Bentley Council Approves Southeast Growth Plan Amid Resident Objections
Bentley Town Council approved a long-range development plan for the town's southeast corner Tuesday night, passing the controversial bylaw after hearing significant opposition from nearby residents.
Why It Matters
The Southeast Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a 30-year roadmap for developing 153.2 acres of land. The plan, presented by planner Albert Flootman, outlines future land use, including low, medium, and high-density residential housing, a collector road network, parks, and a trail system.
This approval doesn't start construction tomorrow. It sets the rules that any future developer must follow. All specific projects, like new subdivisions, will still require separate applications and further public hearings.
Residents Voice Strong Opposition
During the public hearing, four households spoke against the plan, citing concerns that directly impact their properties and quality of life. No residents other than the landowners in the area spoke in favor.
Jim and Brenda Johnson, whose property borders the proposed development, submitted a letter read by the CAO. They opposed the inclusion of R3 high-density housing near their land.
“High density R3 housing does not belong in a small town,” their letter stated. “In our opinion, it brings an undesirable element with it, rowdiness, and a lack of respect for other people’s property.”
They also worried about increased traffic on 45th Street and a proposed stormwater pond devaluing their property.
Rod and Tracy Lynn Carstairs echoed those concerns, focusing on the stormwater pond planned near their backyard. “Why would anyone want to put a mosquito breeding ground/eyesore in anyone’s back yard?” they asked in their letter. They also raised issues of lost privacy and increased noise.
Resident Jason McNabb questioned the town’s infrastructure, asking if the school, currently at capacity, and the town's water supply could handle the new growth. Frank Ryan questioned the need for the plan at all, noting many lots are already for sale in Bentley.
The Debate
The concerns led to a split on council. Councillor Lloyd Johnson stated he was “not in favor of passing” the bylaw, siding with the residents.
Planner Albert Flootman addressed the term “high-density,” clarifying that R3 zoning in this context would mean four-plexes or townhouses, not large apartment buildings. He stressed the ASP is a high-level guide and that specific housing types are determined later.
CAO Marc Fortais responded to infrastructure questions, noting that school capacity is the Wolf Creek School Division’s responsibility and that a new regional water line is in the works to address supply.
Councillor Cora Knutson defended the plan, calling it a necessary “30-year high-level plan” to manage inevitable growth. Ultimately, a majority of council agreed, and motions to pass the bylaw’s second and third readings were carried.
What's Next
With Bylaw 255-2025 now passed, the Southeast Area Structure Plan is officially adopted. The next step is for landowners or developers to bring forward specific subdivision or rezoning applications that align with the new plan. Those applications will trigger their own public notification and hearing processes.