COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake and the M.D. of Bonnyville have recently come to an agreement on a proposed annexation of land that could impact the area's future. This pact marks a crucial step in the potential expansion of the City of Cold Lake's territory and the facilitation of residential estate development within the area to be annexed.
“The Notice of Intent to annex was received by the M.D. in November of 2022. The M.D. and the City reached an agreement on the proposed annexation, and both executed the agreement as of June 28, 2023. During the public consultation process, there were concerns raised by landowners, and is documented in their application,” according to Al Hoggan, MD of Bonnyville Chief Administrative Officer.
The City of Cold Lake emphasizes that the starting point of this annexation stems from a landowner's request, aiming to create the future development of residential estate dwellings within the proposed area. Notably, both the City of Cold Lake and the M.D. of Bonnyville stand in support of the proposed annexation, stating its significance for the region's growth and development.
The designated lands to be annexed from the M.D. of Bonnyville to the City of Cold Lake encompass specific portions, including NE-34-63-2-W4M, SE-34-63-2-W4M, Lot 1 of Plan 922 2600, Lot 1 of Block 1 in Plan 092 5400, and Lot 2 of Block 1 in Plan 112 2731. The total area set aside for annexation amounts to two quarter sections, comprising 130.02 hectares of land, according to the City of Cold Lake.
These landowners seek to connect to city water and sewer services, a move supported by both the city and the MD of Bonnyville. Embracing this endeavour not only expands housing options within the City but also harmonizes with the existing Residential Estate dwellings situated east of 28 Street, notably complementing the character of Horseshoe Bay Estates.
The annexation process has encountered a persistent challenge due to neighbouring properties expressing a reluctance to join the annexation alongside the developer's property.
“There is the one owner, the developer that kind of owns the majority of that land and there are several smaller parcels, kind of acreages, that were taken out of those lands previously that are owned by other individuals that would be brought along with that if the annexation is successful,” explains Brad Schultz planner for the City of Cold Lake.
The City took measures to finalize an agreement that included a condition for reduced taxes on the annexed properties.
“The agreement was that any properties that are brought into the City of the annexation will be taxed at the lower of the City's or the MD’s tax rate in any given year for a period up to 50 years,” adds Schultz.
He ensures that the decision-making process doesn't solely rest with the City. “The one [landowner] actually has agreed, has signed a letter of consent, the other ones did not sign off on their consent, ultimately, the decision on the annexation isn't made by either the City or the MD of Bonnyville; it actually goes to a provincial body called the Land and Property Rights Tribunal.”
To ensure transparency and public participation, the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) has scheduled a public hearing regarding the proposed annexation. The meeting will be on Dec. 12, and continuing if necessary, on Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. The location will be a virtual hearing on WebEx.
The LPRT invites all members of the public and interested parties to participate in the hearing. Should individuals wish to make oral or written submissions during the proceedings, registration with the LPRT office by noon on Dec. 1, is mandatory. All received written submissions will be shared with both the City and the M.D. of Bonnyville ahead of the hearing and may also be accessible to the public.
