Okotoks and MD councils have approved an agreement to finally resolve a dispute over the Sandstone Springs development just west of town.

Both councils approved a plan to tie the development into Okotoks’ sewage system and wastewater treatment plant, which is the first time the Town has agreed to extend infrastructure beyond its borders. Once it is finalized by the administrations from both municipalities the Town will drop its appeal of the development to the Municipal Government Board (MGB).

“It’ll work good, we’re happy with it,” said MD Coun. Ted Mills. “It can proceed now to the next step.”

The 300-home development is slated for a 418-acre area between Big Rock Trail and Highway 7 west of Okotoks. MD council granted first reading in 2007 and approved the development’s area structure plan a year ago.

The Town then appealed the development to the MGB over concerns about impacts the development would have on groundwater and traffic in Okotoks.

As part of the joint planning agreement between the Town and MD, the appeal would be dropped if the two could reach an agreement to tie the development into Okotoks’ wastewater system.

The sewer line will be installed alongside Big Rock Trail and connect with the Town’s system in the Sheep River neighbourhood. The cost to install the sewer lines will be covered by the developer.

“It’s going to be phased, so it’s not like the developer’s going to have to come up with the money all in one shot,” said Mills.

The Town will bill the MD for sewer services.

The development will also be connected to the Town’s pathway system.

The MD will also contribute to future upgrades to Big Rock Trail in Okotoks to accommodate additional traffic.

MD manager Harry Riva Cambrin said the MD has three different options to recoup the costs. It could send a bill to either a condo association, individual residents or a private utility.

He said this would have to be determined by council.

“The area structure plan allows for those three options and as we get closer to rezoning and (developers) get final approval for their water supply we will determine which one is most successful in conversation with the developer,” said Riva Cambrin.

Okotoks municipal planning manager Steve Hanhart said rates for servicing have not been set, but they would be comparable to the Town’s existing sewage service rates.

He said wastewater will be held in a storage facility and then pumped into the Town’s treatment plant during off-peak hours such as at night when it is running at a lower capacity.

“It just helps overall to manage our system better,” said Hanhart.