Development approved
A long-delayed development in Sturgeon County was given the formal sign-off from Sturgeon County council last week.
Council on Dec. 14 gave third and final reading to proposed changes to the municipal development plan and Sturgeon Valley area structure plan. The changes will pave the way for the Quail Ridge subdivision along the Sturgeon River.
The development plans call for 90 lots along the Sturgeon River, south of Sturgeon Road and immediately east of the Riverlot 56 Natural Area.
The development has been in the works more than two years, but council was prevented from giving third reading until the Capital Region Board signed off, which happened earlier this month.
Coun. Don McGeachy said he was thrilled to see Quail Ridge finally move forward.
"It is about time. We have been waiting on this for a while," he said. "I think once you finally get some shovels in the ground it will be a stellar development for the county, a real showcase."
Mayor Don Rigney also commended the developers for setting aside more than half the property for municipal and environmental reserve. He said it would be a good development for the area.
"I think this is a very important development and I think this a great day for everyone in the region."
Pay to plow
People who want Sturgeon County road crews to plow their driveways will need to dig deep after councillors brought in some changes to snow clearing policies.
Councillors unanimously approved the change that will see the county charge $70 to clear any driveway that asks for the service.
The change was included in this year's budget and was also formally approved through a council motion.
According to background documents, the county currently clears about 400 private driveways following a typical storm.
The new policy also stipulates the county will try to keep its services in line with private market rates and that clearing private driveways will only happen after all county roads are cleared.
