Rothesay council has approved a development agreement for a nearly 1,300-unit mixed-use project, despite concerns from residents and one councillor who voted against it.

The decision was made on Monday night, when councillors voted on both the main development agreement and a set of three new amendments proposed by Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander.

The development will add 1,277 residential units and retail space near Millennium Drive, Campbell Drive, and Wedgewood Drive, built in five phases over 20 years.

While all councillors supported amendments to the agreement, Councillor Dave Brown voted against the main motion, citing concerns about the scale and timeline of the project.

“This is 1,277 units — nearly 25 per cent of Rothesay’s population in one area,” Brown said.

“The 20-year construction schedule and incomplete phasing of early stages are difficult to support.

The motion passed with majority support, allowing the development to move forward.

Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander proposed three amendments that were unanimously approved:

• Mature forest will only be cleared as needed for construction and servicing.
• A buffer zone between Wedgewood Drive and the development will be designated as recreational land to prevent vehicle access.
• A groundwater assessment and monitoring plan must be completed before phase one begins, with contingency measures in place.

Some residents living near the proposed site say the decision was made without meaningful public input and worry about long-term environmental impacts.

John Dinan, who lives in the area and has worked as a technical lead on drainage systems for an open-pit mine in Northern Alberta, said the development poses serious risks to groundwater and nearby properties.

“We rely on drilled wells, and the gravel source they’re building on acts as a natural filtration system,” Dinan said.

“There’s a real risk of contamination or drying up our wells. It’s extremely alarming.”

Dinan said the public hearing in July was poorly timed and felt the outcome was predetermined.

RELATED: Mixed reaction to proposed mixed-use development in Rothesay

During a public hearing in July, some residents raised concerns about flooding, infrastructure and how the town’s character could change.

Nick Landry, a professional engineer residing on Wedgewood Drive, said the land behind his home, where phase five is planned, is already very wet and poorly drained.

He told council he deals with basement flooding every spring and believes the development could make it worse.

“When my wife and I first walked the land behind our home, it was extremely wet,” Landry said.

“The designated wetland doesn’t show the full picture. The ground is flat, the soil doesn’t drain well, and my backyard is unusable until mid-summer.”

He warned that building up the land with fill could push water onto neighbouring properties, which is not allowed under development rules.

Instead of approving the entire project at once, Landry recommended council review each phase separately. He said this approach would protect existing homeowners and allow for adjustments as the project unfolds.

Residents also raised questions about whether Rothesay’s roads, sewer systems and emergency services can handle the growth.

Some cited unaffordable costs for municipal water extensions, while others asked about clear-cutting and long-term construction disruption.

Millennium Drive was described as narrow and lacking sidewalks or bike lanes. Several residents said the town’s infrastructure may not be equipped to support the added population.

Some attendees liked the ideas of the project, saying Rothesay needs more housing and walkable communities. Others worried it could change the town’s small-community feel.

Urban planner Greg Zwicker, who represents the developer, said the project is designed to support Rothesay’s future.

“If we stay stagnant, that puts a lot of weight on the remaining residents to pay for everything,” Zwicker said. “This brings housing choice to the community.”

He said the design includes walkable features and will be updated based on feedback from town staff and engineers.

The development will move forward in phases, with the first phase requiring a groundwater assessment before construction begins.

The town has said the project will help address housing needs and support long-term growth, but residents say they’ll be watching closely to ensure environmental safeguards are followed.