A new U-pick strawberry farm has officially received approval to move ahead near Beaver Dam.

During its May 12 meeting, M.D. of Bonnyville council approved a development permit for an intensive agriculture operation proposed by Stillwater Ranch owners Caitlyn and Curtis Gullixson.

The seasonal strawberry farm will operate near Angling Lake and is expected to run between June and October.

Kristy Poirier, Senior Development Officer for the M.D. of Bonnyville, told council the operation would initially operate two to three days per week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an expected daily visitor range of five to 15 people, depending on crop productivity.

“If feasible, they would also like to include a farm stand for other products with this use,” Poirier told council during the presentation.

The property is located roughly half a mile north of Beaver Dam along the northeast shore of Angling Lake.

Administration noted no concerns were received from neighbouring landowners following notification letters sent in April.

Councillor Josh Crick voiced support for the proposal and shared he had already sampled the product.

“I think it’s great to see another strawberry farm coming in the area,” Crick said. “I did have the honour to taste one of those strawberries last fall.”

He added the farm is using a strawberry variety capable of producing later into the season.

“It’s kind of a neat variety I think they’re growing too that they can grow till we get some good frost,” he said.

Council unanimously approved the application with standard development conditions, including parking requirements and floodplain protections.