Land Use Planning Updates
Prioritizing long-term planning
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The MD is amending its land use regulations.
As mandated by the Municipal Government Act, the MD must ensure land use legislation is well-aligned, reflective of all landowner priorities, and inclusive of both existing challenges and future opportunities related to land use planning and growth management.
This challenging balancing act requires the MD to consider existing bylaws, landowner rights and the enjoyment of personal property while adhering to current legislation across different levels of government.
Existing legislation on the books will continue to guide development and land use during the amendment process.
The Bylaw Amendment Process
Amending a bylaw in Alberta involves a structured process governed by the Municipal Government Act. The diagram below shows the typical steps a municipal council must follow.
Click Here to learn more about the bylaw amendment process.
Supporting Documentation
Below are links to the proposed, amended Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and Animal Control Bylaw legislation, along with supporting documents. Please note that the documents under the Proposed Legislation heading received second Council reading on July 9, 2025.
Links to the existing Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Animal Control Bylaw documents are also provided below for reference and comparison.
Legacy Legislation
Project Progress and Draft Documents to Date
Third Council Reading (tentative)
The third and final Council reading of the updated land use legislation is tentatively scheduled for the regular Council meeting on August 14, 2025.
Public Hearing and Second Council Reading
On June 11, 2025, the MD held a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Animal Control Bylaw documents.
During the July 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, Council provided the second readings of the proposed, amended Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw and Animal Control Bylaw legislation & supporting documents.
Click the links below to review the draft documents as of July 9, 2025.
First Council Reading
During the May 14, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, Council provided the first readings of the proposed, amended Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw legislation & supporting documents.
Click the links below to review the draft documents as of May 14, 2025.
Resident Perspectives
The MD conducted two public opinion surveys in the fall of 2024, allowing residents to weigh in on contemplated optional amendments to local land use regulations.
The first survey addressed key proposed revisions to the legacy Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Municipal Development Plan (MDP) documents, and the second focused on the animal & livestock management aspects of the LUB. Check out the results of these surveys!
Council prioritizes long-term planning
To help ensure a meaningful, community-influenced outcome, MD leadership is leveraging the insights and expertise of diverse stakeholders — from land use planning experts and elected officials to landowners, small business owners, commercial/industry entities, and the public at large.
“When our statutory documents reflect present-day realities, we’re better equipped to make good decisions. In addition to strengthening our planning & development framework, some of the proposed updates will also help make our communities safer. It gives us a better set of tools to assist residents during large-scale emergencies.”
Key Principles Guiding the Updated Framework
- Resident-Centric Approach: The MD continues to weigh all resident feedback received throughout the process. Public engagement has been a cornerstone of the planning document revisions, with input opportunities extended since the project began in the fall of 2024.
- Best Practices and Comparative Analysis: The MD has undertaken extensive research, looking at how other municipalities have addressed similar planning challenges. This comparative analysis helps inform the development of effective and forward-thinking amendments. This process involves definition, clarification, and alignment of the municipal documents, striving for accurate, efficient and effective public service.
- Legal Scrutiny and Compliance: To ensure compliance with all applicable provincial and federal legislation, the MD continues to work closely with legal counsel and the Planning & Development team. This ongoing review process is vital to the integrity and enforceability of the updated documents.
Updates on the Land Use Framework Amendments
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