The town of St. Paul has delayed the second and third readings of the proposed St. Paul North Intermunicipal Area Structure Plan (ASP) following concerns raised by local landowners. The decision came after a public hearing during the towns February 24th council meeting.
The ASP, aims to guide long-term development for a 588.4-hectare area north of the town and was developed by St. Paul administration and council with funding from the Alberta Community Partnership grant. The plan is intended to attract investors and developers to the region.
However, members of the Plante family, who own a significant portion of land within the ASP boundaries, voiced concerns about a lack of consultation and the plan’s overall direction. Gail Plante stated that her family only learned about ASP’s first reading earlier this month and has not been consulted since June 2022. She also noted that absence of a steering or landowner committee, which had been promised as part of the public consultation process.
The family also questioned the reasoning for expanding northward when a 2022 market analysis suggested areas south of Highway 29 might be more suitable for residential development. Concerns were also raised about the ASP’s reliance on high-growth projections and its potential impact on their farm’s long-term viability.
Councillor Nathan Taylor asked if the ASP would affect the family’s ability to farm, to which Plante confirmed it would, including limiting future expansion. Derek Plante, also highlighted the risks of urban expansion, the loss of prime agricultural land, and restrictions that could devalue property and impact local businesses.
Following the discussion, CAO Steven Jeffery recommended delaying further readings until more consultation with affected landowners takes place. Taylor made a motion to postpone the bylaw, which was carried.
A similar discussion occurred at the county of St. Paul’s February 27th Public Works meeting, where the Plante family also presented their concerns. County councillor Maxine Fodness made a motion to also postpone the item, which was carried.
