Edmonton, St Albert, & Area RE/MAX Real Estate Professional

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have lived on an acreage, we know how enjoyable it can be. The Capital Region Board has made some changes to where new country residential acreages will be allowed.

Years ago, I had a bungalow on 6.14 acres outside Brandon, Manitoba. It had a well and septic system. I say this because I learned first-hand how the amount of land, the impact of the water, and septic systems all have a direct bearing on area land use and agricultural activities.

The Capital Region Board is clustering the new country residential to 4 areas around Edmonton and St Albert to control further growth.

They are looking at preservation of agricultural lands, protection of the environment, proposed city growth (to allow cities to expand around the acreages), plus water and sewage issues.

There are some who suggest that municipalities should be free to approve developments on an individual basis because acreages are more of a personal choice. I would tend to agree but with some caveats.

The whole Walkerton E. coli water tragedy brought forth some sweeping changes on water and septic issues. I have seen some acreages that are too close together and each has a well and septic field. With acreage developments, a close eye must be kept on locations for ease of hook-up to municipal water and sewer systems where possible,along with the prevention of environmental damage.

Further information on the Capital Region Board and the changes to the Priority Growth Areas and Cluster Country Residential Areas can be found at the Capital Region Board website at:

http://capitalregionboard.ab.ca/  (look for the Land Use information)

Ben Officer, CD   REALTOR®

RE/MAX Real Estate