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The long awaited decision by the Municipal Government Board fully vindicated Strathcona's position by denying the appeal of our new Municipal Development Plan by the City of Edmonton. This means that the MDP passed by Council last year is now law. As it was passed before the establishment of the Capital Region Board, its provisions will be more or less independent of the new rules governing the region. Development in the proposed "growth node" North of Hwy 16 and along the Edmonton border in the Colchester region is now a possibility.
It is expected to be at least 10 years, and very likely longer, before any development actually begins. Many factors affect the pace of development such as, how soon Sherwood Park reaches its physical limits, or whether population growth levels off. Much also depends on the economies of our region and the province. Our first responsibility is the well-being of our residents. Any development in the new areas must be self-funded so as not to be a financial burden to taxpayers.
We need a strategy broadly to define the new area, the timeline and above all, the need for growth. Following the establishment of need, detailed planning may begin.This would set out residential and commercial areas, parks and schools, roads, interchanges and the necessary infrastructure. All of this will depend on considerable input from the Capital Region Board, neighbouring municipalities and most importantly, our residents.
Any new development must provide diversity of housing and employment opportunities that suit people of different ages and lifestyles. We will use technology to reduce energy and resources and provide an emphasis on the natural environment. Currently we are using ideas like this in other projects such as Emerald Hills Urban Village, South Wye and Centre in the Park. The practices developed in these projects will be applied in the new urban area on a larger scale. Sustainability for Strathcona County means developing in a manner that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development strikes a balance between economic prosperity, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. The County is committed to applying the principles and themes of sustainable development in any new developments.
Whether you own property nearby, are an adjacent landowner or are interested in acquiring land, the current land use dictates the development and land uses allowed today. The Municipal Development Plan guides the future potential of these areas however, until the necessary planning has been done, the current land use regulations apply.
Alan Dunn
Councillor, Ward 6
780-464-8206
dunn@strathcona.ab.ca.
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