New Subdivision Authority Bylaw passes First Reading

by Tristan Turner

In a unanimous decision, with limited discussion, Council has unanimously given First Reading to a new Subdivision Authority Bylaw. The changes in the Bylaw are intended to simplify and expedite subdivision extensions, according to Morinville’s Director of Planning and Development, Greg Hofmann, who spoke in favour of the Bylaw that evening.

The Bylaw makes changes to the extension of timelines on developing properties, making the Subdivision Authority, including Hofmann, responsible for approving or disapproving extensions. Town Council is currently responsible for voting on these extensions, something that is unusual in nearby communities, according to a survey of other municipalities conducted by Hofmann.

While the motion swiftly passed First Reading, it was not without some direction from Council on changes to be made. Councillor Gord Putnam felt it would be important for applicants requesting an extension to have an opportunity to have their applications heard by a vote of Council in situations when the Subdivision Authority disagrees with the extension, or when their decision may be controversial. Following this discussion, Putnam put forth a motion, unanimously approved, encouraging Hofmann to incorporate these changes during discussions on Second Reading.

The Bylaw will come back for Second, and potentially Third Reading at Council’s next meeting on June 14.

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1 Comment

  1. Once again, the question must be asked: “Who’s driving this bus anyhow?”

    Councillor Putnam’s motion allowing Council to have the final say on extensions is great, but I have some difficulty with the statement that the motion only: “encourages” Mr. Hofmann to incorporate these changes during discussions on Second Reading. I believe this should have come as a DIRECTIVE to administration.

    Silly as it may seem, we could be back at square one if Administration decides – for whatever reason – to NOT incorporate Councillor Putnam’s unanimously-approved motion in the new by-law, thus wasting more very precious Council time!

    Cheers and have a nice day…

    James O’Brien

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