An Area Structure Plan provides a detailed framework for how land will be used in the future. The County works together with the developer(s), school boards, and residents through public consultation, to establish appropriate location for school sites.

Transportation systems, utility servicing and topography are all taken into consideration during this review to ensure safe and efficient land use.     

Using information from our Area Structure Plans, the County has developed a map to highlight future school zones (PDF - 1.7 MB).

Strathcona County seeks to provide as many recreational opportunities in our community as possible. As part of its strategy to encourage early recreational use, Strathcona County uses public service green spaces for community use, such as baseball diamonds, until a designated school zone area is developed.

Please contact Planning and Development Services.
Phone: 780-464-8080
Email: planninganddevelopment@strathcona.ca

Please contact the school board which has announced the new school site.

Once a school board submits a development permit application, the County will work with the schoolboard to ensure the area is developed according to appropriate safety and community standards, including traffic safety.

As part of the application process, a developer must host at least two public open houses to present a proposed Area Structure Plan (ASP).

These meetings are advertised in the local newspaper and posted on the County's website. Residents immediately adjacent to the plan area are also mailed notices. 

The ASP application is also circulated to all school boards for review and comment.  The school boards, developer and the County will have discussions on the location and size of the proposed school sites.

The County considers all public feedback from the open houses and the discussions with the school boards prior to finalizing the plan to be brought forward to Council. 

Once an ASP is finalized, a public hearing is held as part of a regularly scheduled Council meeting as per the requirements of the Municipal Government Act. Residents have a final opportunity to speak to Council and identify any comments or concerns related to the proposed ASP.

The public hearing is advertised in the local newspaper as well as posted on the County's website.  The adjacent residents are again mailed notice of the public hearing directly. 

It is Council’s role to review and decide whether to approve an Area Structure Plan (ASP). An ASP provides a detailed framework for how land will be used in the future, such as land zoned for schools.

Once Council has approved an ASP it becomes a bylaw. Developers can then proceed with subdividing, zoning and servicing the lands based on market demand.

A site containing a previous school that has been deemed surplus by the Province of Alberta.

The building is then offered back to the relevant municipality to determine if there is a use within the community.

The future use of a surplus school site will vary based on interest, building condition and the context of the site. Generally, sites that are acquired by the County are intended for a use which would continue to serve the community. Often an Expression of Interest is a tool used to determine if there is a community need for the site.