Yorkton Council passed a motion in support of a subdivision application in the Rural Municipality of Orkney, albeit with a couple of caveats.
“The subject area is located at the north end of York Lake. The three parcels combined total approximately 63 acres more or less. Their present zoning is agricultural meaning the owner will have to rezone them to the correct land use district. Only a limited portion of the subject area can be developed as residential given its elevation,” detailed a report circulated to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
It is suggested that the developer demonstrate to the RM that the subject areas can be developed. This can be achieved by having a conceptual land use plan prepared for the subject area to highlight areas of environmental sensitivity. It is also recommended that there be a buffer between the lake and development areas. This should be in the order of 13 to 15 m in width or wider where necessary in environmentally sensitive areas, explained Michael Eger, planner with the City.
The subject area already contains development either in the form of large-lot country residential or a mobile home park. Given this area’s proximity to York Lake, it is important that contamination of the water quality is minimized from any new development.
Fragmentation of this area of the RM is not going to affect the long-term operations or planning for the city.
Given the amount of fragmentation in this area, it was only a matter of time before these parcels were further subdivided, said Eger.
