An odd-shaped piece of land in west Coleman passed the first hurdle to begin development of a private campground.

Rezoning the land at 67 Street and 16 Avenue was approved by the Subdivision and Development Authority and first reading pass unanimously by council on June 5.

The property is owned by Green Mountain Company and includes three pieces totaling over 70 acres, bisected by the Crowsnest River. The developer is applying to rezone the land from residential and multi-residential to non-urban commercial recreation and also owns adjacent land including the site of the Coleman Collieries.

Green Mountain Co. plans to lease the lots on a yearly basis.

Mayor Bruce Decoux said he understood from the developer, the project is expected to bring in $400,000 annually to the Crowsnest Pass.

During discussions of first reading, council was told site-specific concerns such as fire suppression plans, waste water plans and road access would be dealt with at the development permit stage. Council would have the opportunity at that point to address their concerns and this application was for land use amendment only, said Frank Besigner, director of planning, engineering and operations.

Councillor Emile Saindon expressed concerns that future tenants be made aware that some of the lots are temporary, sit near the highway right of way, and are "potentially backing on to the highway down the road".

Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson explained that the developer is looking at a temporary development so he is not looking at putting in a sewer and would have his own road going into the campground.

"From my discussions [with the developer] this could be a ten year period until the economy turns around and there is an opportunity to develop," said Thompson.

"It is appropriate to have some kind of campground in this area," said Councillor Brian Gallant. "I do understand that this may be more suited to a more permanent type development such as condominiums or residential, but the fact is there are a lot of vacant lots in the community right now. I understand the economic plight of this developer who wants to get some revenue out of this property without having to wait for several more years until the economy improves."