by Tristan Turner
Council has unanimously passed First Reading of a new Area Structure Plan amendment (ASP) that will include a new Catholic elementary school and a shopping centre. The new Westwinds development is located between Petro-Canada and the No Frills Parking lot on the West side of 100 Street.
The proposed amendment is to a previously passed ASP, which changes the location of the school site, provides for a connection to the business park, centralizes the stormwater management facility, and makes some changes to allowed zoning.
The Greater St. Albert Catholic School Board had no objections to any of the changes in the revised ASP following contact from Town Administration.
While the site is mostly void of structures the ASP’s report identifies the first home ever built in Morinville is on the property. Mayor Holmes asked about the structure, bringing up questions about its potential significance in light of the Morinville Historical and Cultural Society’s recent proposal to save the Heppler House (100 Avenue and 100 Steet) from the wrecking ball. The ASP identifies the structure as one that may be evaluated for historical importance. Town Administration noted that there were a variety of factors that influence a structure’s historical value, including if it is true to its original architectural form.
As is typical with first Readings, there was limited discussion or debate during the passing of the motion. A public hearing is set for May 24.
Residents can find the complete ASP on the Town’s website (Morinville.ca), within the April 26th Council agenda package.
I wonder if there is a possibility of a footpath to get across tracks to the north?