Update:
There is still time to complete the Municipal Development Plan Online Survey here. We encourage you to complete the survey online, but a paper copy has also been provided with the spring newsletter, which can be filled out and dropped off at the County Office (243019A Highway 13, Wetaskiwin, AB) or sent to Municipal Planning Services. Please share your vision for the future of the County by May 15, 2022.
Original Post:
This year, the County of Wetaskiwin is embarking on an important project to update the Municipal Development Plan to better reflect the needs of the County and its residents. The County has engaged Municipal Planning Services (MPS) to assist with the preparation of the new plan.
The Municipal Development Plan, or MDP, is an important planning and decision-making tool that outlines direction and strategies that inform how the County will look, feel, and grow in the future. The County has grown and changed in the ten years since the previous MDP was adopted. To reflect the current needs of the community, the MDP is being reviewed to provide an updated outlook for future growth and development, reduce red tape and streamline processes.
The MDP includes maps to direct future growth within the County. The future land use map identifies generally how lands within the County could be utilized and developed in the future. The future land use areas identified on the MDP maps do not change the land use districts (zoning) identified in the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). Rather, they are intended to provide direction for Council in the event that a change to the district (zoning) is applied for by a landowner and help focus municipal infrastructure investments and conservation priorities.
To ensure this MDP is right for the County, we need to hear from you! Input and feedback from community members is a critical component of the plan development. There will be multiple opportunities for you to get involved in the project and provide your input and feedback.
“It is critical that as many people participate as possible as this process is not one that happens very often,” stated Reeve Josh Bishop. “There are many changes that need to happen to bring our MDP up to current legislation and best practices as well as prepare our municipality for the next 10 plus years of growth and development. Now is the time to have your say in the future of your neighborhood and county.” Stay tuned to the County website for updates about the project and information about future public engagement opportunities.
Please share your vision for the future of the County and your priorities by completing the Online Survey here. We encourage you to complete the survey online, but a paper copy has also been provided with the spring newsletter, which can be filled out and dropped off at the County Office (243019A Highway 13, Wetaskiwin, AB) or sent to Municipal Planning Services.
For more information and updates on the Municipal Development Plan Review visit: www.county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca/MDP-Review