Unauthorized Development

In keeping with our commitment to help lake users protect the health of the lake, the WWMC will strive to support the watershed and lake communities to oppose developments that would have a negative impact on the lake. Back in 2011-12, the WWMC became aware of one unauthorized development that was significantly threatening the health of the lake.

[Note: Those who wish to develop lakeshore or watershed property must check with their local municipality and Alberta Environment and Parks about the permits required and regulations in place to ensure the development does not harm the health of the lake or surrounding supportive ecosystems. Our Shoreline Modification page provides information on what is required for those who wish to build on or near shoreline.]

Highly visible on Lakeshore Road along the north shore is a large cleared quarter section (SW-13-53-5-W5) between Fallis and the Tanner Youth Camp (former Ernest Poole Scout Camp). Samco Developments bought the forested land in 2011 and started clearing it. Trees and shrubs were removed down to the lakeshore and the land was re-contoured, exposing the soil to erosion. The surface runoff transported much earthen material to the lake. (Eroded soil and surface runoff are chief sources of phosphorus, nitrogen and other nutrients that stimulate aquatic plant growth as well as cyanobacteria [blue-green algae] that cause toxic blooms in lakes.)

Many local residents, lake users and the WWMC complained about the damage being done, and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and Parkland County issued respective enforcement and stop orders over the years to the developer. However, progress in reducing the damage was slow.

Development Permit

In September of 2018, the developer applied to Parkland County for a development permit to build an RV campground on the property. The campground would include 300 recreational vehicle campsites and the infrastructure to supply water, power and sewer to each of the sites, as well as a storm-water management system.

Refusal and Appeal

Initially, Parkland ruled the application incomplete. After much back-and-forth with the county, the developer submitted a complete application in November of 2018. In December, Parkland refused to grant the permit and the developer appealed the refusal to the county’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). A hearing was scheduled for January 14, 2019.

To accommodate all the people who wished to speak at the hearing, the SDAB held an additional hearing on January 28. The WWMC made a presentation at the hearing, largely based on the law the SDAB would be using to make its decision and how the development would affect the health of the lake. On February 12, the SDAB denied the developer’s appeal. In other words, the development could not proceed. The decision was largely based on the development being "not compatible with neighbouring uses."

Unfortunately, the SDAB ruling will not stop the continuing erosion and washing of earthen materials into the lake from the property. Those materials include phosphorus and other nutrients that accelerate the eutrophication of the lake, eventually leading to toxic algal blooms. We trust Parkland County and Alberta Environment and Parks will continue to monitor and enforce their orders.

New Proposal

V3 Companies of Canada, on behalf of Samco Developments, held a Public Open House on a new Ridge Water Resort proposal on September 15, 2022. Many people attended and discussed the proposal with the proponents. The WWMC will monitor the progress of the proposal and post updates.