The Town of Stettler council has approved a land-use bylaw amendment allowing indoor storage facilities in the downtown core, passing the measure in a 5-1 vote.
Following a public hearing on Aug. 18, council granted second and third readings to the bylaw with Coun. Kurt Baker casting the sole dissenting vote, while Coun. Scott Pfeiffer was absent.
The policy change was triggered by applicant Mark McNaughton, who plans to establish an indoor storage business in the Main Street Plaza next to the Coffee Tree cafe.
Under the new regulations, indoor storage cannot occupy standalone buildings. Loading and unloading from Main Street is also banned.
During council debate, Coun. Wayne Smyth supported the framework, stating that making indoor storage a discretionary use equips the town with sufficient safeguards.
Coun. Sharon Fischer, who previously voiced opposition to converting downtown lots into storage, agreed the added development conditions provided enough protection.
Baker opposed the blanket amendment, expressing concern over zoning permissions across the entire downtown rather than addressing properties individually.
Meanwhile, Coun. Dusty Myshrall raised caution over relying heavily on the Municipal Planning Commission to enforce compliance.
Town administration noted that any proposed project failing to meet the new discretionary standards would still require council approval for rezoning.
With the bylaw passed, McNaughton must now submit a development permit application to the Municipal Planning Commission.
Read More: Town of Stettler Considers Allowing Indoor Storage Units in Downtown Core
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
