The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors voted to support an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) subdivision application for a 47 hectare property abutting the west edge of Wilmer.

Wilmer Eco Development Inc. is seeking to create a total of three parcels. Two proposed parcels south of Horsethief Road would each be two ha in size, leaving an approximately 43 ha remainder. The land is currently vacant.

“The property is bounded by private land on four sides. Wilmer Lake (pictured above) is located to the west of the property. The property is bisected by Wilmer Creek. A statutory right-of-way is registered to the BC Hydro and Power Corporation. There are no other registered easements,” a report prepared by Ross Range and Reclamation Services noted.

The RDEK board Feb. 10 voted to support the Wilmer Eco Development Inc. ALR Subdivision application.

However, Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie voted against supporting the application, as did Electoral Area B Director Stan Doehle.

“I’m a little bit disappointed with the planning committee vote,” Wilkie said, adding he understands the “planning argument.”

“The professional report prepared by Ross Range and Reclamation Services states the agricultural potential of the subject property is limited by topography and soil conditions. Although the subject property lies outside the development node identified in the OCP, the proposed subdivision is consistent with the current OCP and zoning designations,” a RDEK planning staff report outlined.

Prior to the board vote, Wilkie asked regional planning staff to help him with “forthcoming” discussions with Wilmer residents.

– Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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