Stettler town council has defeated a pair of bylaws that would have paved the way for a major 200-unit residential development on the east side of town.
Following a public hearing on June 2, council voted down second readings for both Land Use Bylaw Amendment 2208-26 and Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Amendment 2209-26.
The decisions halt a phased, high-density row housing project slated for the vacant “Kay Homestead” property on 47 Avenue.
The applicant had sought to rezone the plot from industrial to a direct control commercial neighbourhood district to accommodate multi-unit row housing.
Over time, the development was expected to scale up to 200 units across the subdivided parcels.
However, the location sits wedged between Homesteader Park and active, 24-hour industrial operations.
The Stettler P&H Elevator Preservation Society heavily mobilized for the hearing, sending a delegation that accounted for most of the gallery.
Society President Brad Wohlgemuth urged council to protect the site, noting it holds deep historical value as the pioneer barn was built by the Kay family, who helped establish the local auction mart.
Wohlegemuth told council the society would like to restore the site as a historical attraction if the housing development falls through, envisioning an educational destination that complements the nearby historic grain elevator.
A representative from the nearby seed cleaning plant warned council that bringing high-density housing next to industrial operations would inevitably trigger a wave of noise & dust complaints, potentially forcing restrictive operational limits on industrial businesses in the area.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
