Rocky Mountain House town council has passed first reading of a Land Use Bylaw amendment to add more commercial and parking space downtown.

The plot in question is near the corner of 51 St. and 51 Ave. (5037 –51 Street), just west of Main St.

Nearby businesses, Mountain View Dental and Rocky Eye Care, made the request to improve parking for their employees and customers.

If approved, the subsequent zoning redesignation would see a house on the plot demolished. A requirement for the applicant to ensure the property is paved, says Michael Fitzsimmons, development officer with the town.

The zoning would go from medium-density residential to core commercial.

The plot earmarked for possible zoning redesignation, looking east. (Town of Rocky Mountain House)

Acting Mayor Len Phillips inquired if the parking lot could be used for other activities, such as Marketplace on Main, as a new parking lot popping up will inevitably be used by visitors.

Fitzsimmons says that consideration would be part of a future public hearing.

Council passed first reading for the bylaw (2025/11) amendment, with a public hearing set for July 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at town office.

Nearby residents and business owners are to be notified of the potential changes.