New Hutterite school approved by County of Stettler
Stu Salkeld,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The County of Stettler Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) approved a development permit for a new Hutterite colony school at the regular board meeting May 22.
The MPC is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. James Nibourg.
Board members read a development permit application from the Byemoor Hutterite Colony for property located at SE3-36-16 W4 to build a new school. The application was presented by Development Officer Rich Fitzgerald.
“A community facility is listed as a discretionary use in this district and the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) definition describes the proposed use by the Byemoor colony for the structure,” stated Fitzgerald’s report to council.
“The Byemoor colony has been registered on the property since 1983 and the operation yard and gardens cover portions of the NW, NE, and SE quarters of 3-36-16 W4. The access to Byemoor colony is from TwpRd. #36-0.
“The land surrounding the base section of the colony is zoned agriculture and there are no residences located within a one mile radius of the operation.
“The Byemoor colony has previously worked with the County of Stettler as well as the NRCB to ensure that all development on the property has been reviewed and permitted correctly.
“The proposed new school designed at 8,700 sq.ft. (60 feet by 145 feet) and will be constructed of prefabricated concrete wall panels. The floor plan includes a gymnasium, library, teachers’ room, office and classrooms as well as plenty of supply storage space.
“The construction of a new school structure will allow for the ability to house a growing school population (up to 35 students and three to four staff) as well as the previous structure can be fully dedicated for use as a church and support German school studies.
“The location of the school is behind the housing area of the colony, and separate from the industrial and farming operations located on the colony property. There is little to no traffic in this area and designated parking is abundant and easily accessible from the main entrance road to the colony.”
During his presentation Fitzgerald noted all setbacks are met by the proposal and clarified the new school would be located immediately adjacent the existing one.
Chair Nibourg asked where the gas line entered the property in question but staff were unable to answer that question.
Coun. Les Stulberg stated that he wanted to clarify one point: Stulberg added he spoke to a representative of the Byemoor Colony on May 21 and it was pointed out the structure will not be prefabricated concrete but rather stick build.
There were no other questions and the board unanimously approved the development permit.
