Town seeks M.D.'s permission to purchase Kryzalka land

Tina Kennedy
South Peace News

The Town of High Prairie will approach the M.D. of Big Lakes about purchasing the Kryzalka property for a second time, during the M.D.'s April 10 meeting.

Council made the motion following an in camera session during their March 27 meeting.

"We're going to the M.D. to ask permission to purchase the Kryzalka land again," says Rod Griffiths, town manager.

High Prairie first considered the property last year. The parcel consisted of 130 acres directly north of the M.D.'s building and was considered to be a necessary addition to the town by its councillors.

"The town's intent is planning to provide as many options for growth as possible. This purchase follows through with that intent," said Coun. Burgar as the town was readying to approach the M.D. with the proposal.

The purpose of the purchase was to have an inventory of developable land should prospective developers need it. Competing with private business was not the intention then, nor is it this time, says Burgar. But the need for available and developable land still exists.

"We're still back in the same situation," adds Burgar.

When High Prairie approaches the M.D., the municipality has to give its permission to the town before the purchase can be finalized.

The first time High Prairie approached the M.D. they were turned down. Five of the seven councillors at the Oct. 10 meeting, including then Reeve Helen Henderson, Grouard Coun. Ralph Coutoreille, Enilda Coun. Cathy Hewko, Kinuso Coun. Ken Killeen and Joussard Coun. Guy L'Heureux, blocked the motion by voting against it.

Henderson said at the time that she was concerned with taking agricultural land out of agricultural use. After talking with concerned constituents, said Henderson, she could not vote in favour of it.

As the town prepares to approach the M.D. this time they're hoping for a different reception.

Mayor John Brodrick says it's a tricky issue and one that needs diplomacy but he hopes the new council, elected in the general municipal elections in October of last year, sees things differently.

"We really don't know to be honest (if the M.D. will be agreeable). We're hoping there is a change."

As well, adds Brodrick, the newly formed Regional Economic Development Association has identified lack of available and developable land as a hindrance to economic development.

REDA vice chairperson Garand Jones says that's true.

"Certainly the availability of land for development is a concern identified by REDA that was important to enhance growth in our area."

Additionally, adds Jones, the group has not formed an opinion on where that land is located.

High Prairie Coun. James Waikle, new to the town council, says he sees the purchase as important to the town's future.

In this particular case the price is right and opportunities exist, adds Waikle.

"It's hard to pass up a deal like that. It will open the town up for more development."

After last year's results M.D. councillors suggested the town annex first, then purchase.

Waikle calls annexation a dirty word and says the town's approach to asking permission first and attempting to purchase could save the two municipalities from experiencing "bad relations".

"Perhaps they were trying to be a little more diplomatic," says Waikle of the previous town council's attempt. "I think if we can buy it without annexing - - all the better."

Burgar says he hopes opinions are different this time around and councillors will be out lobbying for it. Making a second presentation to the M.D. is just a continuation of the process, he adds.

"If we didn't go back, with a new council in place, somebody would be asking us why we didn't - - so we are."