This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot cc75dfb0403d · verified 2026-06-08 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Beaver County
ii
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Table of Contents
1.0
INTERPRETATION
3
2.0
VISION AND GOALS
7
3.0
AGRICULTURE
11
4.0
COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
17
5.0
RESOURCE EXTRACTION
25
6.0
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
29
7.0
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
35
8.0
WILDLIFE
39
9.0
RECREATION AND GREEN SPACES
43
10.0
HISTORICAL RESOURCES
47
11.0
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
51
12.0
LANDFILL AND COMPOSTING
55
13.0
TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES
59
14.0
TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS
65
15.0
RENEWABLE ENERGY
69
16.0
INTERMUNICIPAL COLLABORATION AND GOVERNANCE
73
17.0
CROWN LANDS
77
18.0
PLAN ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
81
19.0
GLOSSARY
89
Beaver County
ii
MAPS
Map #1
Development Plan Area
Map #1A
Country Residential Area
Map #1B
Tofield Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Map #1C
Ryley Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Map #1D
Holden Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Map #1E
Viking Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Map #1F
Strathcona County Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Map #2
Special Status Wildlife Area
Map #3
Town of Tofield CFO Restriction Area
Map #4
Village of Ryley CFO Restriction Area
Map #5
Village of Holden CFO Restriction Area
Map #6
Hamlet of Bruce CFO Restriction Area
Map #7
Town of Viking CFO Restriction Area
Map #8
Hamlet of Kinsella CFO Restriction Area
Map #9
Black Nugget Lake CFO Restriction Area
Map #10
Camp Lake CFO Restriction Area
Map #11
South Country Residential CFO Restriction Area
Map #12
Beaverhill Lake CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
3
Beaver County
1.0
Interpretation
The structure of this Plan is such that each Section follows a topic, and each topic has desired objectives and
policy directions to achieve the objectives and ultimately the overall vision and goals. This structure works best
when the document is interpreted in a holistic manner where each of the policies are viewed in the context of
one another rather than separately. Generally, the objectives - and ultimately the vision and goals - of this Plan
are more likely to be achieved by addressing the complete set of policy directions.
This Plan contains the operative words "shall", "must", "will", "should", and "may". The interpretation of these
words is outlined below:
"Shall", "Must", or "Will" - indicates that actions are mandatory.
"Should" - indicates direction to strive to achieve the outlined action but is not mandatory.
"May" - is discretionary, meaning the policy in question can be enforced if the County chooses to do so.
This is typically dependent on context and individual circumstances.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
4
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
7
Beaver County
2.0
Vision and Goals
Vision
The goal of Beaver County is to conserve and enhance the County's agricultural and rural character while
encouraging environmentally sound, sustainable economic development.
The County foresees agriculture and agricultural services as major economic forces in the community. The
conservation of agricultural land and measures designed to assist the continuation of agricultural activities will
remain a priority in most of the County.
Although the Council of Beaver County regards agricultural land as an important asset, they recognize the need
to promote economic diversification so that all residents are able to enjoy optimum working and living standards.
This economic diversification must be environmentally sound and compatible with the rural character of the
County.
In the west end of the County, where the agricultural capability of land is limited and where country residential
development predominates, the County will allow residential development that can be harmonized with the
unique environmental sensitivities of the area, including wetlands.
Goals
»
Conservation of agricultural land and encouragement of diversity in the agricultural and the
agricultural service sectors;
»
Preservation of wildlife habitats and environmentally sensitive areas; and
»
Provision of the infrastructure necessary to encourage sustainable, environmentally sound economic
development.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
8
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
11
Beaver County
3.0
Agriculture
Statement of Intent
Agriculture and providing services to the agricultural community are regarded as important land use activities
in Beaver County. Therefore, it is essential that this Plan's intent and policies be directed towards promoting
the long-term future of agriculture by protecting the land base and providing an environment that will benefit
the agricultural community and economy. In order to achieve this, agriculture is viewed as a priority use when
affected by competing land uses in most of the County.
Objectives
»
To support agriculture as an integral and viable component of the regional economy and rural social
structure;
»
To protect agricultural land from unreasonable encroachment;
»
To minimize conflicts between agricultural and non-agricultural land users;
»
To encourage the rational diversification and intensification of agricultural activities;
»
To minimize the negative impacts of agricultural activities by encouraging good stewardship of the
land; and,
»
To support innovative agricultural-related activities and the development of value-added agricultural
uses in the County, in a managed way to reduce their impacts on adjoining lands.
Policies
3.1
Map 1 shows those lands that are designated Agricultural to which the objectives and policies of this
Section shall apply.
3.2
The County should conserve the Agricultural Area for agricultural and agricultural-related uses while
enabling the development of secondary products related to agricultural production.
3.3
The County shall maintain that the primary use of the Agricultural Area is for extensive and intensive
agricultural uses and confined feeding operations involving the production of feed grains, cereal
grains, forage crops, specialty crops, livestock, and other animals on a commercial basis. Other uses
which, in the opinion of Council, do not unduly affect present or future agricultural pursuits may also
be allowed on a permitted or discretionary basis provided that the development will not adversely
affect the agricultural community.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
12
Beaver County
3.4
Notwithstanding Policy 3.3, the County may allow for non agricultural uses to be located on
agricultural lands if those uses aide in the economic diversification of the County without adversely
impacting surrounding land uses and does not include multi-lot Country Residential development.
3.5
The County should encourage opportunities for agricultural diversity that support rural economic
diversity, provide agri-tourism, and promote the growth of value-added agricultural industries.
3.6
The County should limit the subdivision of land which is currently involved in agricultural uses. It is the
intent of Council to maintain a minimum agricultural parcel size that enables productive agriculture to
occur on the lands. The exceptions to this policy is outlined in the following:
a.
The County shall not permit more than two (2) subdivisions for country residential uses, a
farmstead, or a fragmentation in order to preserve agricultural land and the potential for the
agricultural use of land. The exception to this policy is where the lands are naturally fragmented
resulting in an area unable to be used for productive farming purposes.
b.
The County shall exclude land subdivided for school sites, community halls, religious
assemblies, small scale utilities, and cemeteries from the maximum number of subdivisions
permitted in a quarter section on agricultural land.
3.7
The County shall work with utility operators, the Provincial Government, and developers to plan their
developments in a manner that minimizes the fragmentation of agricultural land.
3.8
The Natural Resources Conservation Board and approval officers appointed by that Board have
jurisdiction over certain confined feeding operations and manure storage facilities in that they require
an authorization, registration, or an approval under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act. The
County shall require that all such confined feeding operations and manure storage facilities fully
satisfy all the requirements and regulations adopted under that Act, specifically the minimum distance
separation requirements and the land base requirements.
3.9
Having acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Natural Resources Conservation Board ("NRCB") over
certain confined feeding operations and manure storage facilities the following policies shall apply:
a.
In an effort to achieve orderly and effective development within Beaver County, the County
shall notify adjacent landowners of the proposed CFO, as calculated from the centre of the
proposed CFO parcel using the minimum distance separation (MDS) requirements provided
through regulation adopted under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act. In the event a
quarter section of land is not fully within the notification area or has been subdivided, the
notification area will include all land within that quarter section.
b.
The County shall notify the landowner/applicant of the CFO and the NRCB of any recent
developments within the twelve (12) month period prior to the CFO application date, as
determined by the NRCB, in the vicinity of the proposed CFO, as calculated from the centre
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
13
Beaver County
of the proposed CFO parcel using the minimum distance separation (MDS) requirements
provided through regulation adopted under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act.
c.
The County shall recognize its responsibility and inherent right to effectively plan the location
of confined feeding operations and manure storage facilities to avoid conflicting land uses
within the County. In addition to the minimum distance separation (MDS) requirements
provided through regulation adopted under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, the
County shall not allow confined feeding operations requiring registrations or approvals and
manure storage facilities requiring authorizations under that Act within areas of potential
conflict, such as hamlets, villages, towns, or natural areas including areas such as Beaverhill
Lake. Restriction areas are outlined in Maps 3-12 of this Plan.
3.10
The County shall not allow confined feeding operations or manure storage facilities requiring an
approval, registration, or authorization under the Agricultural Operations Practices Act, where multi-
lot country residential subdivisions predominate, specifically, on the south side of Highway 14 and
west of Range Road 201, as outlined in Map 11 of this Plan.
3.11
The County shall recognize its responsibility to effectively manage road infrastructure in relation to
the location of a confined feeding operation and/or manure storage facility The County shall maintain
its right to require that as a condition of the granting of an approval, registration or authorization, the
applicant enter into an agreement with the County to do any or all of the following:
a.
To construct or pay for the construction of a road required to give access to the development;
and/or
b.
To maintain or pay for the maintenance of any and all municipal roads that service the
development, to the most reasonable extent possible, taking into consideration all other traffic
using the road(s).
3.12
In addition to other applicable criteria, the County shall consider the minimum distance separation
formula in the review of non-farm proposals which are in close proximity to existing confined feeding
operations.
3.13
Notwithstanding the restriction areas as outlined in policy 3.8 above, the County may grant a reduced
setback to confined feeding operations and/or manure storage facilities within the restriction areas,
provided the confined feeding operation and/or manure storage facility meet a separation distance
equivalent to no less than a 99% annoyance-free frequency, as calculated by the Odour from
Feedlots Setback Estimation Tool.
3.14
Notwithstanding the establishment of CFO restriction areas as outlined in policy 3.9 c. above, the
County may allow confined feeding operations, and seasonal feeding and bedding sites, as defined
by the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, that existed on January 1, 2002, to expand. The County
shall limit expansion to a size not exceeding the maximum number of animals for operations requiring
a registration under the Act. In the case of manure storage facilities that existed on January 1, 2002,
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
14
Beaver County
the County may allow expansion, but only to the extent required for an agricultural operation, the
expansion of a confined feeding operation or seasonal feeding and bedding site, or to achieve longer-
term storage requirements for an existing confined feeding operation. The County shall require all
expansions under this Section to meet all other requirements of this Plan, the County's Land Use
Bylaw, the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, and any other applicable legislation.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
17
Beaver County
4.0
Country Residential Development
Statement of Intent
Beaver County has experienced a substantial amount of country residential development, particularly in the
west end of the County. This has the potential to impact existing and future land use, and the social, economic,
and environmental welfare of the County.
The Plan encourages country residential living as one of the "lifestyles" in the County, in an organized and
controlled fashion. The intent of this Plan is to allow country residential development in such a manner as to
limit the removal of higher capability agricultural land, emphasize the residential use and development of land,
and not cause unacceptable adverse effects on the agricultural economy and community, or the natural
environment.
In addition, the Plan recognizes the Beaver Hills Moraine for its significant and sensitive environmental features.
While country residential development will be allowed in this area, environmental sensitivities will be a higher
priority and development will take into consideration the conservation, protection, and restoration of natural
areas, including wetlands.
Objectives
»
To establish the residential use of land as primary to other uses;
»
To provide lifestyle options and development opportunities for current and future residents;
»
To retain the character, amenities, and quality of life aspects of existing country residential
subdivisions;
»
To ensure that country residential development conforms with environmental and public health
guidelines and regulations, and considers environmental sensitivities;
»
To avoid conflicts between agricultural and non-agricultural land uses;
»
To restrict development in areas which are susceptible to flooding or groundwater contamination;
»
To encourage construction of housing in existing subdivided areas, before allowing extensive
additional multi-lot country residential subdivisions; and
»
To minimize the costs of providing municipal and utility services to country residential lots.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
18
Beaver County
Policies
4.1
Country residential development shall occur in those areas designated on Map 1A and will require
that new multi-lot country residential subdivisions that contain more than three (3) lots to prepare an
Area Structure Plan.
4.2
Any multi-lot country residential development that does not fall within Map 1A shall require an
amendment to this Plan.
4.3
The County shall require the developer of a proposed subdivision for country residential purposes to
enter into a development agreement with the County wherein the developer agrees to be responsible
for all the costs associated with the subdivision, including infrastructure, servicing improvements, and
offsite levies.
4.4
The County shall require that infrastructure needed to support country residential development be
carried out by the developer. Where the infrastructure results in other parties benefitting, the County
may establish a deferred payment structure or off-site levy system for recapturing the costs.
4.5
The County shall require documentation from relevant agencies confirming that the development can
adequately provide water and wastewater services that will form a condition of approval for the
country residential development.
4.6
The County shall require developments to demonstrate the management of stormwater on the site to
avoid adversely affecting adjoining properties or receiving environments.
4.7
The County should direct country residential subdivisions to be located in proximity to gas, electrical,
and telephone lines which have existing spare capacity to sustain the additional usage.
4.8
The County shall require subdivisions to have direct access to graded and graveled, oiled, or paved
roads.
4.9
The County shall require country residential development to comply with policies regarding the
preservation of environmentally sensitive areas and critical wildlife habitat, resource extraction,
recreation, and historical and archaeological features.
4.10
The County shall not approve the subdivision of land for country residential use in areas which do not
have an existing school bus service or areas where a school bus service cannot be easily extended
as determined by the local school authorities.
4.11
The County shall allow agriculture and agriculture-related uses in portions of the County designated
as multi-lot country residential subdivisions where the land has yet to be developed. However, a wider
range of non-agricultural uses may occur, and agriculture will not be the primary use and may be
somewhat controlled.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
19
Beaver County
4.12
The County shall limit the subdivision of lots in the Ministik Buffer Area and Moraine Residential Area
(refer to Map 1A) based on the importance of the agricultural land, carrying capacity, and/or
sensitivity of the natural environment. The County shall outline these lot limitations in the County's
Land Use Bylaw.
4.13
The development of multi-lot subdivisions within the following areas shall seek to preserve existing
vegetation and trees that exist on the lands through registering covenants delineating those areas
that shall not be disturbed:
a.
the Beaverhill Lake Land Use Plan;
b.
the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area;
c.
the Ministik Bird Sanctuary; and
d.
the Beaver Hills Moraine.
Multi-Lot Country Residential Subdivisions
Location of Multi-Lot Residential Subdivisions
4.14
The County shall only allow multi-lot country residential development in the area identified on Map
1A.
4.15
The County shall designate the area within 2.4 km (1.5 mi) on the Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary
as the Ministik Buffer Area, as outlined on Map 1A.
4.16
The County shall designate the area within the Country Residential area and outside the Ministik
Buffer Area as the Moraine Residential Area, as outlined on Map 1A.
4.17
The County may allow the further subdivision of country residential parcels located in the Country
Residential area if the subdivision application meets the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. A
Conceptual Scheme and bio-physical assessment may be required at the discretion of the County.
The bio-physical assessment shall be prepared by a registered professional.
4.18
Notwithstanding policy 4.14 above, the County may encourage multi-lot country residential
development in proximity to urban centres, as identified in the applicable Intermunicipal Development
Plans.
4.19
The County shall require that, in conjunction with the subdivision of the fourth parcel out of a quarter
section in the Ministik Buffer Area, as outlined on Map 1A, all four (4) parcels in the quarter section
will be redistricted to Country Residential.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
20
Beaver County
4.20
The County shall exclude land subdivided for school sites, community halls, religious assemblies,
small scale utilities, and cemeteries from the maximum number of subdivisions permitted for the
purposes of defining a multi-lot subdivision.
Density of Development
4.21
The density of development shall be directly related to the development capability of the land
resources, such as potable water supply, topography, vegetation, soil, drainage, and capacity for
sewage disposal. In this regard, notwithstanding policy 4.19 above, in the Moraine Residential Area
the maximum number of lots may be less than eight (8) lots and in the Ministik Buffer Area the
maximum number of lots may be less than four (4) lots per quarter section if limited by the carrying
capacity of the land, or to conserve environmentally sensitive areas.
4.22
The County shall limit the subdivision of lots in the Ministik Buffer Area and Moraine Residential Area
(refer to Map 1A) based on the importance of the agricultural land, carrying capacity, and/or
sensitivity of the natural environment. The County shall outline these lot limitations in the County's
Land Use Bylaw
4.23
Subject to policy 4.22:
a.
In the Ministik Buffer Area, subdivision shall be limited to a maximum of four (4) lots per quarter
section;
b.
In the Moraine Residential Area, subdivision shall be limited to a maximum of eight (8) lots per
quarter section.
4.24
If a quarter section has already been subdivided into less than the maximum number of lots allowed
for the Area, the maximum number of lots that will be considered in a subsequent subdivision
application shall be prorated in relation to the number of parcels in the quarter section at the time of
the subdivision application.
Example 1:
If a quarter section in the Moraine Residential Area has already been subdivided into
two (2) eighty-acre parcels, each eighty-acre parcel will be limited to a maximum of
three (3) lots plus the remnant.
Example 2:
If a quarter section in the Moraine Residential Area has already been subdivided into
four (4) forty-acre parcels, each forty-acre parcel will be limited to a maximum of one
(1) lot plus the remnant.
4.25
The County shall exclude land subdivided for school sites, community halls, religious assemblies,
small scale utilities, and cemeteries from the maximum number of subdivisions permitted for the
purposes of determining density of development.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
21
Beaver County
Single Lot Separations for County Residential Use
4.26
The County may allow single lot separation for country residential uses in the Agricultural Area in the
following situations:
a.
A maximum of two (2) single lots for a country residential use and/or for a farmstead may be
permitted per quarter section. Where a lot is created by the fragmentation caused by road,
railroad, natural ravine, or watercourse, the lot shall be included in the total parcel count within
a quarter section. Where a new road, railroad, natural ravine, or watercourse results in
fragmentation, the County may provide an exemption that allows for more than two (2) single
lots on the portion of the land.
b.
Land subdivided for school sites, community halls, religious assemblies, small scale utilities,
and cemeteries, shall be excluded from the total parcel count within a quarter section.
4.27
Notwithstanding policy 4.26 above, in order to preserve agricultural land and the potential and options
for the agricultural use of all privately-held land within the County, where a quarter section has already
been subdivided into three (3) or more titled parcels (excluding school sites, community halls,
religious assemblies, and cemeteries), no further country residential or farmstead subdivisions shall
be permitted within that quarter section.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
22
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
25
Beaver County
5.0
Resource Extraction
Statement of Intent
Sand and gravel, coal, oil, and gas are important non-renewable resources in Beaver County. In order to benefit
the County's and the region's economy, these resources must be protected and extracted efficiently, but not
at the risk of irreparably damaging the local agricultural community or the natural environment. Therefore, it is
the intent of this Plan to encourage the utilization of extractive resources in areas of least detrimental impact
and to reclaim the land for other productive uses.
Objectives
»
To encourage appropriate resource extraction industries;
»
To minimize conflicts between resource extraction industry and existing or future land uses;
»
To minimize municipal servicing costs due to resource development; and,
»
To enable land disturbed by resource extraction to be reclaimed to an equal level or higher than the
land's original agricultural capability.
Policies
5.1
The County should conduct research to identify gravel deposits within the County to better
understand where gravel extraction may occur and the potential impact on agricultural lands and
communities.
5.2
The County may require all resource extraction industries, unless exempted by Provincial or Federal
legislation, to enter into a development agreement with the County.
5.3
The County, where possible, should require resource extraction industries or activities to be located
on lower capability agricultural lands.
5.4
The County should encourage the gravel extraction industry to fully exploit a gravel deposit prior to
opening up new gravel deposits that would result in the removal of agricultural land.
5.5
The County shall require, as part of approval of an aggregate operation, the development of a
remediation plan following the completion of the resource extraction.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
26
Beaver County
5.6
The County shall require the developer of a gas or oil well site to obtain approval from the County
regarding the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of access roads, and be required to enter
into a road use agreement.
5.7
The County should encourage the AER and the oil and gas industry to remediate abandoned well
sites and pipelines.
5.8
The County shall refer any Area Structure Plan, outline plan or concept plan to AER and/or the
Canada Energy Regulator when applicable and the operator(s) of the infrastructure for input and
feedback.
5.9
The County shall recognize the importance of safe planning around sour gas pipelines and facilities
and the role of the AER in regulating sour gas facilities located within the County.
5.10
The County shall ensure all subdivision and development applications which are located within 1.5
km of a sour gas facility are referred to the AER and the operator of the infrastructure, or other
setbacks as required by legislation.
5.11
The County shall recognize that in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, a license, permit,
approval, or other authorization granted by the AER shall prevail over any bylaw or land use decision
rendered by Beaver County.
5.12
The County shall not approve any subdivision or development if the setback distance is less than the
setbacks outlined by the AER, and in accordance with the Subdivision and Development Regulation,
unless the County receives written approval for a lesser setback distance from the AER.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
29
Beaver County
6.0
Industrial Development
Statement of Intent
Beaver County has a substantial economic base in the agricultural, sand and gravel, and petroleum industrial
sectors as well as potential for future coal extraction industries. The continuation and expansion of this base is
limited due to a finite land base and the non-renewable nature of the mining and petroleum resource sector. In
order to ensure a strong long-term economic base for the County, this Plan supports the intention to diversify
the economy to complement the agriculture and natural resources bases. It is the intent of this Plan to
encourage development of manufacturing and servicing. This Plan recognizes the need for site-specific
industrial developments, while encouraging the clustering together of compatible industrial uses in rural
industrial parks.
Objectives
»
To encourage appropriate industrial development in environmentally suitable locations;
»
To support existing industries and encourage a diverse range of new industries to locate in the County
to create a more resilient local economy;
»
To support agri-value industries;
»
To minimize conflicts between industry and existing or future land uses; and,
»
To keep infrastructure and processing costs low to assist in attracting and retaining industrial
development.
Policies
6.1
Industrial development shall occur in those areas designated on Map 1. Any future industrial
development outside of those areas shall require an amendment to this Plan to redesignate the lands
for industrial uses.
6.2
The County may allow agri-value industries in the Agricultural Area.
6.3
The County shall encourage the establishment of industrial parks in the County.
6.4
The County shall encourage, support, and promote industrial growth where in alignment with the
objectives and policies of this Plan.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
30
Beaver County
6.5
The County shall encourage industries to locate on lower capability agricultural land wherever
possible.
6.6
The County shall encourage industries to avoid locating in areas of critical wildlife habitat wherever
possible.
6.7
The County shall not support the development of industries that require urban services from other
jurisdictions except where a joint development/servicing agreement between the County and an
adjacent urban municipality has been finalized.
6.8
The County shall require that industrial subdivision and development which, in the opinion of Council,
could have a significant impact on the community and environment, be controlled by County Council
through the process of a Land Use Bylaw amendment to a specific district in the Land Use Bylaw.
6.9
The County may permit small-scale industrial uses in the hamlets of Kinsella and Bruce only if they
require limited services.
Site Considerations
6.10
The County shall encourage industrial development to locate on land that is physically suited for
industrial use, considering factors such as soil, drainage, slopes, and the availability of necessary
services.
6.11
The County shall require developments to demonstrate the management of stormwater on the site to
avoid adversely affecting adjoining properties or receiving environments.
6.12
The County shall not allow industrial land to be located in areas where the use is likely to subject
residences, hospitals, schools, or other sensitive land uses to adverse impacts arising from the
industrial use.
6.13
The County shall require an appropriate buffer to be located between industries and other existing
and future land uses in order to mitigate potential adverse impacts arising from the use. An
assessment of the potential uses should be completed prior to designating or redistricting lands for
industrial use.
Economic Considerations
6.14
The County shall require the proponent of any new industrial development or expansion of such
development to identify any costs associated with providing new services and upgrading existing
services made necessary by the proposed development.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
31
Beaver County
6.15
The County shall require that the apportionment of costs associated with any new industrial
development or expansion of such development be negotiated by the County and be settled within a
development agreement which shall be a condition of subdivision or development approval.
6.16
The County shall require that infrastructure needed to support industrial development be carried out
by the developer. Where the infrastructure results in other parties benefitting, the County may
establish a deferred payment structure or off-site levy.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
32
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
35
Beaver County
7.0
Commercial Development
Statement of Intent
The intent of this Plan is to accommodate commercial facilities, primarily adjacent to the highway and secondary
road systems and within established hamlets, in order to meet the needs of the agricultural community, of local
residents, and of the highway traveling public. No commercial development will unduly affect the standard of
safety or convenience, or the functional integrity of any highway or road. This Plan also recognizes that specific
commercial uses may require unique site locations in order to serve the rural community.
Objectives
»
To encourage appropriate commercial development in environmentally suitable locations;
»
To minimize conflicts between commercial development and existing or future land uses; and,
»
To keep infrastructure and processing costs low to assist in attracting and retaining commercial
development.
Policies
7.1
Commercial development shall occur in those areas designated on Map 1. Any future commercial
development outside of those areas shall require an amendment to this Plan to redesignate the lands
for commercial uses.
7.2
The County may allow small-scale Highway Commercial uses and General Commercial uses in the
Agricultural Area where they do not result in the fragmentation of agricultural land.
7.3
The County shall regulate commercial subdivision and development which, in the opinion of Council,
could have a significant impact on the community and environment, through the Land Use Bylaw.
7.4
The County may allow small-scale commercial uses in the hamlets of Kinsella and Bruce only if they
require limited services.
7.5
The County shall consider uses established near primary highways or secondary roads which provide
services for the highway travelling public to be highway commercial uses.
7.6
The County shall consider uses which primarily serve the agricultural and hamlet population to be
general commercial uses.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
36
Beaver County
7.7
The County should encourage general commercial uses to develop in hamlets and existing areas of
general commercial use, unless it can be demonstrated that there is justifiable reason and need for
such uses in another location.
7.8
The County shall encourage commercial uses to locate on lower capability agricultural land wherever
possible.
7.9
The County shall encourage commercial uses to avoid locating in environmentally sensitive areas
and/or where critical wildlife habitat exists.
7.10
The County shall require that infrastructure needed to support commercial development will be
carried out by the developer. Where the infrastructure results in other parties benefitting, the County
may establish a deferred payment structure or off-site levy.
7.11
The County shall require developments to demonstrate the management of stormwater on the site to
avoid adversely affecting adjoining properties or receiving environments.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
39
Beaver County
8.0
Wildlife
Statement of Intent
Beaver County is fortunate to possess wildlife resources that are not only significant at a local scale but also at
an international scale. The most prominent wildlife habitat areas have already been recognized, such as the
Ministik Bird Sanctuary, the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area, and
Beaverhill Lake. In these areas, wildlife and their habitat are protected through provincial legislation and special
land use controls which are outside of the County's jurisdiction. It is the intent of this Plan to protect, manage
and reclaim, where necessary, areas that are considered important wildlife areas.
The Beaver Hills Moraine, while not officially protected by Federal or Provincial legislation, is an important
natural area in the west end of the County where country residential development predominates. Due to the
Moraine's significance for wildlife habitat, this Plan will encourage the preservation of the area's unique
environmental features when considering residential development proposals.
Objectives
»
To conserve and protect land containing important wildlife habitat areas;
»
To ensure the continuation of wildlife as a contributor to the character as well as the recreation-
tourism potential of the County;
»
To develop and protect the natural beauty and attraction of water bodies and water courses in such
a manner that the resource is conserved; and
»
To prevent, where possible, conflicts between wildlife and other land uses.
Policies
8.1
The County shall support and work collaboratively with various levels of government, private
enterprise, landowners, and other agencies endeavoring to accomplish wise wildlife management.
8.2
The County shall recognize the following special status wildlife areas and programs:
a.
the Beaverhill Lake Land Use Plan;
b.
the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area;
c.
the Ministik Bird Sanctuary; and
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
40
Beaver County
d.
the Beaver Hills Moraine.
The special status wildlife areas are designated on Map 2.
8.3
Where a development has the potential to have an adverse impact on special wildlife areas, the
County shall require an Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") to be completed as part of the
application.
8.4
Development of lands within areas outlined in policy 8.2 above shall seek to preserve existing
vegetation and trees that exist at the time of development.
8.5
The County should refer developments proposed for areas which, in the opinion of the County,
contain important wildlife habitat for recommendations from appropriate Provincial agencies
regarding the potential impact of the development on the habitat. The County should consider and
implement any recommendations received where possible.
8.6
Confined feeding operations shall not be located within special wildlife areas.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
43
Beaver County
9.0
Recreation and Green Spaces
Statement of Intent
As the demand for recreational land for both public and private use continues to increase, so does the need for
planned recreational facilities and areas. The intent of this Plan is to recognize and encourage local recreational
uses based on the capabilities of an area to sustain intensive or extensive development. Recreation
development shall be located in areas where it does not unduly affect the agricultural and industrial economy
and community, or components of the natural environment, including wetlands.
Objectives
»
To ensure that the recreational resources for future generations are not jeopardized through
premature and incomplete development; and
»
To conserve land with a high capability for supporting outdoor recreational activities.
Policies
9.1
The County shall take the full amount (ten (10%) percent) of Municipal Reserves owing as a result of
subdivision, in accordance with Provincial legislation.
9.2
The County shall take money-in-lieu for the purpose of acquiring and developing desirable recreation
areas within the County where it is deemed that Municipal Reserve land is not necessary for the
community of the area being subdivided. Exceptions to this requirement shall be as outlined in the
Municipal Government Act regarding Municipal Reserves.
9.3
Notwithstanding policies 9.1 and 9.2,
a.
The County shall evaluate subdivision proposals in the Agricultural Area (within the Country
Residential Area) that would result in the creation of three (3) or more titles in a quarter section
for consideration of reserve land or other land dedications, or cash-in-lieu payments.
b.
The County shall exclude land subdivided for school sites, community halls, religious
assemblies, small scale utilities, and cemeteries from the maximum number of subdivisions
that will be evaluated for consideration of land dedications or cash-in-lieu payments.
c.
The County shall evaluate only multi-lot country residential subdivisions, as defined in Section
16 of this Plan in the Agricultural Area (outside the Country Residential Area) for consideration
of reserve land or other land dedications, or cash-in-lieu payments, in accordance with
Provincial legislation.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
44
Beaver County
9.4
The County shall allocate reserves for school lands between the County and school authorities
operating within the County in accordance with the mutual needs of the County and the school
authorities and any agreements that may be entered into between the two.
9.5
The County shall review, prior to disposing of any Municipal Reserve, the applicability and effect of
such disposition on surrounding land uses and the area's recreational potential.
9.6
The County shall require an open space buffer of sufficient size and composition to act as a noise
and visual barrier between intensive recreation use areas and other land uses where a recreational
use may generate noise impacts that adversely impact the community.
9.7
The County shall require that subdivision and development for recreational purposes be in
accordance with the following design principles:
a.
The County shall require that the density of development is directly related to the development
capability of the land resource;
b.
The County shall require that the design of the site is related to the site's topography,
vegetation, soil, and drainage characteristics;
c.
The County shall require that the design of the site protects wildlife habitat; and
d.
The County shall require that the design of the site maximizes the quality of the natural features
and protects, maintains, and re-establishes tree cover, where necessary.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
47
Beaver County
10.0 Historical Resources
Statement of Intent
As far back as possibly 8000 B.C. a number of cultures and phases of human settlement have been associated
with the Beaver County area. Therefore, a significant number of historic sites and artifacts could remain. It is
important that these non-renewable resources be recovered, protected, or recorded to provide educational
and interpretive opportunities for present and future residents.
Objectives
»
To avoid unnecessary disturbances of all historic resources and to preserve the most important
resources wherever technically possible.
Policies
10.1
The County should require, as part of an application for an Area Structure Plan, development permit,
or subdivision, a heritage clearance certificate from the Province.
10.2
The County shall require a historical resource impact assessment if the Province identifies potential
historical remnants relating to the lands.
10.3
Any identified historical remnants shall be required to comply with all applicable legislation.
10.4
The County shall require the developer to be responsible for conducting studies and providing
mitigative measures in areas where the proposal would either destroy or alter an historic resource.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
48
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
51
Beaver County
11.0 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Statement of Intent
Beaver County has a rich natural environment comprised of the Beaver Hills Moraine, as identified on Map 1A
(also known as the Cooking Lake Moraine), lakes, and wetlands. These areas are becoming increasingly critical
as groundwater storage areas, wind breaks preventing erosion, storage areas for surface waters, reservoir
areas in times of flood, and habitats for wildlife.
Therefore, it is the intent of this Plan to ensure environmentally sensitive areas are not jeopardized by land use
and development.
Objectives
»
To conserve lands and sites containing important wildlife habitat and unique flora;
»
To minimize conflicts between non-compatible land uses and environmentally sensitive areas,
including the Beaver Hills Moraine as identified on Map 1A; and
»
To restrict development in areas which are susceptible to flooding or groundwater contamination, or
which would affect groundwater flow.
Policies
11.1
The County shall avoid disturbance and development of environmentally sensitive areas unless
unique site requirements determine otherwise.
11.2
The County shall encourage development proposals to conform with the Alberta Environment Land
Conservation guidelines regarding setback requirements from valley breaks, ravines, and
watercourses, unless unique site requirements determine otherwise.
11.3
The County should establish buffer/non-disturbance areas between development and
environmentally sensitive areas.
11.4
The County shall not allow development on lands which have characteristics hazardous to
development, or in areas characterized by inherent physical characteristics which pose severe
limitations to development.
11.5
The County shall require the developer of any development within an environmentally sensitive area
to ensure all mandatory permits and approvals necessary for development within these areas have
been obtained from the appropriate regulatory bodies prior to the start of the development.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
52
Beaver County
11.6
The County shall consult with the appropriate Provincial agencies and any other agencies deemed
appropriate prior to approving any development proposals which have the potential to affect
environmentally sensitive areas.
11.7
The County shall not allow alterations to the bed and shores of water bodies within the County to be
undertaken without the necessary authorization and/or permits in accordance with Provincial
legislation.
11.8
The County shall permit subdivision or development proposals only when it can be proven to the
satisfaction of the County that the proposed subdivision or development will not adversely affect those
characteristics of the resources vital to habitat and species maintenance.
11.9
The County shall require that subdivision or development proposals are designed to minimize the
disturbance of treed areas and alterations to site topography.
11.10
The County shall support stormwater management that uses existing or created naturalized systems,
subject to meeting Provincial legislation.
11.11
The County shall encourage the use of conservation/environmental easements, environmental or
municipal reserves, or environmental reserve easements in order to protect environmentally sensitive
areas.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
55
Beaver County
12.0 Landfill and Composting
Statement of Intent
The intent of this Plan is to provide for long range planning with respect to the location and operation of landfills
within the County, whether of a regional or provincial nature. It is desired that suitable areas within the County
be predesignated at a time when the population density surrounding the location is amenable to this type of
development, so as to allow for the establishment of a buffer zone among competing uses. This Plan also
recognizes that the management of waste can no longer be handled on a short-term basis and the
establishment of sophisticated and environmentally friendly landfills are a necessity for the future preservation
of our environment, the cost of which require long term commitments from the municipality and surrounding
residents.
Objectives
»
To deal with long-range waste management needs;
»
To promote waste management facilities of the highest quality for the purpose of preserving our
environment and providing the greatest quality of life for neighbouring properties;
»
To minimize the conflict with adjacent land uses; and
»
To promote the environmental, orderly, and economic disposal of waste.
Policies
12.1
The County shall locate landfills in those areas designated on Map 1. Any future landfill development
outside of those areas shall require an amendment to this Plan to redesignate the lands.
12.2
The County shall require the Provincial operating authority's approval of an application for a landfill
prior to a decision being made on the development application.
12.3
The County shall encourage the development and use of state-of-the-art landfill techniques, including
the recycling of useable materials and the environmental disposition of agricultural waste, where
possible.
12.4
The County shall allow the development of a Class II and/or Class III landfill or a regional composting
facility only after all required Provincial approvals have been received.
12.5
The County may allow the development of a Class I landfill only after all required Provincial approvals
have been received.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
56
Beaver County
12.6
The County shall notify adjacent landowners of the development of any permitted or discretionary
use within those areas designated for landfills on Map 1.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
59
Beaver County
13.0 Transportation and Utilities
Statement of Intent
The development of transportation and utility systems can have a significant impact on land use change within
the County. However, certain types of transportation and utility development are beyond the direct control of
the local municipality. The intent of the objectives and policies of this Section is to provide policies which
encourage compatible, economic, and efficient service and utility related development.
Objectives
»
To minimize any negative impacts associated with the development of linear transportation,
communication, or utility facilities and services;
»
To enable the necessary facilities, utilities, or services associated with land use and development are
provided and in place when required;
»
To allow land use and development in the vicinity of existing or proposed transportation,
communication or utility facilities/services, as long as it does not interfere with their operation,
upgrading or future expansion; and,
»
To provide municipal services and utilities in an economical and efficient manner that is reflective of
need, environmental constraints, land use considerations and existing infrastructure.
Policies
13.1
The County shall encourage the location of transportation and utility lines and facilities in a manner
which:
a.
encourages the integration of transportation routes and utility lines within defined corridors;
b.
discourages the creation of fragmented parcels of land between rights-of-way; and
c.
minimizes the impacts on recreational, environmentally sensitive, historical, or wildlife resource
areas.
13.2
The County shall require, where proposed transportation and utility lines and facilities have the
potential to unduly affect adjacent lands or land uses, buffering as deemed appropriate to minimize
any negative impacts as a condition of development of the line or facility.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
60
Beaver County
13.3
The County may require future subdivision or development proposals adjacent to transportation and
utility lines and facilities to provide such buffering as deemed appropriate.
13.4
The County shall encourage new major transportation and utility rights-of-way to avoid existing
designated country residential areas and areas designated for country residential expansion. Where
such lines are required to locate in close proximity to country residential areas, they should be
designed to be compatible with future growth.
13.5
The County road classification shall be in accordance with the County's Road Maintenance Policy.
13.6
The County shall refer all applications for development permits, subdivision, and proposed statutory
plans or plan amendments that are within 1.6 km of a provincial highway or identified future highway
alignment to the Provincial road authority for comment or approval prior to the decision on the
application.
13.7
The County shall require that any municipal infrastructure system, such as new roads, sewage
collection and water distribution systems created as a result of private development, which may
include dedication to the County or a utility operator, only be approved by the municipality if the
system has been constructed or upgraded to a standard which is acceptable to the County and which
meets or exceeds all appropriate Provincial and Federal standards.
13.8
The County shall only allow direct access from private property to either Primary or Secondary
Highways where approval from the Provincial road authority is obtained.
13.9
The County shall endeavor to cooperate wherever appropriate with other municipalities and/or the
Provincial government with planning, development and operation of sanitary waste disposal facilities
and sewage lagoons.
13.10
The County shall follow the Alberta Energy Regulator ("AER") and/or the Canada Energy Regulator
when applicable regarding oil and gas setback regulations and guidelines when considering
applications for development to minimize and avoid the adverse effects on existing residents,
adjacent land uses, and the environment. Any encroachment into the 30.0 m setback or crossing of
a pipeline shall require the written consent from the infrastructure operator.
Airports
13.11
Airports shall be developed in those areas designated on Map 1. Any future airport development
outside of those areas shall require an amendment to this Plan to redesignate the lands.
13.12
The County shall consider the impact of land uses and building heights in the areas around all publicly
licensed airports in and near the County in order to minimize safety hazards and land use conflicts
around airports.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
61
Beaver County
13.13
The County shall work with appropriate Provincial and Federal agencies to develop regulations to
protect the airports within the County from development which has the potential to adversely impact
the operations of the airport.
13.14
Airports developed within the County shall comply with all Federal aviation requirements.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
62
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
65
Beaver County
14.0 Telecommunication Towers
Statement of Intent
Council recognizes that telecommunications towers are necessary to provide essential radio communication
links for our citizens. The County further acknowledges that the Federal Government has sole jurisdiction
regarding the permitting and placement of telecommunications facilities, as stated in the Telecommunications
Act, and in accordance with Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03 - Radiocommunication and Broadcasting
Antenna Systems, issue 6.
Industry Canada policies express a desire for local Land Use Authorities (LUA's) such as Beaver County to
have direct input into its approval process and ask proponents of new facilities to conduct a process that ideally
results in securing a letter of municipal concurrence for the project. This Policy establishes Beaver County's
preferred protocols for proponents wishing to place new tower facilities in the County and who are requesting
municipal concurrence, and also designates parties responsible for granting municipal concurrence.
Objectives
»
To provide clarity on the role of the Federal Government and County regarding responsibilities and
processes;
»
To create protocols for the County to prepare a letter of municipal concurrence for telecommunication
projects; and,
»
To stay informed on the development of telecommunication towers.
Policies
14.1
Applicants should work to adhere to the following siting and facility guidelines:
a.
Co-locate proposed facilities on existing structures wherever possible. These facilities may
include existing tower structures, rooftops, water towers, utility poles, etc.
b.
Avoid siting new facilities in designated country-residential or urban fringe areas of Beaver
County, or in areas designated in the Beaver County Municipal Development Plan as having
environmental, historical, or cultural significance.
c.
Use architectural controls such as fencing of facilities and landscaping of facility property.
d.
Control access to the site via locked gates etc. and have direct access to existing roadways.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
66
Beaver County
14.2
Whenever possible, applicants shall present various siting options for consideration by the County.
Copies of site plans for all proposed facilities shall be provided to the County for consideration.
14.3
For all proposed telecommunication facilities greater than 15 metres in height but less than 30 metres
in height, the applicant shall notify all adjacent landowners adjacent to the property proposed for
development.
14.4
For all proposed telecommunication facilities 30 metres in height or greater, the applicant shall:
a.
notify all adjacent land owners adjacent to the property proposed for development, and
b.
undertake a public engagement process, led by the applicant, that at a minimum includes:
i.
advertising of the planned facilities in two (2) consecutive issues of the local newspaper;
and
ii.
hosting a public meeting to inform Beaver County citizens of the application and plans
for development.
14.5
The applicant shall document any input received through the engagement process outlined in policies
14.3 and 14.4 and provide the documentation to the County for consideration.
14.6
The applicant shall provide input regarding public support or opposition to a development proposal
related to telecommunication towers and provide any supporting recommendations to the County.
14.7
The County shall render a decision regarding municipal concurrence within sixty (60) days of receipt
of a site location map, architectural plans, details of applicable engagement processes, input
received as part of the engagement processes, and any other information required by the County.
14.8
Further to policy 14.7, the County may deem the concurrence request to be incomplete if the
applicant does not submit the required items and reserves the right to withhold decisions regarding
concurrence until the requested information has been received.
14.9
The County may issue a letter of municipal concurrence depending on the merits of the application
in relation to siting preferences and public consultation. If administration receives letters of opposition
to the application, the application may be referred to County Council for a decision.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Mu Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153c
Beaver County
69
Beaver County
15.0 Renewable Energy
Statement of Intent
Beaver County understands the importance of encouraging and promoting alternative and renewable energy,
as it aligns with the County's commitment to environmental preservation and climate action. Encouraging
renewable energy not only enhances Beaver County's reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally
conscious community but also attracts investment, fosters innovation, and creates job opportunities in the
green energy sector. However, the County understands that for renewable energy to succeed, it needs to be
developed in a way that does not adversely impact the County and the surrounding lands or fragment
agricultural land. This diversification of energy must fit with other land uses so that Beaver County can mitigate
the risks associated with fluctuating energy prices and volatile global markets, fostering stability and security
for Beaver County's residents and industries alike.
Objectives
»
To proactively avoid conflicts with natural habitats, including limiting the visual impacts on the natural
landscape;
»
To prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land while encouraging the development of emerging
technologies in power generation; and
»
To ensure the decommissioning of alternative energy systems on land is reinstated to acceptable
levels prior to the construction.
Policies
15.1
The County shall encourage the integration of commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities,
including commercial solar collectors, with other land uses in the County.
15.2
The County shall discourage commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities and commercial
solar collectors to be located within close proximity to a hamlet or existing multi-lot country residential
subdivision to avoid potential impacts.
15.3
The County shall discourage the location of commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities,
including commercial solar collectors, that fragment agricultural lands.
15.4
The County shall support and encourage renewable and alternative energy facilities, such as wind,
solar, hydroelectric, and biomass, including commercial solar collectors to locate in the County in a
planned and managed way to mitigate the impacts on area residents, farming operations, and other
industries.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plana
Municipal Development Plan
70
Beaver County
70
15.5
The Provincial government should refer commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities,
including commercial solar collectors, to the County for input prior to approval.
15.6
Applicants and proponents of commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities, including
commercial solar collectors, will be encouraged to consult with the municipality to understand the
County's applicable land use policies and what local development matters may need to be addressed
(i.e., road use agreements) prior to making an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
15.7
The County should require that commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities, including
commercial solar collectors, related traffic use identified routes that are designed for the increased
load where applicable.
15.8
Applicants and proponents of commercial renewable and alternate energy facilities and commercial
solar collectors shall comply with the setback requirements outlined in the Land Use Bylaw.
15.9
The County may require landscaping for commercial renewable energy projects to assist with
mitigating the visual impact on the surrounding community.
15.10
The County may require a weed management plan to mitigate weeds encroaching onto farm land.
15.11
The County shall require decommissioning plans of commercial renewable and alternate energy
facilities, including commercial solar collectors, that will return the lands to the same or better land
capability before the project started.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
73
Beaver County
16.0 Intermunicipal Collaboration and
Governance
Statement of Intent
There are a number of incorporated urban centres surrounded by Beaver County which provide a range of
commercial, industrial, residential and institutional services to the wider community. This Plan recognizes the
right of a municipality to determine its own growth; however, this Plan also recognizes that urban uses have the
potential to negatively affect adjacent rural uses such as agriculture, and vice versa. It is therefore the intent of
this Plan to support the continued orderly growth of the incorporated urban centres based on their Municipal
Development Plans and cooperation with the County through approved Intermunicipal Development Plans.
This Plan also recognizes two (2) unincorporated centres - the hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella - as Hamlets.
These are primarily residential communities which provide important social and commercial functions to the
agricultural community. It is the intent of this Plan to promote the orderly growth and development of these
Hamlets.
Finally, there are locations within the County which, at one time, were hamlets, such as Poe, Dodds, and Haight.
It is not the intent of this Plan to give these former communities any status or to allow for further development
in these locations in any way, other than in accordance with the policies applicable to the Agricultural Area.
Objectives
»
To plan for the orderly expansion of the corporate boundaries of urban municipalities within the
County;
»
To enable consistency with approved Intermunicipal Development Plans; and
»
To collaborate with a municipality on the referral process regarding land development in the absence
of an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP).
Policies
16.1
The County shall continue to support jurisdictional alliances that facilitate the provision of
transportation networks, municipal servicing infrastructure, economic diversification, and
environmental and recreational initiatives and will be carried out in accordance with the policy outlined
within the relevant Intermunicipal Development Plan.
16.2
The County shall seek to resolve any inter-jurisdictional concerns, issues, or disputes with an intent
to achieve a resolution that is of mutual benefit to all parties.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
74
Beaver County
16.3
The County shall continue to work with its municipal neighbours on projects and initiatives that are of
mutual benefit in accordance with the policies outlined within the relevant Intermunicipal
Development Plan.
16.4
The County shall work collaboratively with provincial and federal authorities on projects and initiatives
that benefit the County's residents and industries.
16.5
The County shall refer the following applications in the IDP area to the relevant municipality for review
and comment:
a.
new statutory plans and amendments;
b.
new LUBs and amendments;
c.
subdivision applications; and
d.
discretionary development permit applications.
16.6
Regarding an application in accordance with policy 16.5 above, the relevant municipality shall provide
comments within fourteen (14) days for subdivision and development permit applications, and within
thirty (30) days for other applications.
16.7
The County shall circulate all non-statutory master plans (e.g., transportation, recreation, stormwater
management and utilities) applicable in the IDP area for information and comment.
16.8
The County shall establish a process for landowner circulation across the relevant municipal
boundary (i.e., applications that require adjacent landowner notification) in cases where the subject
lands abut a municipal boundary.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
77
Beaver County
17.0 Crown Lands
Statement of Intent
Crown lands are administered through the respective crown agency and the municipality has no jurisdiction
over land use decisions made on Crown lands. However, the activities on Crown lands can impact those uses
that fall within the jurisdiction of the County or have an impact on the services provided by the County where
the use requires infrastructure support.
In some cases, the Crown establishes a long-term lease on the lands and provides authority for the County to
administer the land uses or sell off Crown lands that fall into private ownership. Balancing and clearly
understanding the roles and responsibilities between the County and the Crown agencies is critical to the
operations of both organizations and for the private sector wanting to carry out development.
Objectives
»
To provide clarity on the role of the Crown and County regarding responsibilities and processes;
»
To create a mechanism in the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw when the Crown
transfers lands from Crown ownership to private ownership; and,
»
To stay informed on the development of Crown lands.
Policies
17.1
The County shall work with Crown agencies on understanding expectations and roles regarding land
use development on Crown lands.
17.2
The County shall establish a Crown district within the Land Use Bylaw to enable the County to be
compensated for impacts on County infrastructure.
17.3
The County shall enable Crown lands that are sold to the private sector to transition to an appropriate
district contained within the Land Use Bylaw that aligns with the current or proposed land use.
17.4
The County shall provide input regarding support or opposition to a development proposal and
provide any supporting recommendations when the proposal is referred by a Crown Agency.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
78
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
81
Beaver County
18.0 Plan Administration and Implementation
Objectives
»
To enable consistency with higher order statutory planning documents;
»
To provide for a framework to effectively implement this Plan; and,
»
To monitor the relevancy of this Plan, and to update it as necessary to meet the changing needs of
the County.
Authority of the Plan
18.1
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c M-26 as amended, this Plan shall be
adopted by Beaver County, as the Beaver County Municipal Development Plan.
18.2
Subdivision, development, and re-development of lands within Beaver County by the municipality and
general public shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Plan.
18.3
The County shall encourage the Provincial and Federal 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 Provincial and Federal policies and programs, within Beaver County.
Amendment
18.4
The planning process is a dynamic process, subject to inevitable change. It is intended that this Plan
will be subject to periodic review. Review of this Plan may be initiated in the following ways:
a.
a complete or partial review upon amendment; or
b.
an annual review of this document to be conducted by Council; or
c.
a complete or partial review whenever, due to economic, social, technical developments, or
environmental considerations, this Plan is no longer considered by Council to meet the long-
term goals of the County.
18.5
In the event that changing conditions necessitate an amendment to this Plan, the amendment shall
be by bylaw.
18.6
In order to ensure that the original intent of this Plan is protected and that a proper evaluation of the
impact of a proposed amendment on the goal, objectives and policies of this Plan are able to be
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
82
Beaver County
evaluated, the following criteria shall apply to consideration of an amendment which is not initiated
by Council itself:
a.
a formal request for amendment shall be submitted to Council;
b.
the request shall be in the form of a written brief demonstrating the implications and conformity
of the proposed amendment with the goal, intent, objectives and policies of the Plan;
c.
during deliberation on the proposed amendment, Council may refer the request to such
agencies as it considers necessary for comment; and
d.
Council may request such information as it deems necessary to reach a decision on the
proposed amendment.
18.7
County administration will monitor and review this Plan on an annual basis and should conduct a
major update to the Plan every five (5) years.
Implementation
Intermunicipal Development Plans
18.8
The County shall establish internal procedures and processes to align with the implementation
requirements contained in the adopted Intermunicipal Development Plans.
Area Structure Plans
18.9
Any development that contains four (4) or more lots shall require the development of an Area
Structure Plan.
18.10
In developing an Area Structure Plan, the County may request the following information:
a.
Background studies
i.
Soil assessments;
ii.
Water testing results;
iii.
Wetlands assessment;
iv.
Transportation Impact Assessments and studies;
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
83
Beaver County
v.
Environmental Impact Assessments and studies;
vi.
Archeological and Historical Impact Assessments; and,
vii.
Geotechnical assessments.
b.
A land use policy document, which includes:
i.
A site analysis considering the natural and built characteristics;
ii.
A proposal that addresses the proposed land uses, density of population, sequence of
development, general location of major roadways, public utilities in the area, etc.;
iii.
The site location;
iv.
Servicing;
v.
Conformity to Bylaws; and,
vi.
Public input.
c.
A land use and phasing map that illustrates the proposed land uses, transportation network,
open space, and reserve dedications within the development area.
d.
A servicing map that illustrates the proposed servicing of the area including the provision of
gas, power, and telecommunication services; the accommodation of surface drainage
including the natural contours and required grading and direction of water flow; and any
proposals for water or sewer servicing not specific to an individual lot.
18.11
The County shall review and update Area Structure Plans to ensure consistency with the Municipal
Development Plan and Intermunicipal Development Plans. If the Area Structure Plan is not consistent,
the Area Structure Plan may be declined or the Municipal Development Plan and the Intermunicipal
Development Plan may need to be amended prior to adoption of the Area Structure Plan.
18.12
Prior to first reading of the Area Structure Plan, the Area Structure Plan shall be presented to the
public at a public meeting. The public meeting must be advertised in a local newspaper for a minimum
of two (2) consecutive weeks prior to the meeting, and adjacent landowners notified by regular mail.
The summary of the consultation and views expressed at the public meeting shall be submitted to
Council with formal presentation of the Area Structure Plan.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
84
Beaver County
Land Use Bylaw
18.13
The development of and updates to the Land Use Bylaw shall be consistent with the objectives and
policies of this Plan.
18.14
When this Plan or any part thereof takes effect, the Land Use Bylaw of Beaver County should be
amended to be consistent with this Plan. This may include redistricting the lands to align with the
statutory documents when applicable.
18.15
When carrying out a redistricting of lands in the Land Use Bylaw, the County will need to assess all
potential impacts related to all the permitted uses listed in the district.
18.16
The County shall ensure that where a bylaw to approve an Area Structure Plan or Land Use Bylaw
amendment has been considered by Council at a public hearing prior to the date on which this Plan
is adopted, and where the Area Structure Plan or Land Use Bylaw amendment would be inconsistent
with this Plan, Council may proceed with further readings and adoption of the bylaw, provided that
final adoption occurs no later than two (2) years from the date on which this Plan is adopted.
Additional Studies and Research
18.17
As part of carrying out the implementation of any Intermunicipal Development Plan, Municipal
Development Plan, Area Structure Plan, or Land Use Bylaw, the County may need to complete
additional studies and research.
Monitoring
18.18
The County shall establish an ongoing monitoring criterion for providing Council with regular reporting
on identified targets, indicators, and outcomes that track the progress of growth and development in
the County relative to the policies of this Plan. At minimum, the following areas should be monitored:
a.
Agricultural land area and annual loss to development;
b.
Annual development for buildings by use, broken down by division location;
c.
Number and nature of variances;
d.
Yearly tracking of revenue generation and where expenditures are made;
e.
Areas of degradation with environmental impacts;
f.
Flooding areas;
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
85
Beaver County
g.
Enforcement notices; and,
h.
Economic activity.
Other
18.19
The County shall ensure that where an application for subdivision has been deemed complete prior
to the date this Plan is adopted, and where the proposed subdivision would be inconsistent with this
Plan, the Subdivision Approving Authority may proceed with approval of the subdivision provided that
the approval occurs no later than six (6) months from the date on which this Plan is adopted. The
Approving Authority must not grant any extensions to the one (1) year approval period for any
subdivision approvals under this policy.
18.20
The County shall identify actions and partner with local organizations, groups, and associations to
implement this Plan at the community level or scale.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
86
Beaver County
This page has been left blank intentionally.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
89
Beaver County
19.0 Glossary
Definitions
18.1
Words, terms, and phrases that occur in this Plan, which are also defined in the Municipal
Government Act or other provincial legislation, shall retain the same definition.
18.2
Any words, terms, and phrases that occur in this Plan that are not provided for in this Section and
are not defined in the Municipal Government Act or other provincial legislation, shall use their ordinary
and customary definitions.
18.3
The following words, terms, and phrases, where they occur in this Plan, shall have the meaning
assigned to them in the following table:
Adjacent lands
means land that is contiguous to a parcel of land and includes lands that
would be contiguous if not for a highway, road, river or stream, and any
other land identified in the Land Use Bylaw as adjacent land.
Agriculture
means the growing, raising, managing and/or sale of livestock, crops,
foods or other agricultural products, horticulture, greenhouses, and agri-
food related value-added enterprises.
Agriculture,
Industrial
means agriculture at a higher level and includes provincial scale inputs
and outputs per unit of agricultural land area.
Agriculture,
Value-added
means a development of small-scale production, manufacturing, food
processing, retail activities and food service operations as a direct
extension of an agricultural or farming operation. The intent of these
developments is to promote the diversification of farming and agricultural
operations and to provide landowners opportunity for economic benefit
of changing a primary product into one that has an increased consumer
appeal. This includes but is not limited to milling wheat into flour, on-site
butchering of livestock and poultry for on-site retail sales, marketing, and
sales of organic products, micro distilling, or agri-tourism opportunities
like pick your own fruit, corn mazes, and farmer's markets.
Agri-Tourism
means a tourist-oriented activity, event, service and/or facility that is part
of an agricultural operation that promotes the products grown, raised
and/or processed on that agricultural operation.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
90
Beaver County
Area Structure
Plan (ASP)
means a statutory plan adopted by a municipality by bylaw in accordance
with the Municipal Government Act to provide a framework for the
subsequent subdivision and development of a defined area of land.
Beaver Hills
Moraine
means the Beaver Hills Moraine is a distinct geomorphological feature
that encompasses 1,572 km2 (607 mi2). Representing an island of boreal
mixed wood forest, the hummocky terrain of the moraine forms a
patchwork of depressional areas, many of which support wetlands, small
lakes, and streams.
Buffer
means a land use, feature or space that acts as a physical separation.
Commercial
Social Collectors
means solar energy collection system that is designed exclusively to
provide for the commercial distribution of electricity.
Commercial
Renewable and
Alternate Energy
Facility
means a facility or development, either stand alone or adjoining another
development, that either generates energy using natural or renewable
resources, such as, wind, geothermal, sun biofuels, or biomass, or
generates energy using an energy generation process that reduces the
amount of harmful emissions to the environment, when compared to
conventional systems, such as district heating or cogeneration. This does
not include Commercial Solar Collectors.
Communal
Servicing
Systems
means the provision of communal or community piped and treated water
or wastewater services to a residential multi-lot subdivision that is
privately owned and operated.
Compatible
development/land
uses
means a development or land uses that are able to exist in close proximity
without conflict or undesirable off-site impacts to adjacent or nearby
properties.
Confined Feeding
Operation (CFO)
Means as defined under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act, a
fenced or enclosed land or buildings where livestock are confined for the
purpose of growing, sustaining, finishing or breeding by means other than
grazing. Also includes any other building or structure directly related to
that purpose but does not include residences, livestock seasonal feeding
and bedding sites, equestrian stables, auction markets, race tracks or
exhibition grounds.
Contiguous lands means sharing a common border, touching, or connected through an
unbroken boundary line.
County
means Beaver County unless otherwise noted.
Development
means 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 Municipal Government Act.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
91
Beaver County
Ecosystem
means a community of living organisms interacting with each other and
the nonliving, physical components of the environment (e.g., air, soil,
water, and sunlight) as system within a defined geographical space.
Environmental
Reserve
definition as per the Municipal Government Act.
Farmstead
means the subdivision of a parcel of land (typically out of a quarter
section) where there is an existing residence and associated
improvements.
Fragmentation
means the process of reducing the size and connectivity of an area. In
the context of rural lands or undisturbed natural areas (e.g.,
watercourses), fragmentation occurs when a contiguous agricultural or
undisturbed natural area is divided into isolated parcels separated by
non-agricultural land uses and can impact the productivity or ecological
integrity of the land. Fragmentation can also occur within a given
agricultural parcel of land by access roads, oil, and gas developments
and/or linear infrastructure.
Geotechnical
assessment
means an assessment of the earth's subsurface and the quality and/ or
quantity of mitigative measures that would be necessary for development
to occur.
Groundwater
means saturated and unsaturated areas beneath the Earth's surface (i.e.,
soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations) consisting of
water that has seeped down from the surface and is considered the
primary method of supplying and recharging aquifers.
Historical Impact
Assessment
means an assessment to determine the effect of a proposed operation or
activity on historic resources in the area where the operation or activity is
carried on as well as recommendations on preservation and protection
measures.
Infrastructure &
Multi-use
corridors
means an identified right-of-way for energy, electricity, and other utility
infrastructure.
Infrastructure
means the land, pipes, storm ponds, treatment plants, and other related
municipal facilities for the provision of roads, water, storm water, and
wastewater services.
Institutional
means a use by or for an organization or society for public or social
purposes.
Intermunicipal
Development
Plan (IDP)
means a statutory plan adopted by two or more municipalities by bylaw
in accordance with the Municipal Government Act that applies to lands
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
92
Beaver County
of mutual interest to the participating municipalities, typically along their
shared boundaries.
Land Use Bylaw
(LUB)
means a statutory plan adopted by a municipality by bylaw in accordance
with the Municipal Government Act to regulate and control the use and
development of land and buildings within the municipality to achieve the
orderly and economic development of land.
Livestock
means horses, cattle, swine, donkeys, mules, oxen, poultry, birds, sheep,
goats, fur bearing animals raised in captivity for pelts, and other animals
and wildlife.
Municipal
Development
Plan (MDP)
means a statutory plan adopted by a municipality by bylaw in accordance
with the Municipal Government Act that: addresses future land use and
development within the municipality; coordinates land use, growth
patterns and infrastructure with adjacent municipalities (if there are no
Intermunicipal Development Plans in place); and provides for
transportation systems, municipal services, and facilities (either generally
or specifically).
Municipal
Government Act
(MGA)
means the Municipal Government Act - Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000
Chapter M-26 and amendments thereto, also referred to as 'The Act'.
The Municipal Government Act sets out the legislated roles and
responsibilities of municipalities and elected officials.
Municipal
Reserve
definition as per the Municipal Government Act.
Multi-lot country
residential
subdivision
means the subdivision of lands that consists of more than three (3) lots,
including the balance of the quarter section. Fragmentation by road,
railroad, natural ravine, or watercourse is included in the total parcel
count within a quarter section.
Natural
Environment
mean a system of natural features and areas that are linked and
connected by natural corridors necessary to maintain biological and
geological diversity, natural functions, viable populations of Indigenous
species (including flora and fauna), and ecosystems.
Non-Statutory
Plan
means a plan adopted by a municipality by resolution to address land use
planning or master planning needs.
Open Space
Means passive and structured leisure and recreation areas. Open space
includes parks, recreation and tourism attractions and natural areas.
Piped Municipal
Services
means the pipes and related facilities associated with municipal water,
storm water and wastewater infrastructure.
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
93
Beaver County
Private on-site
services
means a private water well or private septic system serving an individual
parcel.
Residential,
Country
means a multi-lot subdivision of lands for residential purposes where
servicing is provided either through onsite water and private sewer
systems, municipal infrastructure, or private communal systems.
Statutory Plan
means a plan adopted by a municipality by bylaw in accordance with the
Municipal Government Act.
Utilities
means infrastructure that provide essential services such as electricity,
water supply, sewage systems, and telecommunications.
Small scale utilities are intended to provide essential services at a
localized scale, often areas that are remote or underserved. For example,
these can include electrical sub-stations or decentralized water supply
and treatment systems.
Watershed
means an area of land, bounded by topographic features, where water
drains into a shared basin such as a river, stream, lake, pond, or ocean.
The size of a watershed can be tiny or immense and the boundaries and
velocity of water flow are determined by landforms such as hills, slopes,
and mountain ranges that direct where water will flow.
Wetland
means land saturated with water long enough to promote formation of
water altered soils, growth of water tolerant vegetation and various kinds
of biological activity that are adapted to the wet environment.
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
94
Beaver County
This page is left intentionally blank.
Municipal Development Plan
Beaver County
Beaver County
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
97
Beaver County
Map #1 - Development Plan Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
98
Beaver County
Map #1A - Country Residential Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
99
Beaver County
Map #1B - Tofield Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
100
Beaver County
Map #1C - Ryley Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
101
Beaver County
Map #1D - Holden Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
102
Beaver County
Map #1E - Viking Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
103
Beaver County
Map #1F - Strathcona County Intermunicipal Development Plan Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
104
Beaver County
Map #2 - Special Status Wildlife Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
105
Beaver County
Map #3 - Town of Tofield CFO Restriction Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
106
Beaver County
Map #4 - Village of Ryley CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
107
Beaver County
Map #5 - Village of Holden CFO Restriction Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
108
Beaver County
Map #6 - Hamlet of Bruce CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
109
Beaver County
Map #7 - Town of Viking CFO Restriction Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
110
Beaver County
Map #8 - Hamlet of Kinsella CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
111
Beaver County
Map #9 - Black Nugget Lake CFO Restriction Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
112
Beaver County
Map #10 - Camp Lake CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
113
Beaver County
Map #11 - South Country Residential CFO Restriction Area
Bylaw 24-1153
Municipal Development Plan
114
Beaver County
Map #12 - Beaverhill Lake CFO Restriction Area
Municipal Development Plan
Bylaw 24-1153
115
Beaver County
This page is left intentionally blank.