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Council rezones for seniors’ lodge location

The land located south of the Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel was given third and final reading
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Daryl Borchuk

The land located south of the Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel was given third and final reading to be rezoned from R1 low density housing to IPU (institutional public use) at council’s April 14 meeting.

Many of the citizens who expressed concerns with the location at a public hearing, March 24, did not reiterate.

However, Stacey Johnson of Johnson Estates once again stepped before council to express her dissatisfaction.

She remains unhappy with the responses given by council and their procedures in handling the new location, owned by Stan Cummings.

Her concerns include general future planning and oversight by council, future road access and the location and topography of the land.

“I know it was put over for third reading until tonight so that issues that were brought up at the public hearing could be discussed and looked into. So where does that discussion happen?” she asked council.

After the hearing acting CAO Melissa Beebe had a number of meetings and came back to the members of council with the needed information. “She came back to us, and her administration had told us that they would give third reading without a problem.”

Despite Johnson’s relentless inquiries at the meeting council refused to give her any further details beyond it’s working closely with the seller and buyer (Ponoka County) for the future development of the land. However, because the project is in the negotiation stage much of the information remains confidential.

Walking trails enhancement

At council’s meeting ATCO Gas presented councillors with a $2,000 donation for the augmentation of Rimbey’s walking trails system.

The system was expanded by two kilometers along the west and southwest ends of town in the fall of 2013. “A large gap currently exists between rest sites in this portion of the town’s trail system,” said Mayor Rick Pankiw.

“It is with great pleasure the Town of Rimbey will be using the donated money from ATCO Gas to provide a resting place in the form of a park bench and garbage receptacle along Rimbey’s new trail development.

“ATCO Gas is pleased to support Rimbey and its efforts to provide safe, outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and residents alike,” said Bill Stephens, president of ATCO Gas in a news release.