1.0 PURPOSE

The purpose of the project is to prepare an area structure plan (ASP) and related supporting documents for the Villeneuve Gravel Extraction Area (shown on the attached map) to address land use and other issues related to conflicts between residential development and resource extraction (sand and gravel). The ASP would be prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 633 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) which reads as follows:

"633 (1) For the purpose of providing a framework for subsequent subdivision and development of an area of land, a council may, by bylaw, adopt an area structure plan.

(2) An area structure plan:

(a) must describe
(i) the sequence of development proposed for the area
(ii) the land uses proposed for the area, either generally or with regards to specific parts of the area; and
(iii) the density of population proposed for the area either generally or with respect to specific parts of the area; and
(iv) the general location of major transportation routes and public utilities; and
(b) contain any other matters that council considers necessary."

The ASP should comply with the Provinical Land Use Policies.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Section 14 - Natural Resources of the Sturgeon County Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 818 - 96 (MDP) contains general policies regarding Natural Resources and makes specific reference to gravel deposits in the Villeneuve area.

"Gravel deposits found in the Villeneuve area are close to the surface and are very economic to recover. However, the gravel is overlain with high quality soils and covers a high quality aquifer, which is the source of water for the large part of the Villeneuve area."

Goals and objectives contained in the MDP regarding resource extraction include the following:

"Goal: To facilitate the efficient extraction of Sturgeon's natural resources.

Objectives:

* Coordinate the approval and ongoing monitoring of natural resource extraction developments with the Alberta Energy Utilities Board AEUB and Alberta Environmental Protection.
* Direct subdivision and development so as not to constrain the extraction of non-renewable resources.
* Minimize land use conflicts caused by natural resource extraction.
* Address concerns regarding the extraction of the Villeneuve gravel deposits."

The impetus for the preparation of the Villeneuve Gravel Extraction Area Structure Plan (ASP) was the result of a recent appeal by adjacent landowners to the Subdivision/Development Appeal Board for a Development Permit for gravel mining and reclamation to be located on NE 27, NW 28, NE 29 and SW 33-54-27-W4th.

A number of issues were raised during the Appeal that need to be addressed through the ASP. These included, but may not necessarily be limited to:

* Concerns regarding water quality, quantity and impact, gravel mining will have on the aquifer in the area.
* Concerns regarding the increased noise levels due to the proximity of operation to residential areas.
* Impacts on wildlife and flora in the area.
* Increased traffic levels and safety concerns.
* Loss of property values.
* Impact of mining operations on the quality of life.
* Concerns about increased levels of dust.
* Concerns regarding proposed hours of operation.

On May 23, 2000. Sturgeon County Council passed motion that inculed the following paragraphs:

2. An Area Structure Plan would be prepared subject to the preparation of detailed terms of reference. The Plan generally would include a vision statement, strategies, goals, objectives and policies to guide County Council, approving authorities, review agencies, gravel extraction operators and the residents of the area in directing and managing future growth and development within the area. A Bylaw and Municipal Development Plan would adopt the Area Structure Plan and the Land Use Bylaw would be amended to reflect the recommendations.

"A Bylaw and the Municipal Development Plan would adopt the Area Structure Plan aned the Land Use Bylaw would be amended to reflect the recommendation."


3.0 PROJECT ORGANIZATION/MANAGEMENT 2

County Council will appoint a Project Steering Committee (PSC) to act in an advisory capacity to Council and to work with the consulting team to effectively carry out the planning process and complete the plan.

The terms of reference for the PSC and TAC are as follows:


3.1 Project Steering Committee (PSC) 3

Composition

    The PSC will consist of (16) members: (8) voting members and (8) non-voting members

voting members:
(2) Councillors from Divisions 3 and 4 - one of which will be appointed chairman by County Council
(3) Representatives from the gravel extraction companies owning property in the Villeneuve area
(3) Representatives of local residents/landowners

Selection of Voting Members

    Representatives from the gravel extraction companies owning property in the Villeneuve area will be recommended by the companies and approved Council

    Representatives for local residents/landowners will be by advertising in local newspapers for individuals to submit an application and subsequent interviews and approval by Council

Technical Advisory Group consisting of (8) non-voting members:

    David Dmytryshyn, Director of Public Services
    Alan Gryston, Manager of Planning and Development
    Wayne Bullock, Director, Infrastructure Services
    (1) representative from the gravel extraction companies
    (2) representatives from the Alberta Environment (one from the Water Act/one from the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act)
    (1) representative from Alberta Municipal Affairs
    (1) representative from Alberta Infrastructure

Selection of Non-Voting Members

    All to be appointed by their respective organizations

Responsibilities of Project Steering Committee

    Establish a vision statement and identify the goals and objectives for the project
    To select an appropriate consultant in conjunction with the Technical Advisory Group.
    Steer the Consulting Team in faclitating public consultation throughout the ASP planning process.

    Assist in the identifying issues and options that need to be addressed as part of the ASP

    Validate information and data with the Technical Advisory Group to be used by the Consulting Team in the formulation of the ASP.
    Perform an informal outreach function to facilitate the exchange of information among the Consulting Team Project, Steering Committee, landowners and other stakeholder groups.

    Recommend to County Council for approval the Consultant Request for Proposal and the final ASP for approvel.


Composition 3
Meetings / Agendas / Minutes 4

Meetings / Agendas / Minutes

    For PSC meeting, (5) members will constitute a quorum and there at least has to be (1) Councillor, (1) representative from the gravel extraction companies, and (1) local resident/landowner in attendance.

    Decision making will be done on a consensus basis. If consensus is not reached, decisions may be made by a recorded vote of all voting members of the Project Steering Committee members. Technical Advisory Group members are non-voting members and will only serve in an advisory capacity at PCS meetings.

    Agendas and background materials will be circulated to Project Steering Committee members five (5) working days before the meeting date where feasible. Brief project management style meeting minutes will be kept, recording decisions, outcomes, actions, and responsibilities.

    Meeting dates, times and locations will be organized to accommodate the Committee Members.

    Attend a minimum of one meeting per month for 9 months with additional meetings as required.

    There will be no renumeration or mileage for attending committee meetings.


3.2 Project Manager 4

David Dmytryshyn, Director of Public Services will act as the Project Manager and will be responsible for day-to-day direction and liaison with the appointed Consulting Team.


4.0 Timelines 4

After the successful Consultant is appointed the ASP will be approved by County Council within approximately (9) months and in accordance with an approved work plan.

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