Picture Butte council pass amended land use bylaw

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The Town of Picture Butte may soon have more available rental housing, after town councillors passed second and third reading of Bylaw No. 962-25 at the July 28 regular council meeting. 

The bylaw, an amendment to Land Use Bylaw No. 841-15, redesignates lands located at 105 5th Street South, from ‘Residential – R1’ to ‘Residential Multi-Unit – R5’ to accommodate the development of a multi-unit dwelling. The land being rezoned is currently a vacant lot. 

Town of Picture Butte councillors passed first reading of the bylaw on June 23. 

Prior to the passing of second and third readings, a public hearing was held where no submissions, requests to speak or questions were received, either in writing or from anyone in attendance. However, during the public hearing Town of Picture Butte CAO Keith Davis did note that the town received several letters of support for the rezoning and proposed development, from local businesses. 

“We haven’t received any negatives, anything in writing in the negative, for this development,” Davis told council.  

The public hearing was closed and in a request for decision, Town of Picture Butte councillors passed second and third readings of Bylaw No. 962-25, an amendment to Land Use Bylaw No. 841-15.  

Davis previously noted following first reading, that rezoning does not approve a development application to build multi-family dwellings but if approved, allows an individual to apply to do so through a development permit.  

In a letter to councillors, Benjamin Guliker of Guliker Holdings Ltd. In Lethbridge County, expressed the company’s enthusiasm over the proposed multi-family development at 105 5th Street South in Picture Butte, and noted several reasons why the development was a good fit for the community. 

Those reasons include the project’s support for the local economy and services, efficient use of land and sustainable growth, an attractive, community-oriented building design and helping address the need for quality rental housing in the town.  

“Our development will increase the supply of well-designed, professionally managed rental units, providing much needed flexibility for those who aren’t ready or able to purchase a home but still want to live (in) and contribute to the community,” said Guliker, noting the positive impact the project will have in Picture Butte. “Multi-family housing uses land more efficiently than single-family homes. This development promotes smart growth by increasing housing density in an appropriate location, helping reduce urban sprawl and aligning with the town’s long-term planning and development goals.”