LUB and MDP Amendments Nearing Completion
Council prioritizes long-term planning
Important amendments to the MD’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Municipal Development Plan (MDP) continue to move forward, with careful consideration given to community input, legislative realities, and long-term planning goals.
MD Council and Administration are actively engaged in ensuring these cornerstone documents remain relevant and effective in guiding regional growth and development.
"We understand that planning documents like the MDP and LUB are vital to our community's well-being. Council and Administration are diligently working through the necessary steps to ensure these documents reflect the current and future needs of our region."
The MDP/LUB framework is crucial for managing land use, infrastructure development, and environmental protection within our borders. Recognizing the significant impact these documents have on the community, the MD is prioritizing thorough review, extensive resident input, and rigorous legal scrutiny to ensure the best possible amendments are adopted.
Existing Legislation Remains in Effect
MDP/LUB regulations on the books will continue to guide development and land use within its boundaries during the amendment process. All existing regulations and permitting processes shall remain in place until rescinded by new legislation — which we plan to have in place by June 2025.
Animal/Livestock Management Reconsidered
References to livestock and animal management have been removed from the MDP and LUB amendment process. These matters will now be addressed in a comprehensive, updated Animal Control Bylaw (ACB). This shift allows for a clarified and relevant approach to municipal legislation within the new MDP, LUB and ACB documents.
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.
Next Steps and Tentative Timelines
Council’s first reading of the proposed LUB and MDP amendments is scheduled for April 23, with the goal of having the new land use legislation in place by mid-June 2025.
To help ensure a successful rollout of the amended MDP and LUB documents, the MD plans to host a series of orientation workshops in early summer to help residents, developers and other stakeholder groups understand, adopt, and begin putting the new legislation into practice.
The steps for rolling out the new MDP, LUB and ACB framework are listed below. Please note that all dates indicated are tentative, and are subject to change to accommodate scheduling conflicts, competing priorities, or the need for final refinements.
February & March 2025:
- Incorporate Council discussion and direction on document amendments
- Launch Customer Satisfaction Survey (planning services and processes)
- Administration to review existing process and procedures
- Administration to draft amended and or new process for council discussion
- Draft Communication plan for council consideration
- Schedule & attend planning and development workshops for council, staff and MPC
March 26, 2025 (scheduled Council meeting):
- Council's first reading of the amended Animal Control Bylaw documents
- Approval of communications plan inclusive of initial media releases
April 23, 2025:
- Council’s First reading of the amended MDP & LUB documents and supporting attachments
April & May 2025:
- Host public hearing of the amended MDP & LUB documents per legislative requirement
- Council's final readings of draft MDP & LUB (conditional upon no amendment requirements)
- Ramp up outreach and education re: impacts and processes
May & June 2025:
- Public release of final documents
- Schedule and host developer workshop(s)
- Schedule and host resident workshops with emphasis on keeping of animals (best management practices)
- Enhanced education and communication activities including MD website updates and new digital processes (e.g.: QR codes and interactive flowcharts)
"It’s important to get this right, and that takes time. Council favours a thorough, well-considered review over a quick turnaround. We are dedicated to ensuring that the updated LUB and MDP documents reflect the needs and aspirations of our community while also adhering to all legal requirements."
A Commitment to Transparency
The MD remains committed to keeping residents informed throughout the update process. Regular updates will be provided via a dedicated section of this website at mdlsr.ca/land-use.
Milestones 2021-2025
Download the latest report to the community, or browse it in flipbook format.
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