Cypress County council OKs plan to allow 13 new residential lots

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cypress Country council on Oct. 20 approved the Aparche Area Structure Plan, which would see roughly 13 future residential lots about 1.25 kilometres south of Township Road 120.

The plan had been initially proposed by a developer ahead of council’s Sept. 15 public meeting, with the first reading passed and the public hearing slated for Oct. 20. After hearing commentary from staff, the plan passed both the second and third reading.

During discussion, concerns were raised about the fragmentation of agricultural land.

“We continuously talk about protecting our agricultural lands and preventing fragmentation. Yet here we are again considering another proposal to carve up rural land and residential acreages,” said Coun. Dustin Vossler.

He says there are already hamlets and similar areas throughout the county where he believes growth should be encouraged, over isolated developments and expressed concern about setting a precedent for approving subdivisions on productive agricultural land without a clear framework.

Coun. Garry Proctor says the land in question was not productive agricultural land.

Staff said the municipal development plan encourages clustered residential developments akin to this structure plan, providing a framework, which is why the recommended motion was to pass the readings.