Wizard Lake Area Structure Plan on Target

By Joanne Hagen
The Pipestone Flyer

Calmar - The Calmar Legion Hall filled with community members with an interest in the ongoing Wizard Lake Area Structure Plan (WLASP) on Thursday evening, June 25. The public meeting was Phase 3, the presentation of the Development of the Draft Area Structure Plan, of the seven-phase study that will unfold over a nine-month period. The Office for Urbanism, the MMM Group, Thurber Engineering Ltd, and Fiera Biological Consulting Ltd. are working together with Leduc County to prepare an area structure plan for the Wizard Lake Watershed area.

In recent years Wizard Lake and its watershed area has undergone increasing demand for residential, recreational, and mixed use development. Aware of the growing number of boaters and other lake users, Leduc County decided it was time to be proactive and guide the process of expansion, the
increasing lake traffic, and development of the lake that attracts people simply by its natural beauty.

On February 26 of this year, an open meeting was held to kick-off the plan - introduce the consultant team, the study process, and the objectives of the plan - and to provide an opportunity for residents, landowners, and stakeholders interested to ask questions, provide feedback, and join in the development of a shared vision. The Analysis of the Wizard Lake Watershed Area made up Phase 2 of the study, presented to the public in May, regarding the existing conditions of the watershed area at Wizard Lake. By Phase 3, it had been noted that there is opportunity within the Study Area for a local, regional, and national trail network, a new regional scale park, and the planning of a ,Jubilee Park hamlet development that will act as a community hub. A cluster pattern of residential expansion in the form of a hamlet was suggested because it would generate vegetation and lessen the overall impact of development on the natural landscape. A hamlet built in a cluster pattern reduces the amount of disturbance of the natural wilds, can be a spacious yet close community, keeping any local businesses nearby and within walking distance. The cluster pattern of development allows county services such as water and sewer to be concentrated in a certain area, thus making them most efficient and sustainable.

The emerging guidelines revealed during Phase 3, include:

Protection of the long-term health of Wizard Lake's natural environment - conserve the quality of water and other natural systems, and the integrity of the shoreline, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.

Conserve the cultural heritage of the Wizard Lake area - including the agricultural ways of life and the tranquil character of the setting.

Support a strong sense of community and identity with people living, working, farming, and visiting the Wizard Lake area.

Support diverse, year-round opportunities for recreation sensitive to the natural environment, to the local community, and prioritizing safety.

Sustain a strong sense of place - ensure any future development has consideration for the natural environment and the area's unique character and identity.

Improve connectivity and public access to the waterfront, especially for passive recreational uses.

During the question and answer period, several people voiced concerns over the safety issues involved in the steadily growing number of boats using the lake. The new boat launch was cited as bringing in an increase of approximately fifty more boats per weekend on Wizard Lake. The comment "We need to make room for kayaks, canoes, and fishermen," drew a houseful of supportive applause.

The success of the study greatly depends on the feedback, comments, and information gleaned from Wizard Lake and surrounding residents. The growth and development plan presently evolving for Wizard Lake will affect generations to come. Land and business owners, residents, and other interested community members are encouraged to attend and participate the many upcoming workshops, forums, and meetings and make their opinions known. For those who are not able to attend, telephone interviews with the consultants can be arranged.

For more information contact Eleanor Mohammed of Leduc County at wizardplan@leduccounty.com, call 780-979-6178, or go to website www.leduccounty.com/services/WizardLakeASP/WLASP_the process.htm.

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