Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors this morning voted to support an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) subdivision application for two parcels of land located off Johnston Road west of Invermere.

The intent of the ALR subdivision application, by 1129759 Alberta Ltd. (Grizzly Ridge Properties), is to create two parcels that are physically divided by existing parcels of land. The proposed parcel sizes are approximately 54 ha and 216 ha and both are vacant.

“The subject property is physically divided by other parcels and the subdivision is not likely to have a negative impact on the limited agricultural potential of the property,” stated a RDEK staff report.

The properties are near Paddy Ryan Lakes/Goldie Creek area, which is the District of Invermere’s watershed.

Mayor Gerry Taft said he was “comfortable either way” the board voted, indicating “the subdivision in and of itself doesn’t really change much” on what will take place on the land. “If it was a different land owner there would be no hesitation or concern,” he added.

Electoral Area F Director Wendy Booth agreed. “I feel this is a want more than a need from the applicant,” she said of the subdivision application.

Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie said he could not offer support on principle. “I understand it’s a difficult issue,” he said, noting he worries about the loss of agricultural land in the Columbia Valley.

Taft said he wonders if agriculture is the best use of that land. “Historically, ranching in the area is very land intensive. You need a lot of acres to do a little bit of cattle.”

The regional board voted to support the ALR subdivision application, with directors Booth, Wilkie and Electoral Area B Director Stan Doehle voting opposed.

– Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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