Clearwater County council will consider a bylaw amendment next month that could result in a new church being constructed north of Rocky Mountain House.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, County administration will present draft Bylaw No. 1132/22 Municipal Development Plan (MDP) to Clearwater County council for discussion and consideration of second reading.

County officials say the draft MDP has been updated since first reading on Dec. 20, 2022, to incorporate feedback received at the Feb. 21, 2023, public hearing at the Lou Soppit Community Centre.

Martin and Vincent Mckervey, currently hold title to the 90.0 acre parcel, with the subject land currently zoned Agriculture District, and located 2.5 miles north of Rocky Mountain House along Highway 22. County officials say Joseph Mckervey, on behalf of Martin and Vincent Mckervey, has made an application for the redesignation of approximately 17.30 acres of the subject property to the Institutional District for the purpose of constructing and operating a church. County officials note the subject area proposed to be redesignated will be subdivided from the balance of the subject lands.

According to County administration, the proposed site would be accessed via a new panhandle approach from Range Road 7-3A, adjacent to the west property boundary. The subject land contains a residence, and farmyard located in the southwest portion of the subject property, just west of the proposed area to be redesignated.

Officials say, pending the outcome of the Land Use Amendment, the applicants would like to subdivide the land and donate it to the Our Lady of Sorrows Church Association. Officials note, it is intended that the church association would construct a new church for their congregation on the proposed parcel.

The congregation currently meets in a church located at the corner of 51 Street and 51 Avenue in the Town of Rocky Mountain House.

The May 9 council meeting begins at 9:00 a.m..

• You can watch the live stream on Clearwater County’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ClearwaterCounty.