MD OF BIGHORN – Since the MD of Bighorn’s current land use bylaw (LUB) does not have a use which would accommodate group recreational facilities, council took the first steps towards changing that with first reading of a new bylaw amendment.
The LUB does not adequately respond to the niche that exists between resort campground and country recreational lodge.
In that niche, things like summer camps and adult fitness camps are found.
“Summer camps and other similar facilities that now need to replace or expand their facilities are finding they do not fit into either existing definition,” said Peter Scholz, director of planning for the MD.
Wilderness-based government military and paramilitary training facilities do not fit in with the current LUB either, Scholz said.
“The 1996 land use bylaw contained a use called group recreation facility and events, which means any development providing accommodation, amusement, active or passive recreation or enjoyment, on a temporary basis,” said Scholz. “It was listed as a discretionary use under the old conservation forestry district. This land use was removed from the land use bylaw in 2010.”
The use was removed due to only allowing temporary usage, but not providing a clear definition of what temporary entailed, and because it only allowed for non-profit uses.
“We are increasingly seeing there are some arrangements that do not fit clearly in the profit or non-profit category,” Scholz said.
The proposed bylaw will amend the LUB to include remote group facility, which is any development providing accommodation, amusement, active or passive recreation, fitness programs, wilderness or outdoor experience, military or paramilitary training.
A public hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.
