Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
August 2026
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Ritchot Council Approves Major Ile des Chênes Housing Development
By Dan Guetre
A major residential development that could more than double the population of Ile des Chênes has received approval from RM of Ritchot council, although not without lengthy discussion over how best to protect a neighbouring business. Following a public hearing that began on May 20 and was adjourned until July 7, council approved the rezoning and subdivision applications for Oak River Meadow Phase 2, a development by Oak River Meadow Inc., represented by Landmark Planning & Design and Terracon Development. The project will add approximately 1,000 homes to the community. According to the 2021
Arrowhead RV has been in business for decades, and is now potentially facing residential encroachment. The family owned business is fighting to mitigate some of the issues of concern.
Phase 2 of the now approved Oak River Meadow residential development albeit creating a wider buffer zone. Submitted photos
Census, Ile des Chênes had a population of about 1,600. Once fully developed, the community’s population could approach 4,000 residents. While council ultimately approved the develop-
details surrounding the buffer, including ensuring there is no municipal trail through it, will be addressed through a future development agreement. The debate centred on concerns raised by
ment, members amended the proposal by increasing the buffer between the new neighbourhood and the adjacent Arrowhead RV Park from the proposed 30 feet to 40 feet. Council also agreed that
Arrowhead RV Park co-owner Lise Durand Bale, who argued the proposed buffer would not adequately protect her long-established tourism business from future conflicts with nearby res-
idents. “We respectfully request that our formal objection and planning brief be received in its entirety as part of the official public record,” Durand Bale told council. She urged council to deny the current application or, alternatively, delay approval until a series of conditions could be incorporated into a legally binding development agreement. Durand Bale said the buffer was only one of several unresolved issues. “Our objection has always extended well beyond the buffer itself,” she said. “From the outset, we have consistently raised broader concerns relating to land-use compatibility, public safety, infrastructure, operational impacts, procedural
fairness, and long-term planning.” Developer representative Brennan Johnson defended the proposal, saying the 30-foot buffer reflected standard planning practices and would include both a wooden privacy fence and a landscaped public reserve. “We do feel that there was meaningful consultation, not only with Arrowhead, but with residents of Ile des Chênes throughout both phases one and two,” Johnson said. He also noted the development would improve drainage in the area. “Right now, the way that the property is graded, it does drain towards Arrowhead RV’s property,” Johnson explained. Continued on page 3...