M.D. Considers joussard hamlet expansion

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

First it was Red Sky Alberta Ltd., now it’s Shiniman Associates Ltd. Sharon Shiniman, the owner of the company, wrote the M.D. of Big Lakes asking that their land, located directly north of Red Sky, be included in Joussard’s future boundaries. While council didn’t necessarily oppose the plan, they agreed that Shiniman should follow the same approach as Red Sky in that they hold public meetings to gauge public opinion before making a decision. Shiniman wrote council asking for changes in their land-use designation to accommodate possible future growth. “Over the years that we have owned this land we have seen growth in the Joussard area and are vconsidering the long term effects that this growth may have on our lands and that of our neighbours,” writes Shiniman. Currently, the land is zoned agricultural and outside the Joussard hamlet boundary. “We understand that some developers to the southeast of our property (Red Sky) have become absorbed into the hamlet boundaries recently.” Shiniman wants the same. “We are interested in completing the same process regarding our property, in joining the hamlet, with the intention of future development possibilities,” writes Shiniman. Those possibilities include planning requirements, both from the M.D. and Shiniman. “We are quite interested in joining in the hamlet at this time so that our land may be included in your long term planning and we may be included in future hamlet decision making as ‘residents’ instead of neighbours,” writes Shiniman. Council has the option of drafting a bylaw and proceeding without public consultation, or proceeding with public consultation. Or, as Red Sky did, hold their own meetings. Gilwood South, Sunset House Councillor Randy Ehman says public input is the best way to go. “Red Sky did it,” says Ehman. “I think you’d definitely need some input.” Banana Belt Councillor Alvin Billings agreed, as did other councillors, that the public should have input. Council agreed that the onus for the meetings was on Shiniman, as it was with Red Sky, and are directing them to hold the meetings to seek public input. After those meetings are completed, council will consider their request.

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