A proposal for a new liquor store on Centre Street in High River is up for review, and residents have until June 30, 2026 to file an appeal if they have concerns. The Town’s Development Authority has conditionally approved Development Permit No. 11001/2026 for a change of use permit for a business called Premium Liquor at Unit C – 812 Centre St SE, a commercial building along the town’s main strip.
The permit was posted on June 9, starting a 21-day appeal window required under the Municipal Government Act. Because a liquor store is considered a “discretionary use” under the Land Use Bylaw, the town must give the public time to weigh in before the permit is finalized. Anyone who believes they are affected by the approval can submit a written appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, along with a $300 fee.
The location at 812 Centre St SE sits in a busy commercial area. Under High River’s Land Use Bylaw, new liquor stores must generally be at least 100 to 150 metres from schools and public parks, with exact requirements varying by zoning district. If the proposed shop is within 150 metres of another liquor store, the town must also look at any combined impacts on the neighbourhood.
This application arrives as High River continues to recover and grow after the 2013 flood. Commercial vacancy rates have dropped roughly 60 per cent since then, and the town recently updated its long-term planning. A new Town Plan, adopted in October 2024, guides development through 2044 with goals like a compact, walkable community. And on May 25, 2026, Bylaw 4662/2026 came into effect, changing how some development permits are approved and giving Town Council a bigger role in certain cases.
Residents who want to learn more or file an appeal can contact the Town of High River Planning Department at 403-652-2110 or [email protected]. The appeal deadline is June 30, 2026.
