Cremona council passes land re-designation

Officials want to attract business and preserve nature trail

CarstairsCourier.ca
Aug 09, 2016
By Patricia Riley

Nature is important, but so is business.

That’s why Village of Cremona officials want to have both.

Council gave second and third readings to a bylaw that changes the zoning of land on the south side of Railway Avenue from highway commercial and industrial to direct control during the July 19 meeting.

Officials say they want to create a vibrant main street and downtown area that would allow businesses to set up shop while also preserving the existing nature trail.

Chief administrative officer Luana Smith said the direct control bylaw gives council the authority to say yes or no to future development on land on that side of Railway Avenue.

During a public hearing on June 21, village residents expressed concerns with businesses taking up too much space and not leaving enough room for the nature trail.

Coun. Bob Reid said council wants to attract businesses to the village and provide space for additions like patios, landscaping and parking lots, while also preserving the nature trail.

Council also passed a motion during the July meeting directing administration to spend up to $2,000 on a survey of the nature trail to provide more accurate property lines to ensure proper setbacks.

According to the bylaw, its purpose is to provide an area for commercial use, offering a wide variety of goods and services as well as opportunities for accessory residential uses.

“It is intended that development offer services catering to residents and visitors that are accessible by vehicle and pedestrian linkages,” reads the bylaw.

“A mix of uses is encouraged within this cell to enhance the vibrancy of the Railway Avenue area and to contribute to a unique main street and gateway into the village.”

Commercial uses outlined in the bylaw include things like car washes, convenience stores, drinking establishments, hotels, restaurants and service stations.

The bylaw also states the village wants to continue the development of a multi-use nature trail with parks and playgrounds to facilitate social interaction in the village.

It also says a pedestrian-oriented streetscape would be maintained and parking lots wouldn’t be located adjacent to Railway Avenue in order to maintain street frontages and a vibrant main street.