LAKELAND - Rich Lake farm family and agricultural enthusiasts Steve and Jana Wheeler have carved out a plan to build a Guest Ranch on their farm, and the proposed project intends to be a starting point of a local interest in agri-tourism.
The burgeoning tourism sector is an opportunity across the Lakeland, he says, bringing visitors, generally from larger centres, to the rural areas to stay at active farm sites and take part in the farming process. The process is intended to show people a part of the food chain they may not be fully aware of, from seeds to harvest and livestock management.
In the Wheeler’s case, they have extended the rural feel by converting a train caboose into private living quarters, giving any visitor a truly rusting and unique feel at their farm about 55 kilometres southeast of the hamlet of Lac La Biche.
“We’re a single, quarter family farm,” said Steve, explaining his agri-tourism plan. “We have sheep, other small livestock and cattle. Obviously, in 2021 we have a lot of people that have no idea what farming actually is or how food hits the grocery store. What we’re hoping to do is be able to educate the public as well as draw people to this area.”
However, the plan first required a successful application and permits for the intended project. Current Lac La Biche County bylaws say these services fall under a combined bylaw relating to bed and breakfasts and guest ranches, dictating how businesses can operate accommodations on their personal properties.
The Wheelers have asked that the guest ranch portion of the bylaw be broken out into its own section, allowing specific attention to the new sector of hospitality.
Community tourism
With the municipal support for the project, the adjustment to the bylaw was finalized on December 7. The Wheelers are looking forward to opening their doors to visitors starting in the busy spring months. Steve says the sooner the better.
“I believe Lac La Biche County is a gem in the north here, and a lot of people don’t realize the tourism opportunities that are here. My location specifically is smack dabb in the middle between St. Paul, Bonneyville and the hamlet of Lac La Biche,” Steve said.
So far the Wheelers intend to equip the space with two large caboose style units equipped with amenities and privacy for travellers occupying the space among other leisure and educational activities that are being ironed out.
In Lac La Biche County’s case, the administration of the new bylaws to accommodate the project, and those to follow, call for additional approval regulations on such things as water and sewer methods, ensuring a primary dwelling is located on-site, parking requirements, maximum occupancy levels, kitchen facilities, signage, and FireSmart plans,” according to the county’s document details.
The change —if amended—is not specific to only the Wheeler’s application but “for any new applications that come forward for a guest ranch” in the future, says Lac La Biche County’s Planning and Development Officer Sheena Bourassa.
The Wheelers are hoping the favourable response to their project, and the potential to draw more attention to the Lakeland area, will help with the administrative process for the bylaw change.
“We’re hoping that we can draw people—that may not otherwise come out here—to a unique stay,” Steve said.
County tourism fund
During recent budget deliberations, Lac La Biche County council unanimously agreed to include specified funds to create a tourism fund to attract people to the community while supporting local business. The details of the funding pool will be ironed out in the first meetings of the new year, coinciding with the final approvals of the agri-tourism-related bylaw.
