High River town council has given conditional approval to a major new housing development on Centre Street, but residents who may be affected by the project have until July 14, 2026 to file an appeal. The development, known as Permit 2001.26, was given the green light by council acting as the Development Authority on June 23, triggering a 21-day appeal period.
The proposed project is planned for the Centre Street area, where a large utility right-of-way limits how close buildings can be to the road. Because of this and other site constraints, the developer asked for five exceptions to the town’s usual building rules, all of which were approved. These variances allow things like a smaller share of the lot’s frontage to be built up, wider vehicle access, and two access points instead of one.
These are the kind of decisions that can change the look and feel of a neighbourhood, which is why the town recently moved approval authority for major permits like this one from staff to council. Since May 25, 2026, council itself makes the call on projects that could have a big impact on existing areas. Anyone who feels this development would hurt their property or goes against good planning has the right to appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. The appeal costs $300 and must be based on planning rules laid out in the Municipal Government Act.
The approval fits with the Town Plan that High River adopted in 2024 to guide growth through 2044. That long-range vision, along with area structure plans, was used in making the decision. With the town’s population reaching 15,518 in 2025 and growing steadily, housing projects like this are a sign of the pressure to expand.
Anyone wanting more details or looking at how to appeal can contact the town’s planning staff at [email protected] or reach the file manager, Michelle Dollmaier, at 403.603.3523. All appeals must be in writing and received by the end of the posting period on July 14.
