Concept Plan to guide Red Deer County in the long-term development of Pine Lake

Concept Plan balances protection of unique features of popular recreation area with future development

(RED DEER COUNTY) – Red Deer County Council voted unanimously to accept a Pine Lake Concept Plan that will be used as a guiding document for long-term development in the Pine Lake area. The proposed document was originally being considered as a Pine Lake Area Structure Plan, which Council defeated before both recommending and accepting it as a Concept Plan in January 24th’s Council meeting.

“The plan’s goals are to provide a framework for all future development in this popular recreation area east of Highway 2,” notes Curtis Herzberg, Red Deer County Manager. “All future development will be considered using the recommendations in place in this Concept Plan, which recognizes the importance of protecting important features of this area, including agriculture, the natural environment, and the need to protect water quality of the lake.”

Highlights of the plan include:

• Identification of areas for development, including five residential nodes, two commercial nodes and three proposed low to medium intensity recreation lots
• Inclusion of three existing Area Structure Plans (ASP).
• Areas where roads, intersections, and access upgrades may occur in the future as nodes are developed
• Importance of maintaining and enhancing public access and open spaces so the general public can continue to enjoy the lake
• Any proposed new multi-lot developments in the plan area will require the preparation of a Local ASP

“Population pressures on recreation areas like Pine Lake make it important to have a long-term plan in place to guide development,” noted Herzberg.  “Dillon Consulting was hired by the County to undertake a study of the Pine Lake area, including opportunities for public feedback on the plan last spring.”

Find out more about the Pine Lake Concept Plan