Hanover approves rural residential subdivision near Mitchell

Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover has approved a rural residential subdivision south of Mitchell.

On August 10th, Arthur Pauls, on behalf of his parents, appeared before Council, looking to develop land along Road 30E, north of Road 34N. His plan calls for 29 rural residential lots on approximately 65 acres of land. To the east of this site is an existing rural residential development and to the west is a gravel pit.

At the August 10th public hearing, several neighbours voiced their opposition. One of those neighbours is Dave Fehr who operates a gravel pit nearby. Fehr says the more people you add to the area, the greater the chance that more people will be aggravated with his pit. Other neighbours expressed concern that new residents moving into that area will complain of noise coming from the gravel pit and noted that the road is not in great shape for the increased traffic. 

At the time, Hanover Councillor Jim Funk suggested they adjourn the hearing to September 14th. This would allow them to do more research before making a decision. Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says because of the adjournment, the public would still get a chance to speak for or against on September 14th.

On Wednesday of this week, the public hearing was re-opened. Once again, Dave Fehr spoke against this development. His concerns include the fact that the eight properties on the west edge of this development will each have a septic field. Fehr says this poses a threat of sewage leaching into his property. He also questioned what assurances there are that water from this subdivision will drain properly and not onto his land. 

Kymberlee Martens, who lives nearby, told Council that she is vehemently opposed to this subdivision. 

"This number of lots is outrageous," Martens told Council.

Her concerns include the fear that there may not be an adequate supply of fresh drinking water to accommodate 29 additional homes. And, if new wells need to be drilled, Martens questions who pays for that work.

"That is a huge issue that needs to be addressed," added Martens. 

Arthur Pauls told Council that the overall drainage is feasible and is possible. Further, he says if a gravel pit is operating within the bylaws of what is permissible than any newcomer to the area should have no grounds for complaining about noise. And, as for any concerns about there being insufficient drinking water, Pauls said if that is the case, then there should be a pause on people being allowed to build new homes in all of Mitchell. 

In the end, Hanover Council agreed to approve this application. Administration told Council that this land has been designated as Rural Residential since 2019 and that the municipality receives a lot of requests for these types of lots.