Town council has voted to repeal an interim control bylaw that restricted development within the urban area of Old Town.

The bylaw, passed on Dec. 5, 2018, in one of the first acts of the newly elected council, and extended on Nov. 11, 2019, has received criticism and sparked a legal battle with area developer Rainer Hummel of Hummel Properties. 

The bylaw was enacted “to allow council to complete a comprehensive review of the town’s official plan policies to determine the provision of appropriate development policies as required by the Planning Act,” the town said in a media release announcing the cancellation.

“Staff look forward to once again working with developers to grow our community within the parameters outlined in the official plan and in accordance with the town’s strategic plan,” stated interim chief administrator Sheldon Randall.

Lord Mayor Betty Disero said, “We are a town with a rich historical foundation and a strong agricultural backbone, but we know there are also opportunities for compatible development.”

“It is a balancing act, but town council and staff are committed to upholding those two truths.”

The interim control bylaw restricting the use of all lands in the municipality for any cannabis-related lands use remains in place.