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Bylaw # 2021-03: Municipal Development Plan Bylaw
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Municipal
Development
Plan
Village of Acme
May 25, 2021
Bylaw # 2021 - 03
PALLISER REGIONAL MUNICIPAL SERVICES
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Acknowledgements
- Created by Palliser Regional Municipal Services
in partnership with the Village of Acme.
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Text Amendments to Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 2021-03
Bylaw No.
Date
Description
Bylaw #2023-05
August 21, 2023
In Section 6.2.1: Amends the wording from "The Village shall require" to "The Village may
require".
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Interpretation ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.2 Plan Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 8
1.3 Community Context ...................................................................................................................... 9
.0 CURRENT STATE ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Residential .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Industrial ..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Commercial ................................................................................................................................ 12
2.4 Parks & Open Space .................................................................................................................. 12
.0 VISION & GOALS ........................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Vision .......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Goals .......................................................................................................................................... 14
.0 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ........................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Development Permit Process ..................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Safety Code Permits ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
.0 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................... 18
5.1 General ....................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Residential .................................................................................................................................. 19
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5.3 Downtown Corridor ..................................................................................................................... 21
5.4 Highway Business Area .............................................................................................................. 23
5.5 Parks & Open Space .................................................................................................................. 26
6.0 GROWTH AREAS ........................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Priority Growth Areas 1 & 2 ........................................................................................................ 30
6.2 Priority Growth Area 3 ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.3 Long-term Growth Areas ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
.0 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................................... 33
.0 TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITIES ................................................................ 34
.0 AGRICULTURE & SOUR GAS ....................................................................................................... 37
10.0 IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................................................................... 38
11.0 GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 1: Context
9
Figure 2: Current Zoning
9
Figure 3: Existing Housing Stock
9
Figure 4: Household Size
11
Figure 5: Downtown Corridor
21
Figure 6: HWY Business Area
23
Figure 7: Parks & Open Space
25
Figure 8: Development Priority Areas
27
Figure 9: Road Network
36
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HOW TO USE THIS PLAN
A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is intended to guide long-range planning and land use in a
municipality. As a statutory plan, all subdivision and development applications within the Plan Area
must comply with this MDP. This MDP has been prepared in accordance with the MGA and is
intended to be read jointly with other statutory plans and bylaws within the Village. The policies
contained in this document are created to offer guidance while allowing for flexibility for subsequent
applications. The application of all policies must be to the satisfaction of the Village and/or the
applicable Approving Authority.
The Village of Acme MDP has an overall vision and two overarching goals, outlined in Section 3,
which will provide guidance for the entire document. Each policy section has a related description to
that specific topic. The policies are specific to each section and will directly guide long-range
planning within the Village.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Interpretation
The Village of Acme Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a high-level document and uses specific
language to guide decision-making regarding the development of the Village. The following terms are to
be interpreted as follows:
SHOULD
Always applies
to the situation
unless it can clearly be
identified to the agreement
of Council or the Approving
Authority that in the given situation,
the policy is not reasonable, practical, or feasible.
MAY
Acknowledges support in principle and
indicates that Council or the Approving
Authority has the discretion to
determine the level of
compliance that
is required.
SHALL, REQUIRE, MUST, OR WILL
Means that the policy is
mandatory; exceptions
would require an
amendment.
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1.2 Plan Purpose
The purpose of this document establishes a framework that helps the Village achieve long-term goals
and policy objectives. The policies contained in this document promote the Village's plan for future
growth. The goals and policies will set standards for the evaluation of all development proposals to
ensure longevity, stability, and progress for the Village.
The MDP is a statutory plan that must be formally adopted by the Village of Acme Council. The Alberta
Municipal Government Act (MGA) R.S.A.2000 CH M-26 632(3) states that an MDP must address such
issues as:
- future land use in the municipality,
- the manner of and proposals for future development, and
- the provision of municipal services and facilities.
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1.3 Community Context
The Village of Acme is a small community in
South-Central Alberta located 75 kilometers
Northeast of Calgary. Resting within the
municipal district of Kneehill County, Acme
boasts all the benefits of rural life with
access to urban amenities.
Agriculture and the buying and shipping of
grain have been of vital importance to the
Village of Acme. The growth and evolution of
the Village has closely reflected the fortunes
of the farming sector, although new
investments in commercial and industrial
businesses within the community and the
upgrading of existing residential structures
have been indicators of economic stability
within the area.
Acme is served directly by Secondary
Highways 575 and 806, and is approximately
12 km north of Highway 9, a major
East/West transportation corridor for the
region and province.
As per the 2016 Census, Acme had 653
residents living in 281 of its 301 total private
dwellings.
Figure 1: Context
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.0 CURRENT STATE
The Village of Acme has a mixture of residential, commercial, light industrial, and various community
spaces as seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Current Zoning
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29%
39%
14%
11%
7%
HOUSEHOLD SIZE IN ACME (2016 CENSUS)
1 person
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
5 or more persons
72%
27%
1%
EXISTING HOUSEHOLD STOCK
Single detached
Moveable dwellings
Other
2.1 Residential
The Village's existing residential neighbourhoods are comprised of single family detached homes,
modular homes, and manufactured homes. Through public engagement and a workshop with Council it
was determined that more diverse housing options are needed for the future growth of Acme.
Figure 3: Existing Housing Stock
Figure 4: Household Size
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2.2 Industrial
Industrial development within the Village is predominately light industrial and is located primarily on the
west side of the Village. This area is home to businesses such as farm supply, oilfield services, fuel
station and trucking supplies and services. The former rail right-of-way is currently zoned as Industrial
Land (Figure 2), however, limited industrial development has occurred in this area.
2.3 Commercial
Commercial businesses are located on the west side of the Village and downtown core. Public
engagement and Council workshops identified the need for additional commercial development,
focusing on revitalization and new investment. It was also determined that there may be need to offer
incentives for businesses to locate and develop in the downtown district.
2.4 Parks & Open Space
The Village has an existing walking trail system and park spaces that has the ability to grow and adapt to
the ever-changing needs of the residents of Acme. As the walking trail system develops further, it should
incorporate active transportation.
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.0 VISION & GOALS
3.1 Vision
To create a vibrant community by attracting investment and promoting development,
establishing the downtown corridor as a lively business hub of the community,
and providing a variety of housing opportunities with the focus on preserving
the small town feel and high quality of life residents value.
The Village of Acme MDP envisions a thriving economy built upon a strong community foundation. The
goal of the MDP is to provide a framework through which Acme residents can build a future without
forsaking the Village's unique character and small-village identity.
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3.2 Goals
The Village of Acme will refer to the following overarching goals to guide decision-making and measure
success:
1) To foster responsible growth and
diversification by:
a) Welcoming a variety of economic
ventures and development opportunities
b) Building on the success of local business
& promoting the downtown corridor
c) Encouraging community and stakeholder
engagement in development decisions
2) To preserve and enhance rural lifestyle:
a) Ensuring the Village-feel is maintained
with a network of walking trails and active
transportation systems and green space
throughout the community
b) Identifying opportunities for diversifying
housing (multi-family/mixed-use housing)
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.0 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The Village of Acme is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, as well as
determining and implementing the rules and regulations that help to create meaningful and highly valued
spaces in our community. The MDP is a broad, guiding document that provides the framework for all
local planning within the Village. The MDP fits within a hierarchy of plans, aligning with the direction and
regulations of higher-level policies such as provincial legislation and intermunicipal development plans,
while guiding the content of lower-level plans, including the following:
✓ Area Structure Plans
✓ Land Use Bylaw
✓ Any other statutory or non-statutory plans adopted or supported by the Village of Acme Council.
The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) is the predominate tool used to implement the MDP policies through the
designation of land use districts (zoning) for different areas of the Village and allowable uses and
development standards for each district. Overall, the LUB provides a basic framework for decision-
making that balances both certainty and choice. The text of the LUB contains operational and procedural
rules for processing development applications, and site-specific rules for reviewing and evaluating
development applications. The current land use districts in the Village are outlined in Figure 2.
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4.1 Development Permit Process
The Village's development process focuses on making certain that new developments align with the
Village's statutory documents, as well as the rules and regulations set out in both the LUB and the
Alberta Building Code. A development permit is a legal document that gives permission for use or
development of or on a parcel of land. Unless specifically exempt, all development in the Village requires
a development permit. To obtain a permit, a landowner must submit a development application. Below is
a general outline of the process for receiving a development permit:
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1. Initial Review:
Application Submission: Development permit application submitted and reviewed
by the Village for completeness. Notice of Completeness sent to the applicant. An
application is deemed complete when all the information required by the Approving
Authority is submitted MGA 683.1 (2)
2. Under Review:
- Notice Posting/Circulation: The Village collects public input. Feedback and
technical input is shared with the applicant.
Detailed Review: Applicant submits additional information if required by the
Approving Authority.
3. Decision Outcome:
- Decision: A decision is made by the Approving Authority (The Village of Acme or
Municipal Planning Commission).
- Advertising and Appeal Period: The public and the applicant have 21 days from the
date the decision is made to appeal the decision with the Subdivision and
Development Appeal Board (SDAB) or the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT)
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.0 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
Acme is a thriving community that has seen a surge in development in and around the municipal
boundaries. Through the public engagement process, development was seen as a necessary driver for
creating a vibrant community life for residents. Development within the Village will be supported as the
needs for the community demands it. The purpose of this section is to establish policies that guide future
growth and achieve the vision and overarching goals of the Village.
5.1 General
The following general policies apply to all subdivision and development within the Village:
5.1.1 At the discretion of the Approving Authority, developers may be required to complete
necessary studies prior to application approval. These studies must be completed to the
satisfaction of the Village, and may include, but are not limited to:
a) Biophysical Impact Assessments
b) Environmental Site Assessments
c) Geotechnical Studies
d) Historical Site Assessments
e) Transportation Impact Assessments
f) Servicing Studies/Plans
g) Stormwater Drainage Plans
5.1.2 All subdivision and development proposals should be designed to:
a) Maintain the overall aesthetics and character of the community
b) Improve the quality of life within the Village
c) Ensure the safety of residents
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5.2 Residential
Residential development within Acme is primarily low-density single detached housing. The Village
would like to see a diversification of residential housing types to meet the needs of an aging population
and to attract young people. While one and two person households may want a single-detached
dwelling, additional choices of housing would likely better align with the needs of the Village residents,
especially as the Village's population grows.
The MDP enables the continued development of single detached housing. However, the Village intends
to promote increasing the diversity of housing options throughout the Village while maintaining the
quality and small town feel that its residents' value. The goal of residential development within the
Village is to provide a variety of housing opportunities that meet the needs and preferences of all
household types as well as income levels. Additionally, the MDP promotes home based businesses and
services within residential areas.
The following policies will direct where and how residential areas will be developed and maintained
within the Village:
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5.2.1 Through the Land Use Bylaw, the Village shall provide for the provision of a variety of lots sizes
and housing types such as infill, secondary and backyard suites and multi-unit dwelling types that
are scaled to fit within the Village's traditional residential areas.
5.2.2 The Village should ensure development or redevelopment within existing neighbourhoods is
compatible with existing development, including consideration for:
a) Compatibility in height and scale;
b) Existing lot patterns, laneways, and streetscapes;
c) Preserving existing trees to the extent possible; and
d) Capacity of municipal utilities and infrastructure.
5.2.3 The Village will actively work with residents and developers to ensure a sufficient supply of
serviced residential lots.
5.2.4 The Village shall enforce its Community Standards Bylaw to ensure residents are safe,
welcoming, and comfortable neighbourhoods within the Village.
5.2.5 Residential development shall be buffered from incompatible land uses that may pose negative
impacts such as noise, smells, vibrations, and visual impacts. Buffering components may include
trees, berms, setbacks, and placement of buildings.
5.2.6 Through the Land Use Bylaw, the Village shall enable and encourage "live-work" home-based
businesses and services in residential neighbourhoods.
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5.3 Downtown Corridor
Commercial retail is essential to a thriving community. The Village of Acme's MDP has a focus on the
Downtown Corridor and revitalizing Main Street as a hub for commercial business exchange as seen in
Figure 5 on the following page. The following policies will guide development in the Downtown Corridor
to provide a more diverse, vibrant, and thriving downtown feel in the heart of the Village:
5.3.1 The Land Use Bylaw shall provide guidelines for uses focused on commercial retail businesses.
5.3.2 The Main Street Corridor, outlined in Figure 5, shall be the primary location for the concentration
of commercial retail within the Village, which will promote walkability to amenities from
surrounding neighbourhoods.
5.3.3 The Main Street Corridor shall be designed as pedestrian focused, integrating the public realm
and streetscape.
5.3.3.1 via large sidewalks, patios, bike racks, and landscaping which will complement
businesses within the corridor
5.3.4 The Village shall support mixed-use developments and larger home-based businesses. The
residential houses on the west end of Main Street provide an opportunity for the expansion of
mixed use developments.
5.3.5 Commercial development along the Main Street Corridor shall develop in a scale and intensity
that support current and future resident's needs while including mixed-use developments which
will help increase employment and the economic viability of the areas.
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Figure 5: Downtown Corridor
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5.4 Highway Business Area
Industrial and commercial areas within the Village contribute to a strong and prosperous economy and
should be maintained as a major economic driver. The Village strongly supports the continued
development of the Highway Business Area. The Highway Business Area is designed for light industrial
and commercial growth. The designated area that will support commercial and light industrial enterprises
is outlined in Figure 6.
The following policies will direct where and how industrial and commercial areas will be developed and
maintained within the Village:
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5.4.1 The Land Use Bylaw provides guidelines for land uses focused on commercial and light
industrial businesses.
5.4.2 The Village supports a variety of parcel sizes that encourage a wide range of commercial and
light industrial uses.
5.4.3 Industrial development within the Village (Figure 6) shall be limited to light industrial land uses.
Heavy or medium industrial developments that have offsite impacts or create significant traffic
shall not be located within the Village but is encouraged to be developed in Kneehill County
neighbouring the Village.
5.4.4 The Village may require developers to provide sufficient mitigation measures as well as
address potential impacts on adjacent land uses. This may include, but is not limited to, the
provision of landscaping, fences, berms and/or through the use of setbacks, buffers, placement
of buildings and parking lots, and landscaping.
5.4.5 The Village shall encourage additional landscaping, in the form of a soft landscaped strip of
land, for any yard area fronting onto Nolan Street as this is a Gateway Corridor into the Village.
Trees, shrubs, grass, and other soft landscaping components should be incorporated into the
landscaped strip.
5.4.6 The Village should ensure the location, design, and scale of development within the Highway
Business Area is sensitively integrated with adjacent parks, open spaces, walking trails and
active transportation systems in a comprehensive manner.
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Figure 6:
Highway Business Area
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5.5 Parks & Open Space
An accessible, high quality, and healthy local environment contributes to the overall attractiveness of a
community. The Village of Acme understands the importance public parks, open spaces, as well as
walking trails and active transportation systems that are accessible by all neighbourhoods. The following
policies will direct where and how public parks, open spaces, and walking trails and active transportation
systems will be developed and maintained within the Village:
5.5.1 The Village should identify significant natural features to preserve and protect, and where
possible, integrate into the community planning (e.g. Buttermilk Park)
5.5.2 The Village should consider incorporating parks, open spaces, and/or walking trails and active
transportation systems throughout the Village for all residents to access. An example of how a
trail system could be implemented is shown in Figure 7.
5.5.3 The Village should support the use of open space areas to accommodate as broad a range of
activities and user groups as possible maximizing all seasons (e.g. dog park, skate park, sports,
cross-country skiing, etc.)
5.5.4 Through the subdivision process, the Village will require the following lands to be dedicated as
environmental reserve or placed under environmental reserve easements in accordance with the
provisions of the Municipal Government Act:
a) lands considered unsuitable for development;
b) environmentally sensitive areas;
c) lands subject to flooding or consisting of a swamp, gully, ravine, coulee, or natural drainage
course.
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Figure 7:
Parks & Open Space
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6.0 GROWTH AREAS
Planning for new neighbourhoods within the Village of Acme allows for continued growth and expansion
and provides opportunities for diverse new housing options and lifestyles. The policies in this section
ensure that all new neighbourhoods are aligned with the goals and objectives of the MDP and are
developed in a logical sequence to ensure continuity and connectivity to the rest of the Village.
Priority Growth Areas (PGA's) and Long-term Growth Areas (LGA's) within the Village of Acme are
outlined in Figure 8. The PGA's represent the greatest opportunity for initial growth given their ability to
be serviced and connected to existing development. The LGA's are intended as subsequent growth
areas after PGA's are developed.
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Figure 8:
Development Priority Areas
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6.1 Priority Growth Areas 1 & 2
Priority Growth Areas 1 & 2 (Figure 8) have been identified as prime areas suitable for opportunities for
a variety of housing types including more options for multi-unit/attached housing and affordable housing
that are currently limited in existing neighbourhoods. Additionally, as the need for multi-generational
homes and home-based businesses increase, there is opportunity for these to be considered.
The following policies apply to future subdivision and development proposals within PGAs 1 & 2:
6.1.1 The Village shall require the completion of an Area Structure Plans (ASPs) prior to any
subdivision and development. ASP development may be led by the developer or the Village.
ASPs shall be consistent with the policies of the Municipal Development Plan and meet the
requirements of the MGA.
6.1.2 Future ASPs shall incorporate a variety of housing types through a range of lot sizes, dwelling
types, appearances, accessibility, and affordability. A minimum of 20% of housing shall be in the
form of attached housing (e.g. duplexes, rowhouses, townhouses, or apartments). Encourage?
6.1.3 The Village should require a standard of subdivision design that promotes the efficient use of
land, roads and utilities, compatibility between housing types and land uses, and aesthetically
pleasing residential environments.
6.1.4 ASPs and subdivision design shall incorporate parks, open spaces, and walking trails and active
transportation systems ensuring a high level of connectivity.
6.1.5 Through the subdivision process, the Village may require Municipal Reserves to be provided in
accordance with the MGA (Section 661) for the purpose of future parks, public recreation areas,
trails, and open spaces.
6.1.6 New residential neighbourhoods shall incorporate buffering from noises, smells, highways, and
any other non-residential disturbances.
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6.2 Priority Growth Area 3
Priority Growth Area 3 (Figure 8) has been identified as an area that may provide current opportunities
for residential acreage development pending more detailed site planning.
The following policies apply to future subdivision and development proposals for PGA 3:
6.2.1 The Village may require the completion of an ASP prior to any subdivision and development.
ASPs may be developed by the developer or the Village. ASPs shall be consistent with the
policies of the Municipal Development Plan and meet the requirements of the MGA.
6.2.2 The Village should require a standard of subdivision design that promotes the efficient use of
land, roads and utilities, compatibility between housing types and land uses, and aesthetically
pleasing residential environments.
6.2.3 Any development must identify servicing options that will accommodate future proposals.
6.2.4 New development shall be required to be fully serviced with piped municipal water servicing.
6.2.5 Through the subdivision process, the Village may require Municipal Reserves to be provided in
accordance with the MGA (Section 661) for the purpose of future parks, public recreation areas,
trails, and open spaces.
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6.3 Long-term Growth Areas
The Village of Acme has identified LGA's (Figure 8) to be developed as demand arises in the future.
The Village is supportive of opportunities for development of LGA's and working with developers to
identify suitable land uses and subdivision design. Future development of LGA's will be based on market
demand and the Village's growth requirements at the time of a proposal.
The following policies apply to future subdivision and development proposals for LGA's:
6.3.1 The Village encourages the completion of ASPs prior to any subdivision and development. ASPs
may be developed by the developer or the Village. ASPs shall be consistent with the policies of
the Municipal Development Plan and meet the requirements of the MGA.
6.3.2 Multi-lot subdivision proposals shall be required to complete an ASP.
6.3.3 The Long-term Growth Areas may be suitable for residential and/or commercial development
depending on the results from market studies and public consultations.
6.3.4 Through the subdivision process, the Village may require Municipal Reserves to be provided in
accordance with the MGA (Section 661) for the purpose of future parks, public recreation areas,
trails, and open spaces.
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.0 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Village of Acme's main economic drivers have been in agriculture, commercial, and light industrial
development. The Village would like to see these three drivers diversify more within the community and
adapt to the needs of the community where appropriate.
The following policies apply to economic development:
7.1.1 The Village should create and maintain an Economic Development Strategy.
7.1.2 The Village should actively identify Priority Growth Areas to developers and seek opportunities to
partner in development and servicing of the PGAs.
7.1.3 The Village should actively pursue new economic opportunities to diversify the local and regional
economic base through marketing developable land to new and existing industries and
businesses.
7.1.4 The Village should regularly review municipal processes to remove barriers and to encourage
business development and expansion. This may include some form of development incentive.
7.1.5 The Village should pursue opportunities to establish Acme as a satellite of Calgary area, promote
Acme's proximity to larger centres while maintaining small town lifestyle.
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.0 TRANSPORTATION,
INFRASTRUCTURE & UTILITIES
There are two primary gateway corridors into the Village; one is Nolan Street and one is Pacific Avenue.
Nolan Street access is on the west side of the Village, east off of Highway 806 and Pacific Avenue
access is on the north side of the Village, south off of highway 575, south of highway 806.
The Village of Acme is actively engaged in keeping up with their infrastructure with upgrades on a
regular basis. The Village further recognizes the importance of asset management in regard to
transportation, infrastructure, and utilities. The Village has had a number of engineering studies
completed which are important when looking at potential subdivision and development.
The following policies apply to transportation, infrastructure, and utilities:
8.1.1 At the time of subdivision and/or development permit application, a developer should identify
potential impacts on the local and regional systems through:
a) Biophysical Impact Assessments
b) Environmental Site Assessments
c) Geotechnical Studies
d) Historical Site Assessments
e) Transportation Impact Assessments
f) Servicing Studies/Plans
g) Stormwater Drainage Plan
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8.1.2 The Village should collaborate with the County and the Province regarding regional road
connections. The Village should ensure that Village roads are regularly maintained to the
required standard.
8.1.3 The Village should require appropriate provision for pedestrians in all new developments, and in
all redevelopments of existing properties.
8.1.4 The Village should ensure subdivision and/or development plans provide safe and efficient
access for emergency service vehicles.
8.1.5 The Village may encourage the residents, businesses, and institutions of Acme to reduce their
overall consumption of treated municipal water.
8.1.6 The Village and developers shall consider Village of Acme drainage studies for subdivision
and/or development proposals to ensure any future development would not have an adverse
effect on the Village's drainage system. Subdivision and/or development applications may be
required to complete a stormwater drainage plan in line with any existing Village drainage studies
to the satisfaction of the approving authority.
8.1.7 The Village may require the provision of easements and/or public utility lots to accommodate
municipal services and utilities through the subdivision and development processes.
8.1.8 Where possible utilities will follow transportation corridors.
8.1.9 Where technically feasible, sanitary lift stations will be minimized to avoid additional maintenance
costs.
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Figure 9: Road Network
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.0 AGRICULTURE & SOUR GAS
Agriculture is an important part of the regional and local economy. The MDP encourages innovative
agriculture that employs sustainability techniques and technologies to enable a food system that is
adaptive to a changing climate.
9.1.1 The Village will support the County and its producers in diversification of existing agricultural
operations.
9.1.2 The Village should minimize conflict between agricultural lands and other uses by ensuring
appropriate buffers and setbacks are provided.
The Municipal Government Act requires that MDPs contain policies to provide guidance on the type and
location of land uses adjacent to sour gas facilities. Presently there are no sour gas facilities located
within the Village or in the vicinity of the Village of Acme.
9.1.3 The Village will comply with all Provincial Regulations pertaining to the type and location of land
uses adjacent to sour gas facilities.
9.1.4 The Village will continue to work with the County and agriculture producers in the area to
minimize the impact on air quality.
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10.0 IMPLEMENTATION
The MDP requires ongoing integration
into decision-making. The MDP provides
Council and Village staff with a framework
to inform decision-making within the
context of Acme's current and future
plans. As a policy document, the MDP is,
for the most part, general in nature and
long range in its outlook and should be
used by both the public and private
sectors to inform their decision-making.
The Village's Land Use Bylaw is a
complementary tool to assist in the
implementation of the MDP. It establishes
controls for the use and development of
land and buildings within the municipality.
Annual budgetary decisions should also
reflect the contents and directions set out
in the MDP.
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10.1.1 All statutory and non-statutory plans shall be consistent with the Municipal Development Plan.
10.1.2 The goals and policies of the MDP shall be further refined and implemented through the
development, adoption, amendments as required, and day-to-day application of the Land Use
Bylaw.
10.1.3 In order to consider a Land Use Bylaw redesignation, subdivision, or development application, or
to generally provide directions for land use change in an area, the Village may require the
preparation of an Area Structure Plan or a Concept Plan to provide the details of intended land
uses, provision of utility services, roads and open space pertaining to the subject lands and,
where necessary, surrounding lands.
10.1.4 The Village Council or member of the public may initiate an amendment to this MDP. Where an
amendment is initiated by a member of the public, the Village shall require the submission of
such background information as is considered necessary to support the amendment prior to
commencement of the bylaw amendment process. Amendment of the MDP shall follow the
appropriate procedures as outlined in the Municipal Government Act.
10.1.5 The MDP is intended to be able to adapt to continue reflecting the priorities, goals, and
aspirations of the community as the Village changes, and to meet changes in development
commitments, budget constraints, and market conditions. Generally, in order to ensure that the
MDP is current, the entire plan should be reviewed approximately every five years to ensure that
direction and policies contained within the document are relevant to the Village's current context
and vision.
10.1.6 To allow Council to track the status of the MDP after adoption, an annual report on progress
should be prepared. This report should note any amendments which have been made or are
forthcoming, any suggestions made for amendments, and any outside factors which may drive
the need for MDP amendments.
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11.0 Glossary
Area Structure Plan (ASP): A statutory plan adopted by a municipality in accordance with the MGA to
provide a framework for the subsequent subdivision and development of a defined area of land.
Development: A change of use of land or a building; the construction of a building; an extraction or
stockpile; or change in intensity of use, as per the definition in the MGA.
Environmental Reserve: As defined by the Municipal Government Act.
Infill Areas: Areas that follow future developments to capitalize upon the assets and amenities in
Acme's existing neighbourhoods (e.g. backyard and secondary suites, multi-family, and single-family
detached dwellings).
Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP): A statutory plan adopted by two or more municipalities in
accordance with the MGA that applies to lands of mutual interest to the participating municipalities,
typically along their shared boundaries. An IDP includes procedures to resolve or attempt to resolve
conflicts between the participating municipalities; procedures to amend or repeal the IDP; and
provisions relating to administration of the IDP. It may also prescribe future land use and development
as well as other matters considered necessary by the municipal councils.
Municipal Development Plan (MDP): A statutory plan adopted by a municipality in accordance with
the MGA that: addresses future land use and development within the municipality; coordinates land
use, growth patterns and infrastructure with adjacent municipalities (if there are no IDPs in place); and
provides for transportation systems, municipal services and facilities (either generally or specifically).
Municipal Government Act (MGA): The Municipal Government Act - Revised Statutes of Alberta
2000 Chapter M-26 and amendments thereto. The MGA sets out the legislated roles and
responsibilities of municipalities and elected officials.
Municipal Reserve: As defined by the Municipal Government Act.
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Statutory Plan: An intermunicipal development plan, a municipal development plan, an area structure
plan and an area redevelopment plan adopted by a municipality in accordance with the Municipal
Government Act.