents from 2006 to 2007. As the county grows, land is rezoned, and subdivisions are being built alongside established farms and equestrian centres. Strathcona County’s Land Use Bylaw 8-2001 defines where equestrian centres can operate: In areas Zoned AG Agricultural: Permitted Uses: Equestrian Centre, minor Discretionary Uses: Equestrian Centre Major In areas Zoned AD Agriculture: Future Development: Discretionary Uses: Equestrian Centre Minor Minor is defined as an equestrian facility that is used for training of horses and/or riders that have the facilities to board fewer than eight horses. Major is anything beyond that. The ambiguity of this definition leaves it to the discretion of county by-law enforcement as to what constitutes sufficient facilities to qualify as an Equestrian Centre Major. For tax purposes, horses are labeled livestock and as such are considered an agricultural product. Equine properties used for the raising and sale of horses are assessed as farming operations. Due to the current wording of Land Use Bylaw 8-2001, Equestrian Centres are at best, “Discretionary” and could face closure by the county. This is becoming more and more a likelihood as a high rate of subdivisions are created in formerly agricultural areas, with new residents not appreciative of the realities of living near a equestrian facility. As well, entrepreneurs looking to build a new riding facility to answer to the growing demand will face difficulty gaining county approval. Concerned residents have brought this to the attention of the county, and to the Strathcona County’s Agricultural Services Board (ASB). This board is not able to make policy changes, but it can make recommendations to the Strathcona County Council that it thinks will assist agriculture in Strathcona County. As per Council Meeting Date: February 20, 2007, Agenda Item #:13.2: A recommendation was brought forth to the council that Land Use Bylaw 8-2001 be amended and designation for equestrian centres be deleted, so that they may be treated similar to other traditional agricultural practices like cow/calf produces. This idea was proposed by residents to the Strathcona County Agricultural Services Board via motion #55/06 The ASB approved the resident’s recommendation that the designation “Equestrian Centre” be deleted from the current Land Use Bylaw and recommended that the council review the current wording of the bylaw. As part of this upcoming review, stakeholders will have an opportunity to give input into any proposed changes. Stakeholders include owners of equestrian facilities as well as the users of these facilities and residents interested in continuing to have horses in their area. It is important that we work together to make changes to the Land Use Bylaw so that Equestrian Centres can continue to be a part of our county. For information on current land use planning, contact Planning and Development Services at 464-8080. To make a difference call or email your ward councillor. It is important we do this now, as the current Land Use Bylaw is under review. http://www.strathcona.ab.ca/Strathcona/Council/Mayor+and+Councillors/default.htm Karen Nelson |
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| Copyright: Alberta Equestrian Federation | |
| 5/17/2008 : 3:30:54 AM | |