By Andrew de Souza

Rising Stars awaits decision

Jan 14, 2011 | 5:36 AM

Arguments were heard for and against approving Rising Stars Children Ranch and the decision is now in the hands of R.M. councillors.

Residents packed the R.M. chambers to hear public presentations about the controversial children’s care home, on Thursday night.

The home is applying for a new development permit based on bylaws updated in 2010 to include foster care homes as a discretionary use.

“These are children are our future leaders and the support and direction we provide them today will impact the adults that they become,” said Rising Star member, Dave Hobden.

“You are being asked today to be part of the community and help steer a child in the right direction.

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Hobden acknowledged that there were problems in the previous process. However that this was new application and that the group was trying to follow all the correct procedures, he said.

Hobden and other members of the group answered the concerns put forward by councillors. They said the R.M. could define the ages of the children, their property would be fully fenced in, there would be staff on-site 24 hours, no family members of the children would be allowed to visit and no recreational vehicles would be one site among other issues raised.

For those in opposition to the development, there were several concerns. The most prominent was that the ranch had built the home despite issues with building permits and subdivision applications.

As well, the pointed to the possibility of decreasing land values, a change to the fabric of the region and waste of agricultural space.

“Let’s remember why we’re here today folks,” said R.M. resident Sterling Lehner. “The Rising Stars Ranch has built a provincially funded group home on a single family dwelling permit.”

Resident Vince Ethier said he had lost a potential sale of some of his land due to the presence of the ranch.

“When they learned Rising Stars ranch would be within one mile of their dream acreage, they backed out of the deal,” he said.

Councillors agreed to postpone their decision until Jan 26 at 9 a.m.

adesouza@panow.com