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BYLAW 009-2025
BYLAW 009-2025 BEING A BYLAW OF THE TOWN OF ATHABASCA, IN THE PROVINCE OF
ALBERTA, TO ADOPT THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (MOP)
WHEREAS
Section 632(1) of the Municipal Government Act, RS.A. 2000, c. M-26, states that every
Council of a municipality must by bylaw adopt a municipal development plan; and
WHEREAS
a Municipal Development Plan has been prepared for the Town of Athabasca in
consultation with the public, to determine future land use within the Town;
NOW THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF ATHABASCA, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, DULY
ASSEMBLED, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
THAT THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (MOP), BEING THE DOCUMENT ATTACHED TO AND
FORMING APART OF THIS BYLAW AS SCHEDULE "A", BE ADOPTED.
THIS BYLAW SHALL TAKE FULL FORCE AND EFFECT UPON DATE OF FINAL READING.
BYLAW 14-10 AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO ARE HEREBY REPEALED.
READ FOR A FIRST TIME THIS 12TH DAY OF AUGUST, A.O. 2025.
READ FOR A SECOND TIME THIS 2ND DAY OF SEPTEMBER, A.O. 2025.
;fg
Mayor
CAO
Town of Athabasca
Municipal Development Plan
BYLAW 009-2025
September 2025
TOWN OF ATHABASCA - MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1
PURPOSE
2
1.2
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
2
1.3
MDP REVIEW PROCESS
2
1.4
GUIDES TO THE PLAN
3
1.5
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
5
1.6
GOALS
7
2.1
REGIONAL CONTEXT
9
2.2
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS
10
3.1
LAND USE
21
3.2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
3
3.3
ENVIRONMENT
5
3.4
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICING
7
3.5
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
9
4.1
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
11
5.1
AUTHORITY OF THE PLAN
14
5.2
IMPLEMENTATION
14
TOWN OF ATHABASCA - MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Page ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1:
Statutory and Regulatory Planning Documents ......................................................................................4
Figure 2:
Town of Athabasca Population History, 1971-2021 ............................................................................ 11
Figure 3:
Town of Athabasca Population Projections, 2021-2075 ..................................................................... 12
Figure 4:
Population Pyramid for the Town of Athabasca .................................................................................. 13
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1:
Town of Athabasca Population History, 1971-2021 ............................................................................. 10
Table 2:
Town of Athabasca Population Projections, 2021-2075 ....................................................................... 11
Table 3:
Highest Level of Education for Population Aged 15+ ............................................................................ 14
Table 4:
Income for All Private Households ........................................................................................................ 14
Table 5:
Housing Inventory ................................................................................................................................. 15
Table 6:
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA)................................................................................................ 17
APPENDICES
Appendix A:
Future Development Concept Map
Appendix B:
Sustainable Resource Development Recommended Environmental Setbacks
SECTION 1.0 - Introduction
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SECTION 1.0
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1.0
Introduction
SECTION 1.0 - Introduction
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1.1
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Town of Athabasca Municipal Development Plan is to serve as a road map, guiding the
community to its future destination for years to come. To provide comprehensive guidance, the Plan addresses
not only future development and infrastructure needs, but also provides policies which link the physical and
social development of the community in a way that is easy to read and understand.
Through the implementation of this Plan, the Town of Athabasca seeks to harness the optimism and creativity of
the Town Council and residents and articulate these ideas as goals and objectives for future development to
provide economically, socially and environmentally responsible lifestyle options for existing residents and the
community well into the future.
1.2
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
The Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA) gives extensive governing powers to municipalities.
The MGA requires that municipalities over the population of 3,500 adopt a Municipal Development Plan (MDP),
to outline a broad set of goals, objectives and policies about the long-term development that is desired by the
community. The main focus of the MDP is to assist Council - and the Town's approving authorities - in achieving
and maintaining orderly and efficient land use and development.
An MDP accounts for both the past and present human and physical environments. Considering where the
community has been, where it is currently and where it wants to go, enables the Town to set in place a "plan"
for how to reach its desired destination. Baseline environmental data, stakeholder interests and the socio-
perceptual concerns of the community are considered to ensure that the vision enshrined in the MDP addresses
the needs and objectives of all affected parties.
The Town of Athabasca is aware that other federal and provincial statutes will have a role to play in the future
development of the Town. In a spirit of cooperation, consultation and communication, the Town looks forward
to working with government agencies and community stakeholders in the implementation of this plan to
achieve a pattern of land use and development that is attractive, efficient and beneficial to all residents of the
municipality and the larger region.
1.3
MDP REVIEW PROCESS
In 2009, Town Council engaged residents and stakeholders in the development of a Sustainability Plan. With the
assistance of Municipal Planning Services Ltd. (MPS), Council encouraged the whole community, both as
individuals and as stakeholder groups, to consider the future of the Town from the perspectives of community
well-being, social infrastructure, environmental integrity and protection, the built environment, economic
prosperity, governance, and community co-ordination and co-operation.
The result was a comprehensive Sustainability Plan that included both strategies and implementation tools for
various objectives within those consideration parameters, together with indicators of the success for the
strategies and objectives.
One of the major recommendations within the Sustainability Plan was a review and adoption of a new MDP for
the Town that would address and provide policy to achieve the objectives of the Sustainability Plan.
In January of 2010, the Town and MPS began working on a new MDP. The Town actively solicited stakeholder
comments and provided opportunities for meaningful public input in the form of public meetings.
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At that time, the MDP included much of the vision of the Town identified by the Sustainability Plan and by the
Town's residents.
In 2024, the Town and ISL Engineering and Land Services (ISL) initiated a comprehensive MDP update to address
current community needs, reflect changes in the community and development trends, and align with recent
changes in provincial legislation. The content of this MDP is reflective of the process that was undertaken in
2010, introducing a new template, document structure, and several new and revised policy statements.
1.4
GUIDES TO THE PLAN
The Municipal Development Plan provides a broad land use, infrastructure and transportation framework for
the future development of the Town. It includes a series of goals, objectives, and policies that support the
orderly and economical development of land, encourage the development of a more balanced community, and
address the preferred characteristics of future development and the development process within the corporate
boundaries of the Town. The Plan attempts to provide for a range of housing opportunities, enhance quality of
life, and promote a strong sense of community and complete neighbourhoods. It strikes a balance between the
advantages of growth and the preservation of the small, friendly, and safe community known as Athabasca.
The broad provisions of Municipal Development Plans are often implemented through the preparation of Area
Structure Plans (ASPs) and/or Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs), both of which are Statutory Planning
documents and are subject to provisions in the Municipal Government Act. All municipal statutory plans are
required to be consistent with each other. This implies that all ASPs and ARPs conform to the Municipal
Development Plan and, if applicable, any Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs).
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Figure 1: Statutory and Regulatory Planning Documents
In addition, changes to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB), which regulates development on specific sites, and subdivision
approvals, must also be consistent with the Municipal Development Plan.
Development that does not conform to the MDP will not be approved. If a proposed development does not
comply with the MDP but is believed to be of benefit to the Town, an amendment to the Plan may be
considered by Council.
For the purposes of land use planning and development, this Plan will serve as the guiding municipal land use
planning document, and will be implemented, among other ways, through the Town of Athabasca Land Use
Bylaw.
Decision making on all subdivision and development permit applications will conform to the spirit and intent of
the goals, objectives, and policies of this Plan.
The boundaries of the land use classes described in this Plan's Future Land Use Map are approximate only and
might not follow legal surveyed boundaries. Minor adjustments or variances that may be required to land use
classes, the location of future roads, quantities or figures shall not require an amendment to this Plan. In
addition, Municipal Development Plans should be periodically reviewed to account for changing circumstances
and municipal preferences.
Regional Plans
-
Visions and desired future for the region
-
Integrated economic, environmental and social outcomes
-
Objectives /goals (quantitative, measured targets, tradeoffs and
choices)
-
Strategy/actions (both regulatory and non-regulatory)
Land Use Bylaws
-
Divides the municipality into districts
-
Permitted and discretionary uses in each district
-
Sets standards for development/permitting/subdivision design
Subdivision Control
-
Divides land into two or more parcels
-
Municipality can't take some land for municipal/school/
environmental reserve
Intermunicipal Development Plan
-
Future land use, growth, and development-related matters of joint
interest
-
Reflects new and emerging priorities in the area
Municipal Development Plan
-
Future land use
-
Transportation and services
-
Coordination with neighbours
Area Structure Plans
-
Specific pattern of land use and servicing
-
Provincial
Authority
-
Municipal
Authority
-
Private Lands
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1.5
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1.5.1 Vision Statement
Vision statements outline a community's long-term aspirations for its future. The vision statement for the Town
of Athabasca was developed in collaboration with the community to present the desired identity of Athabasca
20-30 years from now.
The Town of Athabasca is a thriving riverside community that celebrates its natural setting, rich
history, and connection to northern communities. Fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for
people of all ages and abilities, residents value quality education, cultural and recreational amenities,
and a shared sense of belonging. The Town actively attracts and retains a range of businesses and
economic opportunities, while prioritizing essential infrastructure to support responsible growth.
Athabasca is committed to protecting and sustaining the health of the environment for generations
to come.
1.5.2 Guiding Principles
The Town of Athabasca's approach for managing growth and its land base is captured within this Municipal
Development Plan. The approach comprises three philosophical principles, and three planning principles that
are embodied in the Municipal Government Act and the Provincial Land Use Policies.
Philosophical Principles
#1:
Land uses and development activities must respect and maintain the integrity of the Town's
land base, which varies throughout the Town.
#2:
Growth must be managed and directed in a compatible, equitable manner that recognizes
the diverse needs and aspirations of all Town residents.
#3:
Smart growth principles will be applied in maintaining the integrity of the land base and to
promote sustainable development to meet the needs of the current generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Planning Principles
#1:
Assess the impact of planning decisions on individuals, with regard for the purpose statement
of the planning legislation, to prevent losing sight of the rights of individual citizens and
landowners.
#2:
Establish land use patterns, including an appropriate mix of land use types, that make
efficient use of land, infrastructure, public services, and public facilities and that contribute to
the development of healthy, safe, and viable communities.
#3:
Planning activities are carried out in a fair, open, consistent, and equitable manner.
SECTION 1.0 - Introduction
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1.5.3 A New Way Forward
Traditionally, developments in Alberta have been characterized by the following features: high consumption of
land; low housing density; car dependent land use patterns that are poorly suited for walking and/or cycling;
neighbourhood designs that emphasize privacy rather than community; less efficient use of infrastructure and
higher costs for new infrastructure; single-family detached houses for a limited range of incomes and
demographics; and/or fragmented working and natural lands.
This type of development may not be compatible with best planning practices because it can result in
developments that consume the forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands that are necessary to ecosystem health
and the long-term prosperity of the Town and region. Developments with these features also have the added
disadvantage, which impacts all Town residents, of increasing infrastructure construction and maintenance
costs, and discouraging community capacity though patterns of disassociated and disconnected community
design.
The Town of Athabasca recognizes that future development within the Town should not follow this traditional
pattern to reduce some of the negative social, economic and environmental impacts that this traditional pattern
of development can create.
The Town's land management philosophy requires that the MDP consider new directions to guide the Town into
the future while still preserving its past. To achieve this balance, the Town recognizes that this MDP must
provide policies that facilitate sustainable community development and growth. Community development is
multi-faceted, encompassing not just economic imperatives, but also environmental, social and cultural
components.
Each of these components is integral to the success of the others: just as environmental stewardship can lead to
innovative economic opportunities; economic growth can lead to social and cultural development, thereby
improving people's quality of life and the overall desirability of the community as a place to live, work and to
recreate.
1.5.4 Smart Growth
To facilitate sound planning and development within the Town, the MDP champions principles of Smart Growth.
These principles emphasize the value of enhancing quality of life for residents and preserving significant natural
areas to ensure that new growth and development in the Town will be socially, fiscally and environmentally
responsible well into the future. The Smart Growth themes that are evident in this Plan include:
- Fostering an identity that is unique, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
- Nurturing engaged citizens, where community members feel comfortable participating in community life and
decision-making.
- Encouraging the redevelopment of existing urban areas through the provision of prescriptive land use
policies.
- Maximizing the use of existing infrastructure.
- Encouraging growth in existing urban areas and using investments in infrastructure (such as roads and
schools) efficiently.
- Preserving open spaces, natural beauty, and environmentally sensitive areas. Development will respect
natural landscape features and thus have higher aesthetic, environmental, and financial value.
SECTION 1.0 - Introduction
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1.6
GOALS
The Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000 provides considerable municipal discretion concerning the contents
of Municipal Development Plans. Beyond the specific requirements of the Act, the Town's Municipal
Development Plan shall be used to develop, insofar as is possible, objectives and policies that will achieve the
following goal statements:
1)
Facilitate sustainable growth and development in the Town by balancing economic growth,
environmental protection, and the preservation of recognized historic resources.
2)
Encourage economic development and renewal by supporting new and existing economic assets
within the community including traditional and regional economic drivers.
3)
Encourage growth of the Town's economic development capacity by providing opportunities for
commercial and industrial development.
4)
Encourage the development of a variety of transportation choices including safe infrastructure for
walking and cycling, in addition to driving, in urban areas and multi-lot residential areas.
5)
Maintain a high quality and cost-effective infrastructure within the Town.
6)
Encouraging the use of green buildings and other systems that can save both money and the
environment in the long run.
7)
Develop land in a cost effective and orderly manner.
8)
Maintain a physical separation between incompatible land uses.
9)
Establish sustainable and equitable land use planning standards that will minimize adverse impacts
on working landscapes1 and significant natural features for future generations without placing an
unreasonable burden on individual landowners.
10) Support Smart Growth principles for new development such as compact, efficient, serviced
subdivisions adjacent to existing serviced and developed areas.
11) Facilitate the provision of diverse housing opportunities so that people of different family types, life
stages, and income levels can afford a home in the Town.
12) Enhance existing regional and community partnerships and seek new collaborative opportunities.
13) Identify and promote significant cultural and heritage resources within the Town.
1 Working landscapes means lands that are used for agriculture, forestry or other resource industries.
SECTION 2.0 - Community Profile
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SECTION 2.0
Community Profile
SECTION 2.0
Community Profile
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2.1
REGIONAL CONTEXT
The Town of Athabasca is located 135 km north of Edmonton at the intersecting point of major transportation
routes and near the natural resources of the region.
The features of this regional setting are characterized by the following:
1)
In the past, the Athabasca Trail connected Fort Edmonton, located at the North Saskatchewan River
waterway with Athabasca Landing located at the Athabasca River. Both major water courses have
substantially contributed to the development of early settlement - both native and non-native -
even before roads and railways were built.
2)
The arrival of railways in Western Canada took place first in an easterly-westerly direction, and then
in a northward-southward direction, with extension from Edmonton to the Town of Athabasca.
3)
The steadily increasing demand for development of natural resources beyond the agricultural basis
has also been focused on the Athabasca area during the last two decades. The fact that the Town
of Athabasca is located halfway between the Wabasca area and Alberta's Industrial Heartland,
means that the community will, in the future, play an even more significant role in the growth of
this part of Alberta.
4)
The economic map of Alberta shows that, during the entire history of development of Alberta (until
recent times), most of the urban growth was concentrated in the area located south of the
Yellowhead Highway. This includes the cities of Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and Lethbridge.
Despite the continuous growth of the above urban centres, the major investments for the
expansion of the resource areas are located north of the Yellowhead Highway. Athabasca is again
located at the intersecting point of the northerly direction of this urban growth and the corridor
between Cold Lake and Peace River.
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2.2
COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS
2.2.1 Incorporation History
Athabasca Landing was incorporated as a village on May 18, 1905, and later as a Town on September 19, 1911.
On August 4, 1913, the Town of Athabasca Landing changed its name to the Town of Athabasca. Between 1901
and 2021, the community has grown from 268 to 2,759 residents.
2.2.2 Athabasca Today
Today, the Town is still a centre for agriculture, resource extraction and forestry industries. It has developed into
a major service centre for the region offering a broad range of healthcare, governmental, educational,
entertainment, and recreational and social services to residents of the community and the surrounding areas.
2.2.3 Population
Historical Population Growth
Table 1 presents Athabasca's population history according to federal census results for the 50 years prior to
2021, including percentage changes and compound annual growth rates (CAGR). Overall, the population of the
Town has increased by approximately 56% over the period between 1971 and 2021. This equals a 50-year
compound annual growth rate of 0.9%.
Table 1:
Town of Athabasca Population History, 1971-2021
Year
Original
Population
Adjusted
Population2
Percentage
Change (%)
Compound Annual
Growth Rate (%)
1971
1,765
--
13.8
2.6%
1976
1,759
1,823
-0.3
-0.1%
1981
1,731
1,737
-5.0
-1.0%
1986
1,970
--
13.4
2.5%
1991
1,965
--
-0.3
-0.1%
1996
2,313
--
17.7
3.3%
2001
2,415
--
4.4
0.9%
2006
2,575
2,580
6.6
1.3%
2011
2,990
--
15.9
3.0%
2016
2,965
--
-0.8
-0.2%
2021
2,759
--
-6.9
-1.4%
Source: Statistics Canada (1971-2021) as compiled by ISL Engineering and Land Services
Figure 2 illustrates the Town's historical population growth as presented in Table 1 above.
2 Adjusted due to municipal boundary changes that occurred between federal censuses.
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Figure 2: Town of Athabasca Population History, 1971 -2021
Source: Statistics Canada (1971-2021) as compiled by ISL Engineering and Land Services
Population Projections
Three population growth scenarios were prepared based on Athabasca's 50-year historical CAGR of 0.9%. The
low growth scenario assumes a CAGR of 0.4%, the medium (or status quo) growth scenario carries forward the
historical CAGR of 0.9%, and the high growth scenario assumes a CAGR of 1.4%; these scenarios are presented in
Table 2. In the low growth scenario, Athabasca's population is estimated to increase by 24% to 3,423 in 2075.
The medium growth scenario estimates a 62% increase to 4,476 by 2075. Under the high growth scenario,
Athabasca's population is estimated to increase by 112% to 5,845.
Table 2:
Town of Athabasca Population Projections, 2021-2075
Year
Low Growth (0.4%)
Medium Growth (0.9%)
High Growth (1.4%)
2021
2,759
2,759
2,759
2025
2,803
2,860
2,917
2030
2,860
2,991
3,127
2035
2,918
3,128
3,352
2040
2,976
3,271
3,593
2045
3,036
3,421
3,852
2050
3,098
3,578
4,129
2055
3,160
3,742
4,426
2060
3,224
3,913
4,745
2065
3,289
4,092
5,087
2070
3,355
4,280
5,453
2075
3,423
4,476
5,845
Source: ISL Engineering and Land Services
Figure 3 illustrates the projected population growth of the Town of Athabasca according to the three population
growth scenarios presented in Table 2 above.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
1971
1976
1981
1986
1991
1996
2001
2011
2016
2021
Population Count
Year
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Figure 3: Town of Athabasca Population Projections, 2021-2075
Source: ISL Engineering and Land Services
2.2.4 Demographics
Age
In 2021, the median age of Town residents was 42.8, which was slightly older than the median age of the
population for Alberta as a whole, at 40.8.
The population pyramid of Athabasca shows a smaller proportion of young people in the 0-4 age cohort
compared to the 5-9 age cohort, demonstrating that less children were born in the community in 2021 than the
five years prior.
It should also be noted that the Town has a significant proportion of older residents: 22.1% of residents are over
the age of 65.
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2045
2050
2055
2060
2065
2070
2075
Low Growth (0.4%)
Medium Growth (0.9%)
High Growth (1.4%)
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Figure 4: Population Pyramid for the Town of Athabasca
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Federal Census of Population
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
0 to 4 years
5 to 9 years
10 to 14 years
15 to 19 years
20 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years
35 to 39 years
40 to 44 years
45 to 49 years
50 to 54 years
55 to 59 years
60 to 64 years
65 to 69 years
70 to 74 years
75 to 79 years
80 to 84 years
85 years and over
Percentage
Age Cohort
Male+
Female+
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Education
The Town of Athabasca offers comprehensive educational opportunities at the elementary, secondary and adult
level. Elementary school students attend Whispering Hills Primary School (kindergarten to grade 3), Landing Trail
Intermediate School (grade 4 - grade 6), and Edwin Parr Composite High School (grade 7 - grade 12),
administered by the Aspen View Regional Division #19.
Athabasca University has an international reputation for distance education, offering several undergraduate
degree programs and credit transfer arrangements that can be made to and from other institutions. The campus
in Athabasca includes a library, archives, daycare centre, recreation area, and hosts events such as films,
seminars, workshops, and cultural activities. Athabasca is also part of the Northern Lakes College service area.
The following chart details the level of educational attainment in the Town, which provides insight into the type
of workforce present in the region. Over half of all Athabasca residents (52%) have some form of post-secondary
education.
Table 3:
Highest Level of Education for Population Aged 15+
Number of Residents
Percentage (%)
No certificate; diploma or degree
360
17.7%
High school certificate or equivalent
615
30.3%
Post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree
1,055
52.0%
Total number of residents aged 15+
2,030
100.0%
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Federal Census of Population
Income
In 2020, the median income for all private households in the Town of Athabasca was $81,000, which was lower
than the Provincial median of $96,000.
Table 4:
Income for All Private Households
Income Range
Number of Households (#)
Percentage of Total Households (#)
< $19 999
40
3.5%
$20 000 - $39 999
200
17.3%
$40 000 - $59 999
180
15.6%
$60 000 - $79 999
150
13.0%
$80 000 - $99 999
110
9.5%
> $100 000
470
40.7%
Total
1,150*
100.0%
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Federal Census of Population
*Numbers may not add up due to rounding by Statistics Canada
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Housing
In 2021, there were a total of 1,155 dwellings in the Town of Athabasca, 58.0% of which were occupied by
owners as opposed to renters. The majority of the housing inventory was made up of single-detached houses
(68.0%), followed by apartments in a building with less than 5 storeys (15.6%). The average household size was
2.3 persons, which was slightly lower than the Alberta average of 2.6. Statistics Canada estimates that 8.3% of
Athabasca residents were in core housing need3.
Table 5:
Housing Inventory
Housing Type
Number of Dwellings (#)
Percentage of Total Dwellings (%)
Single-detached houses
785
68.0%
Semi-detached houses
100
8.7%
Row houses
60
5.2%
Apartment in a flat or duplex
20
1.7%
Apartment in a building with < 5 storeys
180
15.6%
Movable dwelling
15
1.3%
Total
1,160*
100.0%
Source: Statistics Canada 2021 Federal Census of Population
*Numbers may not add up due to rounding by Statistics Canada
Economics and Employment
The economy of the Athabasca region is based on agriculture, natural gas, forestry and, more recently, tourism.
Historically, the primary economic activity of the Athabasca area was agriculture, although its importance has
decreased over time.
The area is well suited to forage production. Barley is the main grain crop, but significant acreages of wheat,
oats, and rapeseed are also grown. Beef cattle is the major livestock industry in the area, but there are also a
number of specialized dairy, sheep, swine, and beef feed lot operations.
The development of gas fields in the area has had a profound impact on the economy in more recent years. As
the demand for natural gas continues, it is expected this industry will increase in the Athabasca region, along
with the potential for the development of oil sands activity north of Athabasca.
Timber has been and continues to be a major source of employment in the Athabasca area. Currently, the major
areas are Smith, Calling Lake, and Wandering River, all in the northern portion of the Athabasca trading area. In
addition, there are many small lumber mills in the immediate area which are operated by farmers on a part-time
basis.
With an established and growing educational sector, the Town has also seen significant growth in the local
retail/service, hospitality, health care, and tourism sectors. Together, these economic sectors are responsible for
employing a large segment of the population and providing the necessary goods and services for residents and
visitors to the region that enable continued investment in the community.
3 Core housing need refers to whether a private household's housing falls below at least one of the indicator thresholds for housing
adequacy, affordability or suitability, and would have to spend 30% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of
alternative local housing that is acceptable (attains all three housing indicator thresholds).
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In 2020, the top three largest industry sectors in the Town were Retail Trade (15.2%), Educational Services
(14.4%), and Health Care and Social Assistance (14.4%), representing a combined 44.0% of employed individuals
in the labour force who are aged 15 and older.
When looking at where employed individuals in the labour force who were aged 15 and older commute to work,
Statistics Canada estimated that approximately 80.0% commuted within the Town, 12.0% commuted to another
municipality within the same census division4, 7.2% commuted elsewhere in Alberta, and 1.2% commuted to
another Canadian Province.
2.2.5 Environment
General
The Town of Athabasca is located within the Boreal forest natural region. This region consists of broad lowland
plains and extensive hill systems. The bedrock is buried deeply beneath glacial deposits and outcrops occur only
rarely along major stream valleys. More specifically the Town is located within the Boreal Plain terrestrial
ecozone. The landscape in this particular region is covered almost entirely by trees, with aspen and balsam
poplar dominating the evergreens5. Other commonly found tree types include black and white spruce and
jackpine.6 Physiographical characteristics of the area include plains and some foothills. The soil type for this
ecozone is luvisolic; moraine, and/or lacustrine.
Topography
The Town of Athabasca is located within the Athabasca River valley. Also located within the Town are the
valleys of the Tawatinaw River and the Muskeg Creek. Both water bodies join the Athabasca River within the
town boundary. The terrain generally slopes towards the Athabasca River, however within the Tawatinaw and
Muskeg valleys, the terrain slopes toward these water bodies. There are a number of intersecting drainage
channels and gullies within the Town boundary which carry runoff to Muskeg Creek and the Tawatinaw and
Athabasca Rivers, which create a complex mix of steeply sloped topography within the original Town site and to
the south. Outside these valley walls, the uplands are considerably flatter and poorly drained.
The elevation within the Town ranges from approximately 618.5 m on the south side of the Athabasca River to
571.0 m on the north side. The nominal elevation for the Athabasca River is approximately 509.0 metres, which
is the lowest point in the Town. Therefore, the total relief within the Town Limits exceeds 100 m which results in
steep slopes that create significant challenges for drainage (high velocities and potential for erosion).
Environmentally Significant Areas
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) represent important, useful and often sensitive features of the
landscape. As an integral component of sustainable development strategies, these areas provide long-term
benefits to the community and region by maintaining ecological processes and by providing useful products.
The following criteria are used by the Province to determine environmental significance.
4 Census division (CD) is the general term for provincially legislated areas of neighbouring municipalities that are joined together for the
purposes of regional planning and managing common services. The Town of Athabasca is part of CD No. 13, which also contains Westlock,
Barrhead, Onoway, Mayerthorpe, and Whitecourt, in addition to numerous villages and summer villages.
5 "The Boreal Forest Region." Retrieved from: The Boreal Forest, http://www.abheritage.ca/abnature/boreal/boreal.htm On: 18-March-2010
6 Borneuf, D. 1973. "Hydrology of the Tawatinaw Area." Research Council of Alberta Report 72-11.
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Criterion 1:
Areas that contain elements of conservation concern
Criterion 2:
Areas that contain rare or unique landforms
Criterion 3:
Areas that contain habitat for local species
Criterion 4:
Areas that contain important wildlife habitat
Criterion 5:
Riparian areas
Criterion 6:
Large natural areas
Criterion 7:
Sites of recognized significance
There are three (3) areas within the Town that are designated as ESA. They are described as ESA 692, ESA 527
and ESA 525. Information about the ESA's is depicted in the following table.
Table 6:
Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA)
Area
ESA ID #
Location
Size
Level of Significance
1
692
Generally the land adjacent to the Athabasca River
667295.3 ha
National
2
572
Tawatinaw River Valley Area
64.25 ha
Provincial
3
525
NE 7-66-22-W4 and the S½ of 7-66-22-W4
459.4 ha
Provincial
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas in Alberta are lands that are managed by the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). The
purpose of these lands and the ACA is to manage important wildlife and/or fisheries habitat resources on public
and private lands in order to conserve, protect, enhance and provide access to these habitat resources.
Conservation Areas may include lands which have been directly purchased, donated, or leased to the ACA and
lands affected by a Conservation Easement in which the ACA has an interest. All lands identified within the
Conservation Site database are available for public use, whether privately owned by the Alberta Conservation
Association or its partners, or public lands managed by ACA on behalf of the Crown7.
There are currently zero (0) recognized Conservation Areas within the Town of Athabasca.
7 "Land Management Program Agreement". Retrieved from: http://www.ab-
conservation.com/go/tasks/sites/default/assets/File/pdfs/02AboutUs/02RolesandResponsibilities/Land_Management_Program_Agreem
ent.pdf. On: 22 December 2009.
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2.2.6 Industry
Generally, the Town of Athabasca has experienced limited growth through its history, with brief exceptions due
to two key industries. The arrival of Athabasca University prompted significant business redevelopment in the
1970's but did not spur business expansion. Another notable surge occurred between 1990 and 1994, when the
Alberta Pacific (Alpac) Pulp Mill generated a 20% increase in population. Since then, growth in the community
has been modest, experiencing smaller and more sporadic commercial and industrial gains over the years.
Currently, the major factors influencing the Town's growth include the basic agricultural industry, the beautiful
community setting where the Town is located, educational and professional employment opportunities, and the
residents and visitors of the Town. Tourism is also a growing focus, seeing increased priority through projects
and investments such as the Riverfront Development Plan, TransCanada Trail development, revitalization of the
downtown core, and maintenance of heritage sites and buildings, amongst others.
To support future development, the Town must prioritize long-term planning, including servicing industrial and
commercial lots and maintaining affordable housing. These elements are critical to undertake the necessary
preparations for successful long-term economic development.
2.2.7 Services
The information below summarizes the current municipal servicing systems within the Town.
Waterworks System
The Town of Athabasca's water system consists of:
- Reservoirs and Pumphouses (3)
- Rupert Reservoir and Pumphouse
- Cornwall Reservoir and Pumphouse
- University Reservoir and Pumphouse
- Water Distribution System which consists of five pressure zones
Raw water is drawn from the Athabasca River and is transported to a raw water wet well located at the water
treatment plant.
The Town of Athabasca purchases water from the Athabasca Regional Water Services Commission, who
operates a water treatment plan in Athabasca.
Sanitary Sewer System
The Town's existing sanitary sewer system consists of:
- A collection system that is comprised primarily of 200 mm laterals, and trunk mains that range in size from
200 mm to 675 mm in diameter. The system is divided into two major catchments, one serviced by a lift
station, and the other by a trunk sewer main. The majority of the Town flows toward the existing lift station
and is transported to the sewage lagoon by a 200 mm diameter forcemain
- One forcemain and two lift stations
- An aerated lagoon comprised of three cells. Based on the existing Wastewater Approval, the cells consist of
the following:
o One complete mix cell (2 days retention time)
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o One partial mix cell, mechanically aerated cell (25 days retention time)
o One storage cell (5 days retention time)
The Master Services Plan prepared in 2007 indicates that some upgrading of this system will be required to meet
provincial requirements. More recently, the 2016 Infrastructure Study (Tagish Engineering Ltd.) identifies
available capacities and timelines for future development for each of the trunk mains.
Stormwater Management System
The function of the storm drainage system is to collect surface-water runoff generated in an urban area, and to
convey it safely to a receiving water course in a manner that minimizes the disruption to land uses and impacts
to the environment. The Town's storm water management system includes the "minor" drainage system, a
network of pipes, manholes, and catchbasins that carries most of the runoff from streets and other surfaces to
the receiving stream, and the "major" drainage system, which consists of the street surfaces, ditches, and swales
that carry the excess runoff beyond the capacity of the minor system, in a major storm event. In conjunction
with the conveyance system, stormwater management facilities (storage ponds) are generally used in most
modern stormwater drainage systems to control the rate of flow and to minimize the potential downstream
impacts.
The developed areas within the Town boundary rely primarily on surface drainage facilities (roadways and paved
surfaces, drainage swales, and culverts), which discharge into nearby ditches and drainage channels that
eventually flow to the Athabasca River.
Sections of storm sewer exist in the following areas:
- Cornwall Place Subdivision
- Hees Estates Subdivision
- Downtown Athabasca
- 41 Avenue between 53 and 54 Streets
- Athabasca University contains a private storm sewer system which drains to a stormwater management
pond on the University grounds, and then to Muskeg Creek.
Transportation
A proposed roadway network system was prepared in 2007 as part of the Town's Master Services Plan. As
development plans for these areas are finalized and area structure plans are developed, detailed traffic impact
assessments should be completed to ensure that the collector road network will not exceed capacity. More
recently, the 2016 Infrastructure Study (Tagish Engineering Ltd.) indicates that a definite grid of minor arterial
and local collector roads should be planned for to avoid future congestion as the community grows.
A traffic impact assessment should be completed for each development area as development plans are finalized.
These studies should address the development area as a whole and evaluate the impact of each stage of
development. In addition, these studies should examine the long-term impacts to the existing roadway network
and intersections and include consideration for intersection spacing and access management.
Natural Gas
Apex Utilities and Fortis Alberta provide gas and power services to Town residents.
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Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste Management Services are provided by the Athabasca Regional Waste Management Services
Commission. Residential waste is collected at the curbside every week. While the collection of solid waste from
commercial and industrial properties is the responsibility of the land owner. All solid waste is taken to a regional
transfer station where it is collected and taken to the regional landfill.
The Town also provides a recycling service that is contracted through Athabasca Regional Waste Management
Services.
SECTION 3.0
POLICIES
SECTION 3.0
Policies
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3.1
LAND USE
3.1.1 General
1)
The Town will encourage development to conform to the Future Land Use Concept (Appendix A)
and the policies within this Plan.
2)
The Town will encourage and engage private developers to participate in residential, commercial
industrial, and institutional development.
3)
The Town will actively seek out industries and businesses that could locate in the Town.
4)
The Town will encourage the expansion and diversification of existing commercial and industrial
uses, where appropriate.
5)
The Town will require preparation of an area structure plan prior to approving any new
development within future residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional areas when the
development proposes:
(a)
Significant changes to the land uses identified in the Future Development Concept; or
(b)
New municipal infrastructure or significant upgrades to existing municipal infrastructure (i.e.,
roads, water, wastewater, or stormwater management).
6)
The Town may require preparation of an area structure plan to address potential cumulative
impacts on current or future land uses.
7)
The Town may require preparation of an area redevelopment plan prior to approving
redevelopment that proposes significant changes to the planned scale, intensity, or density of an
existing neighbourhood.
8)
The Town will establish a terms of reference for area structure plans, area redevelopment plans,
outline plans/development concepts, and other studies or assessments that may be required by the
Town, in addition to submission requirements for land development applications and amendments.
9)
The Town will require development applications for lands with an overarching statutory plan (i.e.,
area structure plan or area redevelopment plan) to comply with the intent of the plan, as
applicable.
10) The Town will discourage successive subdivision applications or stages until the majority of lots in
previous stages have been issued development permits, unless otherwise deemed appropriate by
the Town.
11) The Town will discourage development of land that is separated from developed areas (i.e.,
"leapfrog" development) to mitigate costs associated with unfeasible servicing connections.
-
Allocate sufficient land for future residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and
parks and open space uses
-
Collaborate with interested parties to invest in and grow the Town
-
Approve comprehensive land use plans that provide necessary information to make
informed land development decisions
-
Preserve historically significant built features and cultural landscapes and viewscapes
-
Celebrate important historic resources and community heritage
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12) Notwithstanding Policy 8 above, the Town may consider development proposals adjacent to
existing approved plans when:
(a)
servicing connections exist and are available on the site or at a property line adjacent to the
site;
(b)
adequate capacity exists to service proposed development in a manner that is consistent
with the Town's Master Services Plan; and
(c)
where it is demonstrated that the overall development pattern is complementary with
adjacent land uses and infrastructure.
13) The Town will implement appropriate recommendations from provincial and regional plans to
support and protect agricultural land and operations from premature fragmentation and
conversion.
14) The Town will discourage further subdivision of fragmented parcels, unless the fragmentation was
caused by public roadways, railways, rivers, or creeks.
15) If a fragmented parcel is in a remote location that has legal access to a public roadway, but that
roadway is undeveloped or substandard and therefore requires construction or extensive
upgrading, the municipality may refuse an application to further subdivide that parcel if:
(a)
in the opinion of the municipality, the construction and maintenance of the roadway would
be premature to serve a greater or long-term public interest; and
(b)
the municipality shall maintain the roadway on completion of its construction or upgrading.
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3.1.2 Residential
1)
The Town will direct residential development to areas designated "Residential" on the Future Land
Use Concept.
2)
The Town will encourage rehabilitation of older, structurally sound housing units, where feasible.
3)
The Town will encourage development of innovative housing including new building forms, design,
and construction techniques.
4)
The Town will encourage a diverse housing mix within existing, developing, and newly planned
neighbourhoods.
5)
In cooperation with developers and other government agencies, the Town will aim to provide:
(a)
a range of dwelling and lot sizes;
(b)
a variety of housing types;
(c)
an adequate supply of rental units;
(d)
social housing to meet special housing needs in the community; and
(e)
affordable non-market housing to meet the needs of the community.
6)
The Town will require the preparation and approval of an Area Structure Plan or Outline
Plan/Development Concept prior to approving new residential neighbourhoods. Costs associated
with preparing new plans or amendments to existing plans, and costs incurred by the Town to
review applications for new plans and amendments of existing plans are the responsibility of the
applicant.
7)
The Town will encourage a range of housing types and compatible housing types to be sited
adjacent to one another.
8)
The Town will require the development of multi-ways or coordinated walkway and bikeway
systems in new residential areas, linking them to recreation areas and facilities where appropriate.
The rights-of-way for these multi-ways shall be provided at the time of subdivision.
9)
The Town will encourage subdivision and site planning techniques in residential areas to use
building forms, landscaping features, etc., to reduce noise from railways and major roadways,
enhance neighbourhood security, and provide visual privacy.
10) The Town will encourage an overall residential density of approximately 30 persons per net
residential hectare for new residential developments but may consider a higher density threshold
in specific circumstances.
11) The Town will encourage all new or amended residential area structure plans to have a residential
housing mix of 80% low and medium density residential and 20% high density residential. The Town
may approve a larger percentage of high density residential if the applicant can demonstrate the
following:
(a)
that the development can be serviced in a manner that is consistent with the Town's Master
Services Plan;
-
Provide sufficient land to meet future residential and housing needs
-
Achieve an appropriate mix of housing types and styles
-
Develop orderly and efficient residential neighbourhoods that foster community pride
-
Minimize costs associated with residential development
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(b)
that the overall development pattern is complementary to adjacent land uses and
infrastructure;
(c)
that the development will provide a percentage of social and/or affordable housing; and
(d)
that the development will provide a higher percentage of public amenity areas, including but
not limited to, park areas, multi-ways, recreation amenities and/or public art.
12) The Town will encourage high-density sites to be located adjacent to arterial or collector roads.
13) The Town may require new residential developments to provide buffers from potential negative
impacts of adjacent land uses.
14) The Town will encourage a residential density of up to 50 units per net residential hectare for
medium density ground-oriented residential development.
15) The Town will encourage a residential density of up to 100 units per net residential hectare for high
density residential developments. The Town may more than 100 dwelling units if the developer can
demonstrate the following(a)that the development can be serviced in a manner that is consistent
with the Town's Master Services Plan;
(a)
that the overall development pattern is complementary to adjacent land uses and
infrastructure;
(b)
that the development will provide a percentage of social and/or affordable housing; and
(c)
that the development will provide a higher percentage of public amenity areas, including but
not limited to, park areas, multi-ways, recreation amenities and/or public art.
16) The Town will encourage medium density ground-oriented residential development in new
neighbourhoods to increase the diversity of housing types. Medium density residential sites should
be spread throughout multiple neighbourhoods rather than being concentrated in a single area.
17) The Town will encourage low density residential sites to incorporate design features that foster
quiet, low traffic areas, and encourage network connectivity through the use of sidewalks and
multi-ways.
18) The Town will consider the design and development of complete neighbourhoods as part of the
evaluation criteria for all new multi-lot residential developments.
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3.1.3 Commercial
1)
The Town will direct commercial development to areas designated "Commercial" on the Future
Land Use Concept.
2)
The Town will collaborate with local business groups to promote the municipality as an optimal
place to live and establish business.
3)
The Town will encourage employers and employees to use modes of active transportation and
alternative parking areas to allow customers better access to retail frontages and service outlets.
4)
The Town will consider the need to buffer potential negative impacts of Highway Commercial
development from adjacent uses.
5)
The Town will encourage rehabilitation of commercial buildings, which may involve structural
repairs, cleaning, painting, or installing decorative features such as awnings, canopies, or shutters,
or installing street furniture such as benches and planters.
6)
The Town may consider commercial uses and developments in residential neighbourhoods when
they are compatible with residential uses.
-
Provide an adequate supply of competitively priced commercial land to achieve the
Town's commercial development potential
-
Encourage local and regional commercial growth
-
The Town will encourage a balanced land use strategy that sees commercial development
within the downtown, along the highway, and low intensity commercial uses in
neighbourhoods
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3.1.4 Industrial
1)
The Town will direct industrial development to areas designated "Industrial" on the Future Land
Use Concept.
2)
The Town will prohibit non-industrial uses from being developed within industrial land use districts,
except for those allowed in the Land Use Bylaw.
3)
The Town will prohibit heavy industrial development within the Town's boundary.
4)
The Town will encourage concentrated industrial growth to generate a compact land use pattern
that enables efficient, logical, and sustainable use and extension of municipal servicing.
5)
The Town will require future industrial developments to be connected to a paved road network.
New industrial developments should have quick and direct links to truck routes and highways,
where possible.
6)
The Town may encourage the gradual relocation of existing industrial uses to the industrial area.
-
Provide an adequate supply of competitively priced industrial land to achieve the Town's
industrial development potential
-
Encourage local and regional industrial growth
-
Prioritize the site design and visual appearance of industrial development to be
compatible with surrounding land uses
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3.1.5 Institutional
1)
The Town will direct the development of recreation facilities and institutional uses (e.g., schools,
health care facilities, arenas, etc.). to areas designated "Institutional" on the Future Land Use
Concept.
2)
The Town will encourage and promote the development of tourist facilities.
3)
The Town will collaborate with area tourism groups, municipal neighbours, and tourism zones to
promote local and regional tourism connections and opportunities.
4)
The Town will consult with regional partners and affected school boards to identify school
requirements related to the allocation of Municipal Reserve land.
5)
The Town may require proposed subdivisions and developments in significant cultural landscapes
to preserve recognized, historically significant viewscapes.
6)
The Town will encourage the utilization and/or development of cultural, historic, and recreational
resources to promote tourism, where appropriate.
7)
The Town will encourage effective maintenance of public and quasi-public facilities through annual
assessments and necessary works, subject to annual budgets.
8)
The Town will encourage the use of historic resources to promote tourism, where appropriate.
9)
The Town will support the activities of community clubs, sports clubs, cultural and heritage
societies, churches, schools, individuals, etc. through funding, policy development, and facility
development.
10) The Town may require Heritage Resource Impact Assessments to be included with proposed
subdivision and development applications in locations where the proposal may impact significant
cultural landscapes.
11) The Town will require all recreation areas and facilities to have clearly defined accesses that are
visible and easily accessible by the public.
12) The Town will complete a community recreation needs assessment to identify potential future
recreation facilities, amenities and services within the community.
13) The Town will encourage subdivision and development for recreational purposes to address the
following design principles:
(a)
the density of development shall be directly related to the development capability of the
land resource;
(b)
the design shall be directly related to the site's topography, vegetation, soil, and drainage
characteristics. In this regard, the development proposal shall include a detailed analysis of
the environmental constraints of the site and the means by which the proposal will protect
and harmonize with the natural environment;
-
Provide adequate public and quasi-public facilities to meet the Town's needs
-
Provide access to small- and large-scale recreation opportunities throughout the
community
-
Minimize costs associated with recreational amenities and developments
-
Maximize the use of existing recreational amenities and facilities
-
Plan for the Town's future recreational and tourism needs
-
Collaborate with partners to encourage local and regional tourism
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(c)
the design shall protect wildlife habitat; and
(d)
the design shall protect, maintain and re-establish (where necessary) vegetative cover, and
maximize the quality of the natural features.
14) The Town will encourage development of a multi-use recreation areas in the centre of new
neighbourhoods, preferably adjacent to a school site and within proximity to the majority of
residential dwellings.
15) The Town will encourage development of attractive, highly accessible, well-maintained recreation
areas and facilities that offer adequate space for activities, convenience for users, and variety in
terms of size, location, natural features and development potential.
16) The Town will encourage optimal utilization of recreation areas and facilities.
17) The Town may require applicants of a proposed recreational facility or amenity to identify all
municipal costs associated with the development. The assignment of these costs shall be included
in an agreement to be entered into as a condition of subdivision approval or the issuance of a
development permit. Normally, however, all development servicing costs associated with the
development will be carried by the proponent.
18) The Town will continue to support development of a network of recreation areas at various scales
including facilities for community-wide use, neighbourhood use, and for pre-schoolers (e.g., tot
lots).
19) During the term of this MDP, growth in the SE- 19-66-22 W4 and NE 18-66-22-W4 will be generally
limited to Athabasca University, University related development, and recreational uses only.
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3.1.6 Parks and Open Space
1)
The Town will direct development of parks and open spaces, including recreational amenities, to
areas designated "Parks and Open Space" on the Future Land Use Concept.
2)
The Town may require subdivision applicants to provide 10% of developable land as Municipal
Reserve in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
3)
The Town may require Municipal Reserve land as an open space buffer of sufficient size and
composition to provide a visual and noise barrier between disparate land uses.
4)
The Town will encourage Municipal Reserve dedication to be:
(a)
concentrated to establish larger parcels on suitable sites rather than smaller sites scattered
throughout subdivisions; and
(b)
evaluated and inventoried with the aim of making the most efficient use of the reserve land
5)
The Town will encourage landscaping and tree planting to make recreation areas more attractive.
6)
The Town may require cash-in-lieu of reserve land if the proposed land is too small or in an
unfavourable location for the Town's recreational purposes. Cash-in-lieu shall be used in
accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
7)
The Town may consider disposing of existing Municipal Reserve land, subject to Council review of
the applicability and effect of such disposition on surrounding land uses, and the area's recreational
potential.
8)
The Town will encourage integration of powerlines and pipeline rights-of-way in future
developments as parts of the open space network including multi-way paths or buffers to
incompatible land uses, where appropriate.
9)
The Town may encourage local service clubs and citizen groups to participate in the process of
planning new parks and open spaces.
-
Provide sufficient land to meet future recreation and open space needs
-
Provide an active multi-way network that connects the Town's amenities and
neighbourhoods and provides the Town with an additional recreation facility
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3.1.7 Downtown
1)
The Town will direct and encourage development of local commercial uses, mixed use, and high
density residential to areas within the "Downtown Area Overlay" on the Future Land Use Concept.
2)
The Town will promote an attractive streetscape in the Downtown area by providing plazas, street
furniture and landscaped areas, where possible.
3)
The Town consider the creation of incentive programs, such as a Façade Improvement Program, to
encourage Downtown revitalization.
4)
The Town will encourage conversion of existing dwellings in the Downtown area to commercial
uses.
5)
The Town will conduct a vacant land inventory for the downtown area, and will encourage the
development of these lands in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw.
6)
The Town will encourage development of vacant lands in the Downtown area in accordance with
the Land Use Bylaw.
7)
The Town will support development and expansion of the Downtown by prioritizing opportunities
in the following order:
(a)
Development of vacant lots and/or redevelopment of commercial properties and buildings.
(b)
Development of vacant lots and/or redevelopment of commercial and non-conforming uses
located in existing commercial districts adjacent to the downtown.
(c)
Redevelopment of residential land located near the downtown.
8)
The Town will encourage the development of an attractive pedestrian environment within the
Downtown area which may involve:
(a)
Removing obstructions to pedestrian flow,
(b)
Considering restaurant and café patios.
(c)
Providing sufficient sidewalk widths with decorative materials such as brick or stone, and
clearly marking pedestrian crosswalks,
(d)
Developing pedway corridors between streets in the downtown core,
(e)
Encouraging businesses to provide rear or side entrances to offer access to employee and
customer parking areas.
9)
The Town will require proposed subdivisions and developments in the Downtown area to protect
built heritage and enhance the historic significance and character of significant cultural landscapes
including: heritage buildings, parks, and viewscapes.
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Establish an attractive and vibrant downtown that provides a mix of land uses and
transportation options
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3.2
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
3.2.1 General
1)
The Town will review and update the Future Development Concept map on an as needed basis to
remain reflective of community needs.
2)
The Town will continue to encourage development of Athabasca as an important regional
commercial/human service centre for agricultural and natural resource industries in northern
Alberta.
3)
The Town will only encourage future development in areas that are both reasonable and
economically feasible for development.
4)
The Town will require future development to be based on achievable standards that are within the
financial capabilities of the community.
5)
The Town will encourage the use of building materials, textures, colour, landscaping, and signs to
enhance the appearance of Town entrances, including areas along Primary Highways 2 and 55.
6)
The Town will encourage the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to work with various community
groups to sponsor an awareness of crime in Athabasca and adopt a preventive attitude among
Town residents.
7)
The Town may use architectural controls in major developments to promote an aesthetically
appealing built environment.
8)
The Town may limit development of the lands north of the Athabasca River until servicing
requirements and costs have been identified.
9)
The Town will prepare and maintain an inventory of historic structures within the community.
10) The Town will encourage the retention and preservation of historic structures and may develop a
funding program to provide financial assistance to maintain historic structures.
3.2.2 Municipal Services
1)
The Town will collaborate with regional partners and appropriate provincial agencies to provide
effective protective and emergency services.
2)
The Town will continue to work with federal and provincial agencies to assess the level of municipal
protective/emergency services including fire protection, ambulance, and health services.
3)
The Town will continue to encourage and support the volunteer fire department through
collaboration at regular meetings between Administration and Council, completing regular needs
assessments, and considering fundraising and grant opportunities.
4)
The Town will explore opportunities to collaborate with provincial agencies, not-for-profit groups,
and organizations to provide affordable, efficient, diverse, and accessible social and healthcare
services to meet the needs of the community and surrounding region.
-
Maintain a current understanding of growth, development, and land use needs
-
Adequately maintain, upgrade, and expand municipal services
-
Strengthen the social and cultural identity of the community
-
Provide, support, and promote a diverse range of cultural opportunities and initiatives
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3.2.3 Social and Cultural Wellbeing
1)
The Town shall emphasize its connection to northern communities, natural resource availability,
and riverside location as core identity attributes.
2)
The Town will encourage the expansion of social services as needs arise.
3)
The Town will support efforts to preserve and protect historic and cultural resources.
4)
The Town shall promote community awareness about the importance and value of heritage
conservation.
5)
The Town will continue to support improvements and upgrades to existing cultural facilities,
including but not limited to the library, museum, archives, and other cultural facilities.
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3.3
ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1 General
1)
The Town will encourage significant environmental features to be preserved in their natural state.
2)
The Town will require the preservation of existing vegetation in future subdivisions and
developments that contain significant cultural landscapes.
3)
The Town will encourage the retention of significant tree stands on Town owned land and privately
owned land.
4)
The Town will encourage flood plain and flood prone areas to be kept in their natural state or be
used for extensive agricultural uses, where applicable.
5)
The Town will establish environmental quality targets to inform future development.
6)
The Town may require an environmental assessment or evaluation for proposed developments that
could have an impact on an identified natural or environmentally sensitive feature.
7)
The Town may require additional reserve land dedication and/or setbacks based on the
recommendations of engineering and/or geotechnical studies requested by the Town.
8)
The Town may consider or require dedication of land as Conservation Reserve as an alternative to
Environmental Reserve in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.
9)
The Town may consider proposals to designate future conservation areas.
10) Where Environmental Reserve Lands are not necessary to provide public access to the feature, the
Town shall, at the time of subdivision, consider the option of an Environmental Reserve Easement
as provided for in the Municipal Government Act.
11) The Town may require developers to submit a Cumulative Effects Assessment with proposed
subdivision and development applications.
3.3.2 Development Constraints
1)
The Town may require subdivision and development applications near water bodies and
watercourses to prepare an engineering and/or geotechnical study to determine an adequate
setback based on soil conditions and slope stability.
2)
The Town will discourage development in areas characterized by wetlands, swamps, muskeg, or
saturated soils, and in valleys, ravines, or seasonal draws.
3)
The Town will prohibit development on slopes in excess of 15%, or on slopes that are subject to
slippage or mass movement.
4)
Where development is permitted within a flood prone or flood plain area, the developer shall take
mitigative measures required by the Town.
-
Preserve significant ecological sites and environmental features
-
Prohibit development in areas with critical development constraints
-
Discourage fragmentation of working landscapes
-
Prioritize awareness and resiliency in response to climate impacts
-
Facilitate sustainable design and development practices including the utilization of
alternative energy sources
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5)
The Town may allow development on sandy or unstable soil if erosion control are measures are
implemented.
6)
The Town will prohibit development on soils that have extremely fast percolation rates and/or
might result in the possibility of groundwater contamination.
7)
The Town will limit new development on municipal lands within flood areas to recreational uses.
8)
The Town will prohibit development within or adjacent to important wildlife habitat areas.
9)
Unless unique site requirements determine otherwise, the Town will require development
proposals to conform to the Alberta Environment Land Conservation Guidelines pertaining to
setback requirements from valley breaks, ravines, and watercourses.
10) The Town will require Environmental Reserve dedication of not less than 30 m (98 ft) in width from
the high water mark of water bodies and/or the top of bank of lakes and rivers as a condition of
subdivision approval. Notwithstanding the above, the Town may consider reducing the setback if
the applicant provides a Geotechnical Assessment prepared by a qualified, registered professional
engineer. In the event where subdivision approval is not required, the Town will require a
comparable setback of 30 m (98 ft) from the high water mark of any large water body and/or the
top of bank of the large water body to the wall of the nearest building as a condition of
development approval. Figure 3 illustrates the recommended water buffer adjacent to a large
waterway.
11) The Town will prohibit the location of permanent structures within the 1:100 year flood plain of any
river, stream, or lake shore, unless proper flood proofing techniques are applied. The Town will
require a certificate from a qualified, registered professional engineer to confirm that the
development has been properly flood proofed.
3.3.3 Climate Readiness and Resilience
1)
The Town will continue to progress initiatives that increase local and regional climate readiness.
2)
The Town shall identify and promote funding opportunities that support climate resilience and
emergency preparedness.
3)
The Town shall encourage consideration and incorporation of FireSmart principles into land use and
development processes.
4)
The Town may support urban agriculture best practices to provide opportunities for local food
production.
5)
The Town may consider incorporating a lens of climate resilience into its long-term decision-making
processes.
3.3.4 Energy
1)
The Town will encourage the use of small alternative energy systems as a green alternative to
traditional forms of electricity generation.
2)
The Town will encourage building design that minimizes energy loss.
3)
The Town will encourage orienting buildings to maximize passive solar energy, natural shade, and
windbreaks.
4)
The Town will encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and materials.
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3.4
INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICING
3.4.1 General
1)
The Town will require the phasing and staging of future development to promote contiguous
development and the orderly extension of roadways and municipal services.
2)
The Town will encourage future development to be serviced efficiently in accordance with the
Town's Master Services Plan.
3)
The Town will encourage the location of linear transportation and utility facilities to:
(a)
follow road allowances, wherever feasible;
(b)
use corridors to integrate multiple utilities; and
(c)
minimize disruption of recreation, wildlife, and historic resources.
4)
The Town will require all developments to retain stormwater on-site and discharge at a post-
development rate that does not exceed pre-development release rates.
5)
The Town shall not permit premature installation of municipal services that would adversely affect
the desired sequence of development. Utility systems shall be upgraded and expanded in
accordance with the Town's long-term utility servicing plans.
6)
Wherever possible, the Town will encourage all new service connections (power, telephone, etc.) to
be underground, as per the Town's Design and Engineering Standards.
7)
Upon receipt of inquiries and applications from utility agencies, the Town will encourage high
voltage power lines and high pressure pipelines to be located away from residential areas.
8)
The Town will encourage new facilities to accommodate multiple devices. If co-location is not
feasible, clustering of wireless communication facilities is preferred.
9)
The Town will encourage and support opportunities to improve internet access throughout the
community.
10) The Town will encourage wireless communication facilities to consider planning and design
concepts that result in the lowest impact on the natural environment, and the least visual impact
on nearby residents.
11) The Town will encourage applicants of wireless communication facilities to solicit comment on their
proposal through public consultation activities prior to application submission.
12) The Town will consult with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regarding proposed developments in
the vicinity of sour gas facilities and will refer applications for subdivision and development of land
to the AER in accordance with the Subdivision and Development Regulation.
-
Provide for the safe, orderly, and efficient development of utility corridors
-
Prevent conflicts between utility facilities and other land uses
-
Support regional collaboration in the provision, operation, and maintenance of critical
infrastructure services
-
Complete proper upkeep and maintenance of existing infrastructure services
-
Complete necessary upgrades or extensions to support future growth and development
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3.4.2 Transportation and Mobility
1)
The Town will explore opportunities to enhance the appearance and safety of public roadways,
including development of a street design guideline/right of way cross section.
2)
The Town may develop a truck route and/or a ring road to enable heavy truck traffic to bypass
parts of the Town.
3)
The Town may consider traffic calming techniques to manage traffic flow and speed and enhance
pedestrian safety. Traffic calming includes curb extensions to reduce vehicle turning speeds and at
mid-block pedestrian crossings to reduce pedestrian crossing widths.
4)
The Town will support the development of multi-ways (combination bicycle and pedestrian
pathways) to enhance connectivity and recreation opportunities.
5)
The Town will limit direct access onto arterial roads from adjacent properties to limit disruptions to
high volume traffic routes.
6)
The Town will encourage development of a network of arterial and collector roadways in
accordance with the Town's Master Services Plan by requiring:
(a)
the transportation system to complement future land use proposals;
(b)
a hierarchy of roadways comprising the network shown on the Future Land Use Concept to
achieve efficient traffic movement in and through the Town, while encouraging active
transportation, multi-way networks and connectivity;
(c)
the system to minimize unwarranted heavy volumes of traffic in sensitive areas (through
traffic should be reduced as much as possible from the Downtown, residential areas and
major recreation and institutional areas); and
(d)
the elements of the transportation system themselves to be mutually complementary.
7)
The Town will aim to protect sufficient land for future arterial road rights-of-way by requiring
dedication of rights-of-way during the subdivision process and from encroachment by other uses.
8)
The Town will encourage multi-way development that protects adjacent landowners from potential
negative impacts through the careful regulation of recreational use of the rights-of-way
9)
The Town will actively pursue opportunities for roadway maintenance, including repairs and snow
removal, based on need and available budget.
3.4.3 Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater
1)
The Town will collaborate with other municipalities and/or the provincial government for the
planning, development, and operation of water treatment and sanitary waste facilities.
2)
The Town will explore opportunities to increase capacity of the water and sewer system when
warranted by increased population and/or use.
3)
The Town will require sufficient quantity and quality of groundwater to support proposed
developments. Development will be prohibited in areas without an adequate potable water source.
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3.5
LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE
3.5.1 Advocacy
1)
The Town will explore opportunities to secure provincial and federal funds for major infrastructure
and facility upgrades, housing provision, and planning activities.
2)
The Town will advocate and seek assistance from other levels of government in promoting
affordable housing projects, and local commercial and industrial development opportunities.
3)
The Town will encourage developers to facilitate tourism development and may assist in accessing
government funding programs to develop new, or upgrade existing, tourism attractions.
3.5.2 Monitoring and Review
1)
The Town will complete regular MDP reviews at least once every five years.
2)
The Town will consider reviewing the MDP when:
(a)
changes in economic, social or technical developments occur,
(b)
a new Council is elected, or
(c)
a major amendment to the plan is proposed.
3)
When considering a new MDP or substantial amendments to the existing MDP, the Town will notify
and actively consult with the public and neighbouring municipalities and give consideration to
matters raised by impacted or interested parties.
-
Engage in cooperative and collaborative communication with municipal, regional, and
provincial partners
-
Complete regular reviews and amendments so that municipal statutory and regulatory
plans and documents remain consistent and current
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SECTION 4.0
Future Development Concept
SECTION 4.0
Future Development
Concept
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4.1
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
A Future Development Concept (Appendix A) has been prepared for the Town based on the review of the
previous planning exercises and an analysis of identified challenges and trends.
It contains a conceptual future land use pattern and transportation network for the community to direct future
growth. It represents a broad expression of land use policy that is not intended to be used as a precise
description of proposed land uses related to specific parcels of land. The Future Development Concept is to be
used alongside the goals, objectives, and policies of the Plan.
The Future Development Concept reinforces the general pattern of development currently found within the
Town, while ultimately facilitating a more compact community with more balanced land uses. Downtown will
continue to be promoted as a focus for commercial and community development. Areas are shown for the
development of industrial uses, which are physically and functionally separated from existing and future
residential areas. It supports and enables continued protection of significant natural areas for open space and
low intensity recreational development. In addition to the downtown area, it emphasizes the Athabasca Landing
site and the Athabasca University site as focal points for community, educational, and recreational
development.
4.1.1 Land Use Classifications
The Land Use Classifications shown on the Future Development Concept are defined as follows:
Residential refers to that area of the Town currently used for predominantly residential purposes. Residential
also refers to that area to be developed for predominantly low density housing, and some medium and high
density housing in selected locations at a scale and density compatible with the neighbourhood.
Commercial refers to that area containing primary and secondary commercial uses and compatible office,
residential, institutional and recreational uses. The Commercial area includes that area surrounding the
downtown core containing mainly vacant lots, older single family residences and non-conforming uses, which
may be suitable to accommodate downtown expansion on a limited and site specific basis.
Compatible highway or secondary commercial uses that would benefit from exposure along highway areas and
that are visually attractive in appearance could also be considered within this area. Compatible recreational,
park and institutional uses that cannot be reasonably accommodated elsewhere in the community may also be
considered.
Industrial refers to existing and future industrial development that does not:
(a)
consume a large volume of water or produce high quantities of effluent or waste;
(b)
discharge toxic or noxious by-products into the air or groundwater system; or
(c)
adversely impact adjacent properties through extreme noise, traffic or emissions.
Parks and Open Space refers to that area intended for low intensity park, recreation or community
development and/or to be preserved in its natural state.
Institutional refers to existing and future community facilities such as municipal buildings, schools, Athabasca
University, community and/or heath services.
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Public Utility refers to existing and future public utilities such as water treatment facilities, waste transfer
stations and sewage lagoons.
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SECTION 5.0
PLAN ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 5.0
Plan Administration
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5.1
AUTHORITY OF THE PLAN
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A., 2000, this Plan shall be adopted by the Town of Athabasca,
as the Town of Athabasca Municipal Development Plan. Subdivision, development, and re-development of lands
within the Town of Athabasca by the municipality and the general public shall be in accordance with the
provisions of this Plan. Council shall encourage the Federal and Provincial governments to have regard for the
provisions of this Plan in the development and re-development of crown lands, and in the formulation and
implementation of Federal and Provincial policies and programs, within the Town of Athabasca.
5.2
IMPLEMENTATION
Planning is a continuous process and it is important that the MDP is regularly monitored, reviewed, and updated
to address community needs. The Municipal Government Act outlines the procedure for amending statutory
plans like the MDP. When reviewing proposed amendments, Council must confirm that proposed changes align
with the vision and goals of the plan.
When a new or amended MDP takes effect, the Town will update the Land Use Bylaw, as necessary, to conform
to this Plan.
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River
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Muskeg Cr
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39 Ave
46a Ave
53 St
Wood Heights Rd
49 Ave
47 St
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HWY 813
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0
250
500
750
1,000
125
m
Town Boundary
Parcel
Downtown Area Overlay
Commercial (C)
Industrial (M)
Institutional (I)
Public Utility (PU)
Residential (R)
Park and Open Space (P)
River
Stream
Future Industrial
Future Park and Open
Space
Future Residential
Municipal
Development
Plan
Future Development
Concept Map
¯
Scale: 1:32,500
Spatial Reference
Name: NAD 1983 10TM AEP Resource
Path: M:\16765_Athabasca_MDP_LUB\25_GIS\251_Figures\Athabasca_MDP_LUB\Athabasca_MDP_LUB.aprx
Date: 8/1/2025
Appendix B
Sustainable Resource Development Recommended Environmental Setbacks (2007)
APPENDIX B -