2006 Municipal Development Plan
Published March 1, 2006
After months of study and public consultation, the draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is finally here. Each municipality is required by law to have a Municipal Development Plan stating policies on land use, growth and development. These policies may be anything the municipality wishes, but they must be stated in a public document. It is difficult to overstate the importance of the MDP.
The Strathcona MDP has not been substantially revised since 1998. Much has changed since then. Most people no longer accept unfettered growth at the expense of environment and quality of life. Folks expect more of their municipal government than simple acquiescence to outdated ideas about "progress". While the new MDP still needs a lot of work, I am optimistic about what I have seen so far. Following are a few highlights.
For the first time, the MDP is specifically linked to the County Strategic Plan, which in turn reflects the values of residents. Planning decisions must take into account the impact development may have on the "three pillars" of community sustainability: social values, economic viability and environmental impact. The word sustainability is slippery and is going to require some better definition; however, the concept is there.
Growth must fund itself. This recognition will remove a tremendous burden from county ratepayers. No longer will we be expected to subsidize development by providing infrastructure at public expense. If there is not a valid business case for a particular development, it will not proceed.
Development must harmonize with the character of existing neighbourhoods. The MDP recognizes that it is not acceptable to insert new developments at different densities or configurations simply because land is available and convenient.
Preservation of the environment has been given a significant boost by providing new boundaries to the Lakeland Policy Area now referred to as the Beaver Hills Moraine Policy Area. The new area definition more accurately defines the actual topography and provides stricter control over subdivision and rezoning.
The MDP recognizes that Sherwood Park is reaching the end of its growth capacity and proposes a new "Growth Node" to be located in the South West corner of the county approximately in the Colchester area. The question still remains whether we even need more area for expansion; however, if we do, this may be the most logical location.
This, like many details, is still open for discussion. Over the next couple of months there will be open houses at various locations throughout the County. By the time you read this, the MDP will be available to the public. We invite your input. As the MDP will form the basis for planning and growth in the County for years to come, we must ensure that it fully represents our interests.
Alan Dunn
Councillor, Ward 6
780-464-8206
dunn@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Page ID: 2078