The MD hosted three well-attended open house events in September, where residents had an opportunity to provide feedback regarding proposed amendments to local land use regulations; specifically the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and Municipal Development Plan (MDP).

Prior to these events, the MD circulated two online public surveys to help collect feedback specific to some of the key amendments being tabled. To maximize community engagement, attendees at the open house events were given an additional opportunity to share their perspectives via these surveys. 

The twin goals of the public engagement activities were to gather constructive community feedback on the key updates being proposed, and share this data with Council prior to any final decisions being made. 

Acting within the bounds and obligations of the Municipal Government Act, the MD is tasked with ensuring its guiding land use documents are 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 is a challenging balancing act that 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; in particular, the Government of Alberta. 

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.

The public consultation process to date has elicited a substantial amount of feedback on the contemplated land use planning amendments. The MD thanks everyone who has taken the time to provide their input thus far, and will continue to ensure that community voices are heard on this important initiative.

Overview of Proposed LUB/MDP Amendments 

Roughly a third of the amendments under consideration focus on aligning the two guiding documents with one another; trimming redundant or irrelevant language; updating geographic and legislative data points; broadening references to third-party documents and governing bodies historically prone to frequent name changes.

Other proposed amendments are aimed at evolving the LUB/MDP documents to align with present-day growth management realities. Some of the key recommended amendments include:

• Reviewing setbacks and variances on small lot sizes
• Adopting proactive flood mitigation approaches to new development
• Making broader/more inclusive references to commercial areas & activities
• Addressing RVs, sea cans, modular homes and shop/dwelling hybrids
• Keeping present legislation regarding animal-related issues in the existing Land Use Bylaw #2021-17 (further research to be completed to ensure alignment with current government legislation)

Ongoing Public Dialogue Encouraged 

Residents who were unable to participate in any of the public engagement opportunities to date are invited to review the proposed land use planning details in the Land Use Planning Updates section of the MD website. Further, residents who have questions, comments or concerns regarding the LUB/MDP update project are encouraged to contact the MD at 780.849.4888 or [email protected]. 

Next Steps and Tentative Timelines 

A series of meetings has been tentatively scheduled over the next several months to further discuss and debate the proposed amendments and further gauge the perspectives of landowners and other affected parties. Most meetings will be open for public attendance and participation, with the exception of the mid-November strategic sessions. 

The closed strategic sessions will allow Council, MD administrators and subject matter experts to discuss the public survey data, openly debate options, explore potential risks, and align on priorities in a focused and streamlined manner.

While the MD actively promotes public engagement at every phase of this project, these closed strategic sessions are designed to help Council and administrators prepare for informed, well-considered decisions on land use planning that will ultimately benefit the community at large. Section 197(2.1) of the Municipal Government Act allows planning authorities to deliberate and advise Council in meetings closed to the public. “This is really an opportunity for Council to do some strategic thinking in a less formal atmosphere where no decisions are being made, and where the main focus of discussion doesn’t get sidetracked,” shared Reeve Kerik.

Although Council may hold discussion on complex matters like the proposed LUB/MDP amendments in a closed session, it cannot pass any resolutions or bylaws. 

Following the initial strategic sessions, all Council meetings and public hearings related to the proposed LUB/MDP amendments will remain open for public attendance and participation. The public hearing in early 2025 will be of particular value to residents seeking to weigh in further on any of the proposed amendments.

The schedule below outlines the process for moving the contemplated amendments from feedback aggregation and recommendations through to an updated set of land use planning documents. Please note that the dates indicated are tentative, and are subject to change to accommodate scheduling conflicts or competing priorities.

November 12 & 15, 2024 — Strategic Sessions with Council

[CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC]

• Presentation of a “What We Heard” Report (summary of all public feedback received to date)
• Presentation of potential options in response to the feedback, for Council review and direction

Early December 2024 — Council Meeting

[OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]

• Council’s first reading of draft MDP and LUB documents
• Council approval of summary document (for public release)

January 2025 — Public Hearing with Council

[OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]

January-April 2025 (tentative) — Council Meeting

[OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]

• Final readings of draft documents (dependent on input received during public hearing and Council direction)
• Public release of all final documents

About the Public Hearing Process 

Decisions made by MD Council can affect long-term plans for the entire MD, its communities, and individual properties. Council is required by the Municipal Government Act (MGA, RSA 2000 c. M-26) to provide the opportunity for the public to share their views on important topics such as the LUB/MDP update project.

A public hearing provides an ideal forum for this dialogue to occur. In this instance, the MD holds public hearings to:

• listen to the public’s support or concerns about issues before Council votes; and
• listen to public opinion on issues with large impacts on the community or property owners.

Whether you choose to attend, present, or submit a comment, participating in a public hearing is an important opportunity to voice your opinion to Council members, and can provide clarity and new perspectives on the matter or issue being considered. Conversely, listening to the discussion, questions, and debate from Councillors and other stakeholders may help residents understand how input from the public was considered in decision-making.

The public is welcome to attend any public hearings related to the LUB/MDP update project. Browse the MD’s Meetings & Public Hearings calendar for upcoming meetings and related documents. Those who wish to submit written statements or request the inclusion of an agenda item must notify the Executive Assistant at least 8 working days prior to the respective public hearing. Otherwise, verbal presentations can be made at the time of the hearing.