This month the Rural Municipality of Rosedale jumped right into a pair of public hearings, both regarding variation orders to increase the maximum required site area for a rural, non-farm dwelling. The second application involved a couple converting from seasonal use to building an all-season full-time home. It received an outpouring of support from neighbours in the area, one of whom even attended the hearing in person. The consensus seemed to be that new permanent residents of the RM would benefit everyone.

There was some discussion around the Council table about the criteria for Council to take responsibility for upgrading road allowances. While this is not a statement of policy, consensus seemed to be that the RM is responsible for building out roads to 4-season permanent homes, but not for any additional approaches the landowner may wish to add. Both variation orders passed without opposition.

The RM has received a couple of letters of complaint over the construction of the new Rogers Communication Tower, believing it to be too close to existing homes and JM Young School. At its nearest point, the new tower will likely be only 600 feet from the nearest property line. It was suggested by one letter that the RM find a location that is at least one mile from the nearest neighbour, and by another that they at least consider alternate locations that would cause less light disruption to residents.

Council indicated it was nearly impossible to find an available and accessible location that is at least one mile from anyone. They also wanted to be clear they make their decisions based on available facts regarding 5G, and that availability of cell service across the region is at this point a necessity for emergency services. They have tabled any further action to hear a recommendation from the planning district, and may at a future time open it up to a public hearing.

There are several roads within the municipality, including 471 and 265, that are actually under provincial jurisdiction. There are currently agreements in place with the municipalities regarding maintenance, but the some of the roads tend toward poor conditions and the municipality isn’t entirely satisfied with the current arrangement. The topic comes to the table this month because of an application for a grant from the Province up to 10% of the annual value of the agreement. Council has tabled that application to January pending further discussion.

Still on the topic of roads, the joint boundary road between Rosedale and North Cypress-Langford is at the table again, this time regarding the rates that Rosedale is requesting regarding the use of its gravel. Councillors are looking for a compromise to get the project completed, but note that they have put a lot of municipal money into the repairs already. Going forward, they suggested that the CAOs should draft a memorandum of understanding regarding responsibilities in these kinds of situations.

The RM would also like residents to know that there are a lot of new hires handling the grading and snow removal right now, and thanks them for their patience while everyone gets up to speed.