Council and Administration are making significant strides in updating the MD’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Municipal Development Plan (MDP) documents.

Public input is a key driver of this process, which is actively moving forward, ensuring the documents reflect the region's evolving needs. 

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.

An Ongoing Dialogue

The MD is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the update process. Residents are encouraged to monitor the advancement of this project in the Land Use Planning Updates section of the MD website. Additional communication channels will also be used to assist with public awareness and education. Stay tuned!

Council to Adopt Animal Control Bylaw

The MD is working to develop planning documents that reflect landowner rights and the enjoyment of personal property while ensuring proper animal husbandry and adherence to regulations.

Council recently gave first reading to a newly proposed Animal Control Bylaw (ACB). This bylaw provides the overarching regulations on the keeping of all animals within the municipality, specifying conditions for properties within parcel size and area zoning. The proposed bylaw includes references to animal management, which have been moved over from the MD’s current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) document.

This shift allows for more clarity and alignment between the MD’s planning documents while adhering to existing legislation.

MD landowners and developers are encouraged to review the draft Animal Control Bylaw and Responsible Animal Ownership Policy documents, as they are referenced throughout proposed LUB/MDP/ACB amendments.

• 2025-03-27 Animal Control Bylaw (draft)
• 2025-03-27 Responsible Animal Ownership Policy (draft)

Key Principles Guiding the Updated Framework

As part of the pending land use framework amendments, the MD is developing new resources specifically focused on animal and livestock management. These resources will provide residents with clear guidance and information related to keeping animals within the updated framework.

Next Steps and Tentative Timelines

Important amendments to the MD’s MDP, LUB, and ACB continue to move forward, with careful consideration given to community input, legislative realities, and long-term planning goals.

The MD will continue to weigh all resident feedback received regarding the MDP, LUB, and ACB throughout the process. Public engagement has been a foundation of the planning document revisions, with input opportunities extended since the project began in the fall of 2024. All existing regulations and permitting processes shall remain in place until rescinded by new legislation.

To help ensure a successful rollout of the amended planning documents, the MD plans to host a series of orientation workshops in early summer (tentatively in June 2025) to help residents, developers, and other stakeholder groups understand, adopt, and begin implementing the new legislation. 

April 2025:

• Council’s First reading of the amended MDP & LUB documents and supporting documents

April & May 2025:

• Receive feedback and submissions regarding the draft Animal Control Bylaw (ACB)
• Host a public hearing of the amended MDP & LUB documents per legislative requirement
• Council's final readings of draft ACB, 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 community workshops
• Enhanced education and communication activities including MD website updates and new digital processes (e.g.: QR codes and interactive flowcharts)