The Land Use Bylaw Project: Zoning Changes

There are a number of lots in High Level that have incorrect zoning, and in some cases, they are not zoned at all.

Obviously, this creates all sorts of issues for both the landowners and the Town, as it becomes difficult to identify exactly what is permissible on a property with no zoning regulations in place.

We want to work with those landowners to make these corrections, so that the properties are zoned the way they are supposed to be for where they are located, and how they are being used.

Currently, the properties we are looking at include:

• The High Level Full Gospel Church located on Chonkolay Drive from R-1 to Community Use;
• The industrial lot located at 10701 – 92 Street from No Zoning to Industrial Use;
• The vacant lot on 97 Street next to the Family Restaurant building from No Zoning to C-3;
• The vacant lots in the Bison Development Subdivision from No Zoning to C-3;
• The vacant lot on the corner of Highway 35 and 124 Avenue from No Zoning to Environmental Reserve;
• The Town-owned vacant lot next to Mackenzie House from No Zoning to C-1 or C-3;
• The drainage ditches around High Level from Park to Environmental Reserve.

In all cases, we want to work with the landowners of these properties in order to find a solution that works for them as well as for the Town overall. It is important to note that no zoning changes will be processed without the permission of the registered landowners.

We feel there are enough benefits to rezoning into the Land Use District you are intended to be in, and the change will provide enough benefits that will make sense for landowners to do so.

And regarding the drainage ditches in High Level being classified as parks, we understand that they are technically green spaces. But the intent of the Parks Land Use District is for public enjoyment and we are confident that nobody really takes their kids to a drainage ditch in order to play – not when there are so many other fun options around Town!

The Town of High Level is currently reviewing and developing their Land Use Bylaw. As part of that process, local residents are strongly encouraged to take part in the process and help direct future development in High Level.

For more information, please contact Hayley Gavin, Land Use and Planning Manager, by phone at 780-502-0778 or by email at development@highlevel.ca.

A complete list of all proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw is available HERE.