by Ashley Janes
On Oct. 14 Council voted unanimously in favour of the first reading to amend Grandin Heights ASP Bylaw 19/2006 and Bylaw 22/2014, which would amend Land Use Bylaw 3/2012. The pair of bylaws would allow for an increase in size to a public park, located on the curve of Grandin Drive.
Under the Town’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB), the Developer, Grandin Heights Properties, is responsible for the development of a park. The company has existing rights to develop a Public Park as a permitted use in the current Medium Density Residential (R-3) District.
Although construction of Notre Dame Park commenced on the lands with all necessary development approvals in place, Council was presented the amendments to the LUB and area structure plan because the area of the park had increased from the original concept provided in the Grandin Heights Area Structure Plan by approximately 0.44 ha (1.09 ac.).
In the past, the Town of Morinville has districted all Public Park lands as Parks and Open Spaces (POS) District. The request to amend the documents was to provide consistency and to allow Morinville to acquire title to the future Municipal Reserve lands for Notre Dame Park.
Director of Planning and Development Greg Hofmann said as much in his report to Council. “The slight enlargement of the park will increase the exposure to Grandin Drive to provide for additional access and pedestrian and vehicle parking and access to the park. That’s the purpose of the amendments.”
A Public Hearing is required prior to Second Reading of the two bylaws. The matter could come back for second and third reading as early as Nov. 12.
