WESTLOCK – A proposed combined veterinary clinic and boarding kennel just got one step closer to becoming a reality after Westlock County council gave first reading on Feb. 25 to rezone a part of a quarter section of land from agriculture to highway commercial.
The redistricting of a portion of a section of land near Clyde allows the landowner to proceed to the development permit and safety code construction process to begin construction.
"This application connects with the third strategic priority in the county's Strategic Plan in that a broader range of services are required to attract and retain families and to encourage economic development,” said Kathleen Deshoux, senior planning and development officer in her report to council.
Stone Ridge Veterinary Services, in their application to council, said they were requesting only a portion of the land to be rezoned.
“We are building a veterinary clinic with boarding kennels,” said Melissa Hittinger in the application. “As it’s combined use, the project does not fit under ‘vet clinic, animal hospital or kennels,’ as per LUB discretionary uses.” She said the quarter, at SW 05-60-23-W4, will remain primarily agricultural use.
Plans submitted to Westlock County show that the land is located near Clyde, just off Highway 18 and along Range Road 235.
Hittinger was contacted for comment but didn’t immediately respond.
Coun. Sherri Provencal was the only councillor to make a comment saying the applicant is buying the land for this purpose, adding, “that’s great.”
Council scheduled a public hearing for March 25.
