Coutts Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 570
Coutts, Alberta
· adopted 2020-03-01
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VILLAGE OF COUTTS
MUNICIPAL
DEVELOPMENT
PLAN
Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
© 2020 Oldman River Regional Services Commission
Prepared for the Village of Coutts
This document is protected by Copyright and Trademark and may not be reproduced or modified in any manner, or for
any purpose, except by written permission of the Oldman River Regional Services Commission. This document has been
prepared for the sole use of the Municipality addressed and the Oldman River Regional Services Commission. This
disclaimer is attached to and forms part of the document.
CONTENTS
PART I: OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose of the Municipal Development Plan.............................................................................. 2
Planning Context .............................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 PLAN MONITORING AND AMENDMENT ........................................................................................... 3
1.4 WHO WE ARE ....................................................................................................................................... 4
History and Settlement .................................................................................................................... 4
Population ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Employment ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Equalized Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 7
Land Use ............................................................................................................................................ 8
1.5 WHAT DO WE WANT TO BECOME? ................................................................................................. 12
PART II: COMMUNITY VISION, GOALS & FUTURE LAND USE ....................................................... 13
VISION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 13
COMMUNITY GOALS ................................................................................................................................ 13
FUTURE LAND USE CONCEPT ................................................................................................................... 14
General Growth ............................................................................................................................. 15
Residential Growth ......................................................................................................................... 15
Commercial Growth ...................................................................................................................... 15
Industrial Growth ............................................................................................................................ 15
OUTCOMES ............................................................................................................................................... 16
PART III: MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES ................................................................. 17
1.0 General Policies ....................................................................................................................... 17
HOW WE GROW ....................................................................................................................................... 17
2.0 General Land Use ................................................................................................................... 17
3.0 Living Areas .............................................................................................................................. 19
4.0 Industry, Business & Service Areas ........................................................................................ 20
5.0 Reserves & Historic Resources ............................................................................................... 21
6.0 Agriculture ................................................................................................................................ 21
7.0 Sour Gas Setbacks .................................................................................................................. 22
HOW WE THRIVE ....................................................................................................................................... 23
8.0 Economic Development ....................................................................................................... 23
9.0 Recreation & Culture .............................................................................................................. 23
10.0 Community Image ................................................................................................................ 23
11.0 Environmental Sustainability ................................................................................................ 24
HOW WE CONNECT ................................................................................................................................. 25
12.0 Utilities and Infrastructure ..................................................................................................... 25
13.0 Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 25
14.0 Community Services ............................................................................................................. 26
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER ..................................................................................................................... 27
15.0 Community Cohesion .......................................................................................................... 27
16.0 Public Engagement & Communication ............................................................................ 27
17.0 Intermunicipal Cooperation ................................................................................................ 28
PART IV: MAPS ........................................................................................................................
LAND USE DISTRICTS .....................................................................................................................................
FUTURE LAND USE / GROWTH DIRECTIONS ...............................................................................................
PART V: PLAN COMPLIANCE ................................................................................................. 29
SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN REGIONAL PLAN COMPLIANCE .................................................................. 29
Efficient Use of Land ...................................................................................................................... 30
Planning Cooperation and Integration ...................................................................................... 30
Building Sustainable Communities ............................................................................................... 31
Agriculture ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Water and Watersheds ................................................................................................................. 32
Historic Resources ........................................................................................................................... 32
Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 33
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PART I
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 1
PART I: OVERVIEW
1.0 INTRODUCTION
It can be said that municipalities are in the business of creating communities. The concept
of community incorporates the many and varied aspects of the lifestyles of the people who
choose to reside within a municipality as well as the social, political, natural, and economic
systems which serve as the building blocks for beneficial development and settlement
patterns.
Creating successful communities does not happen on its own--it requires community
planning. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the most common community planning
tool used to help municipalities achieve their desired future and one which all municipalities
in Alberta are required to adopt. By addressing matters such as future land use, provision of
servicing, transportation systems, and other matters related to the physical, social and
economic development of the municipality, the Municipal Development Plan provides a
framework for sustainable, orderly and rational community development. As both a visionary
and strategic document, the Plan balances the economic, social and environmental
interests of the residents while helping to establish long-term stability for the community.
In accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Government Act, the MDP is required
to address the following:
MDPs may also address several other considerations including the coordination of physical,
social and economic development of the community, environmental matters, development
constraints, and financial resources.
Future land use and proposals for future development
Municipal services and facilities
Transportation systems
Municipal and school reserves
Land uses adjacent to sour gas facilities
Protection of agricultural operations
Coordination with adjacent municipalities
pg. 2
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PURPOSE OF THE MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Most actions required to achieve a community's goals will take place on land. Managing
the use and development of land is the primary role of the Municipal Development Plan.
Therefore, a MDP can be defined as a framework for decision-making that helps guide future
development and redevelopment. It studies both a community's past experiences and
evaluates its current circumstances in order to anticipate its future needs. The content of a
MDP is designed to encourage municipalities to integrate proposals into long-term plans for
the financial and social well-being of the community, as well as the physical landscape.
The Municipal Development Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the community's
future, typically for a period of 20 years or more. As a long-range plan, it helps council and
administration make decisions on planning and development matters, informs the content of
the land use bylaw and other land use plans (e.g., area structure plans, area redevelopment
plans and conceptual schemes), and provides a framework to coordinate other municipal
bylaws, programs and investments.
PLANNING CONTEXT
The MDP is not a stand alone document, but rather an integral component of a larger context
of Provincial, Regional and Municipal documents and regulations.
Provincial Realm
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) sets out the legislative framework for planning in
Alberta and specifically Part 17 places the authority for land use decision making at the local
level. Through the legislation, a municipal council is empowered with the authority to create
and adopt statutory plans, establish planning approval committees, enforce conditions of
planning approvals; and to ensure that the public is involved with planning at a local level.
The Subdivision and Development Regulation is passed by Cabinet and outlines basic
procedures and approval criteria for subdivision and development decisions at the local
level. The Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) is the legal authority to implement the
province's Land Use Framework and provides direction and leadership in identifying
objectives of the government regarding land use, economics and the environment. As well,
it creates policy that enables sustainable development and sets the stage for regional
planning which includes seven regional plans.
Regional Realm
The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) is a legislative instrument developed pursuant
to section 13 of the ALSA. The SSRP uses a cumulative effect management approach to set
policy direction for municipalities to achieve desired environmental, economic, and social
outcomes within the South Saskatchewan Region until 2024. A community's MDP must
comply with the SSRP, which came into effect September 1, 2014. The Village of Coutts MDP
has been prepared consistent with the intent of the SSRP (see Part V of the Plan for the
relevant SSRP policies).
Municipal Realm
A MDP does not exist or function in isolation at the local level. Over the years, statutory plans
such as the Village of Coutts General Municipal Plan and non-statutory plans and related
studies have been completed to help guide the growth and development of the Village,
including the Village Land Use Bylaw and various infrastructure studies.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 3
1.2 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The success of the MDP depends on the degree to which it is integrated into ongoing decision
making. The MDP provides the means whereby council, town administration, and other
decision-making bodies such as the Municipal Planning Commission can evaluate situations
and proposals in the context of a long-range plan for Coutts. It is primarily a policy document
that is to be utilized as a framework within which both public and private sector decision
making can occur.
The Plan policies may be implemented throughout various planning and strategic documents
and processes, such as:
Village Land Use Bylaw
Area Structure Plans
Area Redevelopment Plans and Conceptual Schemes
Subdivision and development review process
Development agreements/servicing agreements
Various municipal bylaws such as unsightly premises and community standards
Capital Improvement Plans
Formal and informal municipal policy directives
It is important to note that while implementation of the MDP relies on commitment to the
goals and policies of the Plan, recommendation for specific municipal projects within the Plan
are not intended to represent a commitment to spending. Council, as part of its function in
providing good government, fostering well-being of the environment, providing services and
facilities, and developing and maintaining safe and viable communities, will need to consider
any projects referred to in the MDP along with all other Village spending through its regular
process of budget allocation and prioritization to determine when and if implementation
should occur. Pursuant to section 637 of the Municipal Government Act, adoption of a
statutory plan does not bind the municipality to undertake the projects referred to in the Plan.
1.3 PLAN MONITORING AND AMENDMENT
Change is inevitable. While the MDP is a long-range
plan, it is not intended to remain a static document.
Regular review of the Plan is necessary to ensure that
it continues to reflect the priorities and needs of the
community and accounts for significant changes in
development commitments, budget constraints, and
market conditions. As such, the MDP should be
reviewed for relevancy at regular intervals of at least
once every five years.
Minor variations from the policies of the MDP will
typically not require an amendment to the MDP, subject to council approval. More
substantive changes, that is major shifts in policy direction, will require an amendment to the
MDP and any other affected plans.
Adopt Plan
5 Years
-Review
Amend as
Necessary
pg. 4
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
Amendment of the Plan may be initiated at any time by council or the general public. Where
an amendment is initiated by the general public, the applicant will be required to submit
such background information as deemed necessary by the Village to support the
amendment prior to commencement of the bylaw amendment process. Amendment of the
MDP shall follow the applicable procedures outlined in the Municipal Government Act.
1.4 WHO WE ARE
The Village of Coutts is located within the County of Warner in a dryland and irrigated farming
area. Coutts is situated along the International Boundary Line of Alberta and Montana
midway between the southeastern and southwestern corners of the province. It is the
southernmost urban municipality in the Province of Alberta. The Village is located one hour
south of Lethbridge and just 15 minutes south of Milk River. Coutts is the Port of Entry for a 24-
hour border crossing with more than one million people crossing the border annually. The
Village is an attractive location for those employed in local industries, farming operations and
various departments of Customs and Immigration. Affordable housing, low taxes and a small-
town feel are attractions to the community that cannot be found in large urban centres.
HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT
The first settlement of the Coutts area occurred in 1890 as the Alberta Railway and Irrigation
Company began constructing a railway to transport coal from the Galt Mines in Lethbridge,
Alberta. The name for the hamlet was chosen after Baroness Burdett-Coutts, who was a large
stockholder in the A. R. and I. Company. The railway station near the border would house
both Canadian and American depot agents which was later followed by Customs and
Immigration departments from both countries. An outpost for the Royal Northwest Mounted
Police was also established in 1890.
The Village grew slowly up until the arrival of oil refineries with the population mainly consisting
of farmers and ranchers who arrived from other countries with the promise of "a quarter
section for ten dollars" from the Canadian government.
Coutts experienced a boom period in the 1920s with the creation of several oil refineries. This
led to great economic growth and a significant increase in the population as large crews of
workmen were employed (population increased to almost 600 people). The following ten
years, however, there was a significant decrease in the economy as oil refineries closed and
moved north, which led to many families leaving for better opportunities elsewhere.
Since the beginnings of the Village, Coutts has served as an important border crossing
between Canada and the United States. The construction of the Alaska Highway also
brought a new importance for the Port of Entry in Coutts and increased employment within
the Village. The major sources of employment currently are the customs and immigration
service, customs brokers, warehouses, and trucking firms associated with the border crossing.
Other sources of employment within the community include a motel, a bar, and a restaurant.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 5
1890
1920s
1937
1942
2004
2009
Alexander T Galt and C.A. Magrath
establish Coutts as a railway
community, serving to connect
coal producers in Lethbridge with
the large market in Great Falls,
Montana.
Several oil refineries set up shop in
the Village of Coutts, bringing a
boost in population and a
resulting economic boom for the
community.
Coutts School is opened.
Construction of the Alaskan
Highway signaled a new
emphasis and importance on
the Port of Entry, and allowed
for high volumes of border
crossings, and new employment
opportunities.
New border
crossing facility
completed.
Coutts School closes to
students yet remains open
for public use.
2019
Coutts was incorporated as a
Village.
1960
The Village experiences a
significant growth rate of
almost 2% from 1986 to 1991.
1991
Village Council and administration
formally launch first Municipal
Development Plan process.
pg. 6
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
POPULATION
Studying historic growth of a community reveals important trends and serves as a basis for
population projections, which are necessary to help determine future community needs.
Over the past 50 years, the Village of Coutts has been experiencing a general decline in
population, likely resulting from shifting local economies and urban migration patterns. The
most significant decrease in population occurred between 2001 and 2006, whereby the
Village experienced a loss of just over 15% of its population. The largest increase in population
over the past 50 years occurred between 1991 and 1996, with an 8% gain in population,
resulting in 386 persons. Given the historic population changes, it is likely the population of
Coutts will continue to decline. While continued population loss poses considerable
challenges for long-range planning and community sustainability, it is an unfortunate truth
that many small communities are facing and need to plan for.
Year
Population
Annual
% Change
5-Year
% Change
1966
427
-
-
1971
407
-0.9
-4.7
1976
385
-1.1
-5.4
1981
407
1.1
5.7
1986
359
-2.4
-11.8
1991
355
-0.2
-1.1
1996
386
1.7
8.7
2001
364
-1.1
-5.7
2006
305
-3.6
-16.2
2011
277
-1.8
-9.2
2016
245
-2.3
-11.6
SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA, 2016 CENSUS
A review of population pyramids for the Village of Coutts illustrates the distribution of various
age groups as well as male and female segments of the population. The Village population
structure does not represent a classic pyramid shape.
As a comparison, the age structures for the 2011 and 2016 populations are shown on Charts
2 and 3. The youth population remained consistent between 2011 and 2016 population data.
There was a large decrease in the 20 to 49 age group from 34% in 2011 to 22% in 2016,
suggesting that working age residents may be moving to larger centres for better
opportunities. In comparison, the population age 65 and older increased considerably from
20% in 2011 to 29% in 2016.
TABLE 1. HISTORIC POPULATION CHANGES
VILLAGE OF COUTTS
CHART 1. HISTORIC POPULATION CHANGE
VILLAGE OF COUTTS
SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA, 2016 CENSUS
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 7
EMPLOYMENT
The economy of Coutts is interconnected with other municipalities, the surrounding rural
community and the province. According to Census Canada data (2016), residents of Coutts
are employed in 'administration and administrative support' (37%); 'transportation,
warehousing and wholesale trade' (29%); 'healthcare and social assistance' (13%);
'construction' (13%), and; 'agriculture' (8%).
EQUALIZED ASSESSMENT
Municipal assessment provides crucial
information regarding the types of
development
and
the
amount
of
economic activity in a community.
According to the 2018 Equalized Tax
Assessment report, the majority of the
assessment (61.6%) consists of residential
property,
compared
to
35.8%
of
non-residential assessment and 2.6%
classified
machinery/equipment,
railway, farmland and linear assessment.
The value of all land and buildings in the
Village of Coutts is just over $22.6 million.
CHART 2. POPULATION PYRAMIDS: 2011, 2016
VILLAGE OF COUTTS
SOURCE: STATISTICS CANADA, 2016 CENSUS
61.6%
35.8%
2.6%
CHART 3. EQUALIZED ASSESSMENT
VILLAGE OF COUTTS 2018
SOURCE: MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS - MUNICIPAL PROFILES, 2018
Residential
Industrial/Commercial
Other
pg. 8
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
LAND USE
The shape and character of a community is directly related to the quality, quantity and
location of land use within its boundary. By studying the land use patterns we can achieve
an understanding of how residential and non-residential development functions, including
their relationship to one another, and the amount of land a community may require in the
future.
The Village of Coutts encompasses approximately 311.20 acres (125.93 ha). The majority of
the community is bounded to the north and east by Highway 4 and the sewage lagoon
buffer. Coutts is also constrained to the south due to the International Boundary Line between
Alberta and Montana. The only logical area for potential expansion of Coutts would be to
the west of the community, which is currently agricultural land. Some land within the western
portion of Coutts is already zoned for future residential and commercial use, with 23
unserviced residential lots and a few serviced commercial lots.
A land use survey was conducted to identify existing uses within the Village. The results of that
land use survey are illustrated in Table 2 (refer to Part IV: Map 1 for existing zoning districts)
Use
Acres
Hectares
% of Total
Roads/ROWs
66.99
27.11
21.5
Agricultural
54.54
22.07
17.5
Residential
37.51
15.18
12.1
Institutional
35.88
14.52
11.5
Railway
27.84
11.27
8.9
Industrial
17.28
6.99
5.6
Commercial
17.14
6.94
5.5
Recreation / Open Space
14.58
5.90
4.7
Federal
12.30
4.98
4.0
Vacant
27.14
10.98
8.7
Residential
4.55
1.84
1.4
Commercial
1.69
0.68
0.5
Industrial
20.90
8.46
6.7
Total
311.20
125.93
100
Residential Land Use
It is important to understand existing residential land uses so the
Village may better prepare for future housing demands. Residential
land uses comprise 37.51 acres (12%) of the total land area.
According to the 2016 Statistics Canada census, there are 159 private
dwellings in the Village--122 of which are currently occupied. Of the
existing housing stock, 89% are in good condition and only require
regular maintenance, while 11% require major repairs or renovation.
The existing housing supply is adequate to serve current and
projected populations. Currently, there are very few vacant
residential lots remaining in mature neighbourhoods; an additional 23
vacant, unserviced lots are located in the western portion of the
Village, however.
TABLE 2. EXISTING LAND USE SURVEY
VILLAGE OF COUTTS
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 9
Commercial Land Use
Commercial activity is an important element for the economy of
Coutts, both in terms of providing a source of tax revenue for the
municipality and in offering employment opportunities for residents.
Developed commercial land accounts for approximately 17.14
acres (or 6%) of the total land in Coutts. This commercial land is
primarily located in the downtown and in the northern portion of
the community, in order to attract highway traffic without causing
disturbances to the internal residential neighbourhoods (Part IV:
Map 1). Currently, the majority of the commercial services within
the Village are customs-related and are largely supported by the
significant amount of traffic crossing the border (i.e., warehousing,
customs brokers).
The commercial landscape is lacking in variety and would benefit from a greater range of
services available. Improving the variety of services in Coutts would increase employment,
improve the tax base, and may encourage more development activity in the community.
The Village could capitalize on opportunities, such as tourism, as it could be prosperous in its
current location.
Industrial Land Use
The land use analysis indicates that approximately 17.28 acres (6%)
of the current land is industrial. Like the commercial development,
industrial land uses within the Village are tailored towards the
trucking and transportation industry. The industrial land uses in the
Village are located along the outermost boundary of the
community--directly to the north and to the east to serve
commuter and commercial traffic as it passes through the
International Border. A light industrial/business land use designation
should be considered to better accommodate commercial and
compatible industrial uses in the commercial zoned area in the
north of the Village.
Recreational / Open Space Land Use
The Village maintains a strong commitment to providing park
space and recreational opportunities for Village residents. The
current stock of recreation, parks and open space constitutes
14.58 acres (5%) of the total land area. Amenities and facilities
available for public recreational use include: the Historic Coutts
School (community centre), recreation hall (former Catholic
Church) outdoor basketball courts, tennis court, beach volleyball,
baseball diamonds, a spray park, and a playground.
The Historic Coutts School contains a gymnasium, workout room,
classroom and a stage that may be used by the public.
Recreation, education, and community programming and events
are held in the old school year-round, and offer residents from
Coutts and the surrounding area, the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities.
Additional programs available for youth and adults should be explored to help attract new
residents and keep current residents.
pg. 10
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
Municipal Water and Sewage Systems and Waste and Recycling
Coutts' potable water supply is piped from the Town of Milk River to
the Village from a water treatment plant that was upgraded in 2012.
The water treatment upgrades were designed to serve the
community for at least 30 years.
The sewage treatment lagoon facility is located east of Highway 4
and the railway. The sewage system for the Village is expected to
be adequate for the long-term, as it is currently working at less than
half its capacity. The system is designed to support 600 to 1000
people.
The Town of Milk River provides Coutts with curbside collection for
garbage, which then is delivered to the nearest transfer station. A
recycling trailer is located within the Village for individual use.
Community Services
A variety of community services are available within the Village or nearby in Milk River to
enhance resident quality of life and provide essential services.
Emergency services available to the residents of Coutts include
police, fire and ambulance service. Policing for the Village is
provided by the local detachment of the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP is based out of Milk River and
check the Village frequently. Coutts has a fire hall in the center of
the Village and a volunteer fire brigade. The Village also provides
emergency
medical
first
responder
service
to
residents,
dispatched from the fire hall. Ambulance service is provided by
Milk River and a 24-hour medical centre is available in Milk River
for surrounding rural communities.
Health care services are available primarily in Milk River. The Milk River Center provides 24-
hour emergency care, radiology, occupational therapy, mental health, laboratory, and
palliative care. Other services include a dentist, chiropractor, home care, massage therapist,
social workers, and mental health workers. Limited seniors housing is available in Coutts--a
senior housing complex is located in the center of Coutts which has six rooms available for
residents. Intermunicipal bus service is available through the Heritage Handibus.
Kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school is provided in Milk River. Busing is available
for students located in Coutts with just a 15-minute bus ride. Additional educational
opportunities are provided by the County of Warner Further Education Council which offers
a variety of courses at the Historic Coutts School.
There are several clubs and organizations located within the Village, including the Coutts
Recreation and Arts Society, Coutts 4-H Club, and Coutts District Seniors Club. Other
community services available include the Coutts Community Library, post office, and a place
of worship. A number of yearly events are also hosted in Coutts that provide interaction within
the community and improves quality of life within the Village.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 11
Roads & Transportation Networks
At 66.99 acres (22%), the largest share of municipal land is used for roads, lanes, and rights-
of-way. The road pattern within Coutts is characterized by a traditional grid system. Avenues
in Coutts run east to west, and streets run north to south. Most roads
within Coutts have been paved and appear to be in good condition.
The main roads within the Village include Centre Avenue, 1st Avenue,
and 3rd Street West. Centre Avenue contains some of the businesses
within the Village and 1st Avenue and 3rd Street are used as a truck
route and also allow access to many of the residential areas within
the Village.
The truck route is contained along 3rd Street West, 4th Street West, and
1st Avenue North. No trucks within the Village are allowed south
beyond 1st Avenue North in order to limit truck traffic in the Village,
to ensure safety of residents and minimize road damage.
Federal Lands
Unlike most municipalities, the Village of Coutts has a large share
of federally owned and operated lands (4%). This is attributed
entirely to the existing Canadian customs facility.
The facility is located adjacent to commercial uses to the east,
and the CPR rail-line to the west, in the southeastern corner of
the Village. Highway 4 diverts traffic away from the Village, and
these lands are fenced off from the Village.
These lands are outside of the jurisdiction of this Plan, and subject
to the rules and regulations of the Federal Government.
However, the existence of this high-volume border crossing
affects land use decisions pertaining to traffic, advertisement,
and growth directions for the Village of Coutts.
pg. 12
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
1.5 WHAT DO WE WANT TO BECOME?
To help understand what the residents of the Village of Coutts desire for the future, a public
consultation initiative was undertaken as part of the plan preparation process. Based on the
community survey, which was distributed to 90 residents in the Spring of 2019, the following
overarching themes were identified. These themes serve as the foundation of the vision statement
for the community and are central to the policies of the plan in the forthcoming sections.
What are the biggest challenges we will
be facing Coutts in the next 10 years?
Population Growth/Maintenance
Economy & Commercial Growth
Community Appearance
What is our future vision for the Village?
COUTTS IS... self-sufficient
COUTTS IS... clean & safe
COUTTS HAS... community spirit
COUTTS IS... afforable
What are our priorities?
Advertise & Promote the Village
Build on Existing Strengths
Bolster Community Spirit
Maintain Affordability
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PART II
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 13
PART II: COMMUNITY VISION, GOALS
& FUTURE LAND USE
The community's vision statement represents a general shared understanding of the desired
future for the Village and serves as the foundation upon which the Village of Coutts Municipal
Development Plan goals and policies have been crafted.
COMMUNITY GOALS
1
Encourage and attract new investment, business and industry to provide
employment opportunities, more services, a broader tax base, population growth,
and improved real estate values.
2
Ensure that key community services and amenities remain available and continue
to serve the needs of the Village as may be fiscally attainable.
3
Promote, maintain and enhance the friendly, small town atmosphere and great
quality of life within the Village.
VISION STATEMENT
The Village of Coutts is a welcoming, self-sufficient, safe,
and
affordable
community,
where
families
and
businesses can grow, and residents of all ages can enjoy
a variety of residential, community, recreational and
social opportunities for a great quality of life!
pg. 14
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
4
Enhance the livability of the community through improved shopping, municipal
services and housing opportunities.
5
Promote continued enhancement of the community appearance, including the
Village entrance, public spaces, and private development.
6
Encourage and support Village cooperation with service clubs, community groups,
volunteer organizations and government agencies to enhance quality of life and
provide continued social and recreational opportunities.
7
Foster public engagement and opportunities for communication with council and
administration within the municipal planning processes.
8
Consult and coordinate with neighbouring municipalities and organizations on
matters of mutual interest or concern that have the potential to provide community
benefits and maximize efficiencies in service delivery.
FUTURE LAND USE CONCEPT
The Future Land Use Concept and Growth Directions (illustrated in Part IV: Map 2) is intended
to establish a framework to accommodate a variety of future land uses in an efficient manner
that sustains and promotes a healthy local economy and a vibrant community. The concept
serves as a broad guide for decision making regarding future growth and development with
the intention that specifics regarding district designations, land uses, and growth directions
be further refined through additional study, area structure plans or conceptual design
schemes.
Based on the historic rate of growth, the Village of Coutts has enough land currently available
within the existing municipal boundary to serve its development needs. As such, expansion
through annexation will likely not be necessary for many years. That said--while development
of land within the Village boundary is the preferred growth strategy, there may be times when
annexation of land is necessary to support the needs of the community. Given the physical
constraints of the International Boundary and Highway 4, the most feasible area for Village
expansion is westward, as illustrated on Map 2 (Part IV). At such time as annexation is
determined to be necessary, the Village will discuss its expansion needs with the County of
Warner in advance of pursuing an annexation proposal.
The following schematic provides general guidance for the preferred sequence of residential,
commercial, and industrial growth for the Village of Coutts. Recognizing that the timing for
development of existing vacant lots and infill/redevelopment is reliant on individual
landowners' desires to develop, flexibility in sequencing will be necessary, however.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 15
GENERAL GROWTH
RESIDENTIAL GROWTH
COMMERCIAL GROWTH
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Primary
Vacant lots and infill
and redevelopment
Secondary
Create new lots
Tertiary
When necessary, the
Village may discuss
with the County the
potential annexation
of lands to the west of
the Village boundary
Primary
Vacant lots within
mature residential
areas
Secondary
Strategy for servicing
existing, undeveloped
residential subdivision
south of 1st Ave and
East of 5th St. West
Tertiary
Expansion of residential
development into
agricultural lands west
of 5th St. West
Primary
Vacant lots within the
Village core
Secondary
Highway-oriented
commercial
development on
vacant lots along
Highway 4
Tertiary
Planning analysis for
expansion of
commercial district
Primary
New light
industrial/business
district to replace
existing commercial
district west of 4th St.
West
Secondary
Vacant lots to the
north of Highway 4
Tertiary
Planning analysis for
expansion of industrial
district
pg. 16
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
OUTCOMES
-Expanded tax base
-Improved Village aesthetic
-Stabilization of population
General Growth
-Affordable, readily serviced residential lots
-A variety of housing options
Residential Growth
-Quality, readily available commercial lots
-Expanded local economy
-Diversity of services for enhanced quality of
life
Commercial Growth
-Quality, readily available light/industrial lots
-Expanded local economy
-Compatibility of industrial uses and
residential/community uses
Industrial Growth
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PART III
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 17
PART III: MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT
PLAN POLICIES
The policies of this section are long-range and serve as a guide for evaluating proposals by
council, administration and other decision-making bodies and ideally are intended to guide
future development and growth toward the community's desired future. The policies of the
Municipal Development Plan apply to all land within the Village.
1.0 GENERAL POLICIES
1.1
The MDP, for the most part, is general in nature and long-range in its outlook. The MDP
provides the means whereby council and administration can evaluate proposals in the
context of a long-range plan for the Village of Coutts. The policies of the MDP,
however, are not intended to be so rigid in interpretation and application that they
preclude consideration of refinement or amendment.
1.2
Subject to council's approval, minor variation from the policies of the MDP will not
require amendment to the Plan. Substantive changes to policy direction will require
amendment to the MDP and any other affected plan.
1.3
The policies of the MDP will be further refined and implemented through the
development, adoption and day-to-day application of statutory plans, the Village
Land Use Bylaw, various other municipal bylaws, agreements and strategic planning
documents.
1.4
Amendment of the MDP must follow the applicable procedures outlined in the
Municipal Government Act.
1.5
All statutory plans shall be consistent with the MDP.
1.6
This MDP should be reviewed every five years and amended as deemed necessary by
council to ensure it remains relevant and reflective of the priorities and needs of the
community.
HOW WE GROW
2.0 GENERAL LAND USE
2.1
Development of land within the Village boundary is the preferred growth strategy to
the extent it is reasonably possible.
2.2
At such time council determines annexation is necessary to support the needs of the
community, the Village will discuss its expansion needs with the County of Warner in
advance of initiating a formal annexation application and address any requirements
of the Intermunicipal Development Plan.
pg. 18
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
2.3
Population growth rates should be monitored, and an appropriate management
strategy developed to ensure facilities and services can be adequately sustained and
sufficient land is readily available to serve residential and non-residential development
needs.
2.4
Decisions regarding future land use should generally be consistent with the concepts
illustrated in the Future Land Use Concept and Growth Directions Map (Part IV: Map
2). In consideration of policy 1.1, however, the concepts illustrated are not intended
to preclude consideration of alternative uses and refinement through further planning
study.
2.5
New growth and development should occur in a stable and fiscally sound manner,
given infrastructure, land carrying capacity and physical constraints.
2.6
Future urban growth should be directed to areas with existing municipal infrastructure
capacity or to locations where infrastructure extensions can be made most
appropriately.
2.7
Efficient use of land and infrastructure within the Village is a priority. The Village will
encourage developers and landowners to consider the use of efficient land planning
tools when designing subdivision and development proposals.
2.8
Premature subdivision and development of agricultural lands will be generally
discouraged until such time the lands are required for urban development.
2.9
The obligation for supplying and expanding infrastructure and services to serve new
development will be at the developer's/applicant's cost. Opportunities for cost-
sharing may be explored where council determines that the improvements would be
beneficial to the community as a whole and are economically feasible.
2.10
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, as a condition of approval of any
development or subdivision, a developer/applicant may be required to enter into a
development agreement to provide for the construction of roadways, public utilities,
walkways, parking facilities, loading facilities, and other improvements, including the
provision of security and oversizing of infrastructure.
2.11
All development will be required to connect to the municipal sewer and water systems
unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Municipal Planning Commission that
circumstances exist that services are not required.
2.12
Proposed subdivisions should be evaluated with respect to the following
considerations:
a. compatibility with possible future development of residual and/or adjacent
lands;
b. appropriate connections to existing roadway and utility infrastructure as
deemed necessary, and;
c. the suitability of the land to accommodate the proposed use.
2.13
Before initiating the formal rezoning process, developers/applicants may be required
to undertake a public consultation process involving community groups, residents and
neighbours, and to report the results of the public consultation to council.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 19
2.14
The Village, at its discretion, may require:
a. the preparation and adoption of an area structure plan or approval of a
conceptual scheme, at the developer/applicant's cost, which will govern
subsequent subdivision and development of the specific area prior to
considering any proposal to rezone, subdivide or develop land.
b. a design concept plan be prepared by a developer/applicant and submitted
for review by the Municipal Planning Commission prior to approval of any
proposal to subdivide or develop land;
c. the developer/applicant to provide any additional information not addressed or
contemplated in this Plan or other guidelines, at the time of application review
to support the proposal.
3.0 LIVING AREAS
3.1
Future residential development should be directed to the areas of the Village
identified as Residential in the Future Land Use Concept (Part IV: Map 2) considering
availability and ease of servicing, with the initial priority being infill and development
of existing vacant residential lots.
3.2
The Village should regularly monitor vacancy rates, development and subdivision
activity, land supply, economic activity, and population and income profiles so that
the needs for serviced residential land can be reasonably anticipated.
3.3
Residential development strategies should promote:
a. variety in housing types catering to the needs and income levels of the
community;
b. safe, attractive residential environments minimizing incompatible land uses;
c. rational and economical extensions of existing municipal services.
3.4
The land use bylaw will continue to provide opportunities for a variety of housing types
in residential neighbourhoods.
3.5
Future residential development shall be located pursuant to any setbacks contained
within the Subdivision and Development Regulation or any subsequent provincial
legislation, except where a variance has been obtained from the applicable
authority.
3.6
Adequate seniors' housing is critical to ensuring residents can continue to live in the
Village as they age. The Village supports and will continue to work cooperatively with
government departments and various agencies that provide seniors' housing.
pg. 20
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
4.0 INDUSTRY, BUSINESS & SERVICE AREAS
4.1
The Village encourages local businesses and other prospective investors to develop
non-residential land in Coutts.
4.2
An economic development strategy should be formulated to help attract new
economic opportunities and expand commercial sector offerings and services.
4.3
The Village should investigate opportunities to enable provision of modern and
adequate infrastructure (e.g., fibre optic) to support operation of technology-based
industries and high-tech business within the municipality.
4.4
The commercial and industrial zoning districts should be reviewed periodically to
ensure they adequately encompass the needs of the community and business.
4.5
A new mixed light industrial/business district should be investigated and considered for
inclusion in the land use bylaw to provide additional opportunity for business and
minimize potential land use conflicts between non-residential and residential
development.
4.6
A planning analysis should be conducted to investigate suitable areas for expansion
of the commercial district to ensure adequate supply of commercial land in the future.
4.7
When land use bylaw amendments are proposed to accommodate new commercial
and industrial uses, consideration should be made to existing and adjacent land use
patterns in the area.
4.8
Outdoor storage of unsightly materials in the commercial and industrial districts should
be properly screened and enforced by an appropriate municipal bylaw.
4.9
The Village supports the efforts of business owners to improve the appearance of
commercial and industrial areas.
4.10
The establishment of home-based businesses that are compatible with residential uses
is encouraged with the intent that they may grow and eventually require space in a
commercial district.
4.11
Small-scale neighbourhood commercial development may be considered where
there is an identifiable need and it is compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 21
5.0 RESERVES & HISTORIC RESOURCES
5.1
Municipal and/or school reserve will be provided in accordance with section 666 of
the Municipal Government Act.
5.2
Land dedicated for municipal reserve purposes should be suitable for active or passive
recreation.
5.3
Developers/applicants will typically be responsible for landscaping municipal reserve
land within an approved subdivision to the Village's satisfaction.
5.4
Where the municipal reserve requirement is to be satisfied as money-in-lieu of land, it
shall be done so in accordance with the provisions of section 667 of the Municipal
Government Act.
5.5
Where the Municipal Planning Commission is of the opinion that certain lands may be
resubdivided in the future, it may require that municipal or school reserves be deferred
by caveat pursuant to section 669 of the Municipal Government Act.
5.6
The Village of Coutts will receive all municipal reserve funds paid and, should a school
authority in the future require land for a school, an agreement for possible municipal
assistance will be discussed at that time.
5.7
At the discretion of the Municipal Planning Commission, environmental reserve or
environmental easements may be required at the time of subdivision, in accordance
with section 664(3) of the Municipal Government Act.
5.8
Conservation reserves may be required at the discretion of the Municipal Planning
Commission in accordance with section 664.2(1) of the Municipal Government Act.
5.9
On lands that have been identified by the province as having a Historic Resource
Value, the developer/applicant will be responsible for obtaining any applicable
Historical Resources approvals and clearances prior to commencement of
development or registration of a subdivision.
6.0 AGRICULTURE
6.1
Existing agricultural land within the Village will be protected until required for future
urban development.
6.2
The Village will ensure an orderly progression and staging of development to minimize
premature development of agricultural land and reduce potential conflicts with
existing agricultural operations.
6.3
Compatibility between the urban land uses within Coutts and the agricultural
operations in the County of Warner within the vicinity of the municipal boundaries is
supported. The Village may consider the use of mechanisms available to achieve
compatibility such as buffers between urban land uses and adjacent farming
operations, policies/designations in intermunicipal development plans, referral
responses on development applications, and general communication with the
County of Warner.
pg. 22
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
7.0 SOUR GAS SETBACKS
7.1
Setback guidelines for sour gas facilities shall be in accordance with the standards
established by the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Subdivision and Development
Regulation, or any subsequent and additional standards.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 23
HOW WE THRIVE
8.0 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
8.1
Council should strive to create a diverse, livable, safe community with adequate
parkland, recreational opportunities, and other public amenities, as may be financially
feasible, to help foster local business growth and generate economic benefits.
8.2
Measures to create a more diverse tax base and local economy will continue to be
investigated. Regular assessment of community needs and development strategies
to attract and retain business and industry should be undertaken.
8.3
The Village should regularly evaluate its promotional practices and develop strategies
to encourage new development and tourism opportunities within the municipality.
8.4
Municipal decisions should be made with special attention to creating an atmosphere
that promotes the Village of Coutts as a friendly, attractive community to live and
invest.
8.5
The Village will continue to actively promote opportunities for economic development
and investigate funding programs, including regional partnerships, that provide
benefits for the community.
9.0 RECREATION & CULTURE
9.1
The Village should strive to make all public spaces enjoyable, safe and accessible to
all members of the community, including those with special needs and ensure that
recreational spaces are compatible with other adjacent land use activities.
9.2
The Village should investigate various funding alternatives and partnerships to offset
the increasing costs of park and recreation land maintenance.
9.3
Where feasible, the Village should endeavor to maintain and improve existing
recreational facilities.
9.4
The Village should continue to take inventory of the municipal parks and prioritize their
need for maintenance or replacement based on the state of their physical condition.
10.0 COMMUNITY IMAGE
10.1
Landowners are encouraged to rehabilitate, redevelop and/or renovate existing
buildings in poor condition and clean up derelict properties.
10.2
Financial resources for maintenance of municipal buildings and facilities should be
allocated in a manner that improves the appearance of the community and
balances the welfare and best interests of the public.
10.3
Bylaw enforcement may be used as an effective tool in creating and maintaining a
positive community image.
10.4
The Village should review its Unsightly Premises Bylaw to and undertake any
amendments necessary to ensure it supports maintenance of a visually attractive
community.
pg. 24
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
10.5
The establishment of enhanced landscaping standards within the Village Land Use
Bylaw should be explored as a means to improving community aesthetics.
11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
11.1
Stormwater
management
will
be
required
to
be
addressed
by
the
developer/applicant through the subdivision and development planning processes.
11.2
Developers are encouraged to investigate the naturalization of stormwater facilities
to promote biodiversity within the municipality and incorporate green spaces into
developments as may be requested by the Village.
11.3
The Village will encourage the reclamation and/or conversion of developed lands
that are no longer in use to make efficient use of the land base and existing utilities,
services and infrastructure.
11.4
Landowners of brownfield sites are encouraged to reclaim sites in a timely manner.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 25
HOW WE CONNECT
12.0 UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
12.1
The Village will regularly monitor capacities of the sewage treatment system and
water delivery system to ensure they are adequate to serve the needs of the Village.
12.2
Concurrency of services and facilities with impacts of development is expected.
Development will not be permitted to outpace infrastructure capacity.
12.3
A water use and sewer assessment may be required as part of an area structure plan,
conceptual design scheme, subdivision application and/or development permit
application to determine infrastructure requirements and upgrades.
12.4
Development will maximize use of existing infrastructure where possible and ensure
logical extension of utilities and other services in proposed subdivision designs.
12.5
Developers may be required to pay off-site levies pursuant to the Municipal
Government Act, to help offset the capital costs for providing municipal services.
12.6
The Village will promote water wise practices to help reduce water consumption.
12.7
The Village should establish an on-going dialogue with utility companies providing
service within the municipality to ensure capacity and service levels are adequately
maintained.
12.8
Options for enhanced recycling opportunities should be explored and implemented
as may be feasible.
13.0 TRANSPORTATION
13.1
Municipal roads or transportation initiatives should:
a. ensure proper access is available for the development;
b. be planned and developed to enhance opportunities for local businesses to
benefit from the circulation of traffic bother through and within the community;
c. maintain a consistent standard of road design.
13.2
Subdivision road designs should include provisions for extension of roadways to
adjacent parcels and connections to existing road alignments, where feasible.
13.3
The road network within a subdivision proposal should be consistent with the future
road network identified in the Future Land Use Concept and Growth Directions (Part
IV: Map 2). Development should not be permitted to locate within the identified future
road network alignments.
13.4
The Village will maintain an open dialogue with Alberta Transportation regarding any
transportation matters that may have an impact on the municipality.
13.5
The Village will work with the County of Warner to address any regional transportation
issues that may impact the municipality, including a coordinated road network.
pg. 26
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
13.6
The Village will maintain continued dialogue with Canadian Pacific Railway to ensure
the safe interaction of trains, vehicular, and pedestrian/bicycle traffic and discuss
measures to minimize noise, vibration and safety impacts within the municipality.
14.0 COMMUNITY SERVICES
14.1
Non-profit groups/organizations and provincial agencies are encouraged to establish
programs and operate in the community to enhance the level and quality of existing
community services.
14.2
Programs and initiatives should be developed that encourage and enhance
volunteerism and community service organizations as they contribute considerably to
the quality of life in Coutts.
14.3
The Village should continue to support and work with government departments or
agencies that help provide various community services to residents.
14.4
The Village should regularly communicate with appropriate provincial agencies to
ensure support services are adequately addressing the needs of residents.
14.5
The Village should explore and pursue all approaches to the funding and provision of
cultural services/facilities including the involvement of the public, private and not-for-
profit sectors and the formation of partnerships for this purpose.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 27
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
15.0 COMMUNITY COHESION
15.1
The integration of compatible land uses such as childcare facilities, religious
assemblies, youth-oriented facilities, seniors' facilities, and extended care facilities in
appropriate locations is encouraged.
15.2
The Village should encourage civic involvement by youth and seniors to ensure their
needs are addressed.
15.3
The Village will seek opportunities to collaborate with regional educational partners,
businesses and school authorities to encourage the provision of a wide diversity of
educational opportunities within the region.
15.4
The Village should continue to provide support to the library and work to expand
opportunities and activities.
15.5
The Village will cooperate with all non-profit societies to forward positive community
development agendas.
15.6
The Village will strive to ensure provision of police, fire, ambulance and disaster services
agencies that are appropriate and meet the needs of the community.
16.0 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION
16.1
The Village supports ongoing public participation in local government and will
continue to inform the public and obtain feedback about important issues through
mediums such as open houses, notices, and newsletters promoting activities, events,
and services, as well as implement processes for residents, community groups, and
governmental and non-governmental agencies to express concerns and interests to
council.
16.2
Opportunities to enhance the Village website should be explored to communicate
information about community projects, development applications, proposed bylaw
amendments, minutes of public meetings, and other issues of importance to residents.
16.3
The Village will continue to make information regarding the subdivision and
development process readily available to the public and applicants and encourages
the public to provide input on matters of specific and general planning interest
wherever possible.
16.4
The Village will endeavour to provide a positive environment for listening, evaluation
and responding to the concerns of its residents.
pg. 28
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
17.0 INTERMUNICIPAL COOPERATION
17.1
The Village of Coutts will work cooperatively with the County of Warner to address
matters of joint interest, including mutually agreeable economic partnerships and a
coordinated approach to regional growth and development to help foster a strong
and diverse local economy.
17.2
The coordination of intermunicipal programs with the County of Warner relating to the
physical, social and economic development of the area will be addressed through
the Intermunicipal Collaborate Framework provisions of the Municipal Government
Act and separate agreements as deemed necessary by the Village and the County.
17.3
The policy directions of the Village of Coutts and County of Warner Intermunicipal
Development Plan should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they adequately
address the needs of the community.
17.4
The Village should continue to develop, build and maintain relationships and
partnerships with other municipalities, organizations and government agencies where
deemed beneficial to the municipality and which may result in enhanced service
delivery and cost-savings.
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PART IV
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
PART V
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 29
PART V: PLAN COMPLIANCE
SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN REGIONAL PLAN COMPLIANCE
The Alberta Land Use Framework, implemented by the Provincial Government in 2008,
provides a blueprint for land-use management and decision-making that addresses Alberta's
growth pressures. The Land Use Framework established seven new land-use regions and
requires the development of a regional plan for each. The Village of Coutts is located within
the geographical area of the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) which was effective
the fall of 2014. The SSRP lays out a number of key desired outcomes and strategic directions
relating to the region's economy, people, environment, and resources.
pg. 30
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
Compliance with the SSRP is required for all statutory planning documents. This MDP has been
developed in consideration of the following applicable SSRP strategies:
EFFICIENT USE OF LAND
1. All land use planners and decision-makers responsible for land-use decisions are encouraged to
consider the efficient use of land principle in land-use planning and decision making. (SSRP Strategy
5.1)
1.1 Reduce the rate at which land is converted from an undeveloped state into permanent, built
environment.
1.2 Utilize the minimum amount of land necessary for new development and build at a higher
density than current practices.
1.3 Increase the proportion of new development that takes place within already developed or
disturbed lands either through infill, redevelopment and/or shared use, relative to new
development that takes place on previously undeveloped lands.
1.4 Plan, design and locate new development in a manner that best utilizes existing infrastructure
and minimizes the need for new or expanded infrastructure.
1.5 Reclaim and/or convert previously developed lands that are no longer required in a progressive
and timely manner.
1.6 Provide decision-makers, land users and individuals the information they need to make
decisions and choices that support efficient land use.
2. Build awareness and understanding of the efficient use of land principle and the application of
land-use planning tools that reduce the footprint of the built environment, how they might be
applied and how their effectiveness would be measured over time with municipalities, land-use
decision-makers and land users, on both public and private lands. (SSRP Strategy 5.2)
PLANNING COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION
1. Work together to achieve the shared environmental, economic and social outcomes in the South
Saskatchewan Regional Plan and minimize negative environmental cumulative effects. (SSRP
Strategy 8.1)
2. Address common planning issues, especially where valued natural features and historic resources
are of interest to more than one stakeholder and where the possible effect of development
transcends jurisdictional boundaries. (SSRP Strategy 8.2)
3. Coordinate and work with each other in their respective planning activities (such as in the
development of plans and policies) and development approval processes to address issues of
mutual interest. (SSRP Strategy 8.3)
4. Work together to anticipate, plan and set aside adequate land with the physical infrastructure and
services required to accommodate future population growth and accompanying community
development needs. (SSRP Strategy 8.4)
5. Build awareness regarding the application of land-use planning tools that reduce the impact of
residential, commercial and industrial developments on the land, including approaches and best
practices for promoting the efficient use of private and public lands. (SSRP Strategy 8.5)
6. Pursue joint use agreements, regional services commissions and any other joint cooperative
arrangements that contribute specially to intermunicipal land-use planning. (SSRP Strategy 8.6)
7. Consider the value of intermunicipal development planning to address land use on fringe areas,
airport vicinity protection plans or other areas of mutual interest. (SSRP Strategy 8.7)
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 31
8. Coordinate land-use planning activities with First Nations, irrigation districts, school boards, health
authorities and other agencies on areas of mutual interest. (SSRP Strategy 8.8)
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
1. Provide an appropriate mix of agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, public
and recreational land uses; developed in an orderly, efficient, compatible, safe and economical
manner. (SSRP Strategy 8.11)
2. Contribute to a healthy environment, healthy economy and a high quality of life. (SSRP Strategy
8.12)
3. Provide a wide range of economic development opportunities, stimulate local employment
growth and promote a healthy and stable economy. Municipalities are also expected to
complement regional and provincial economic development initiatives. (SSRP Strategy 8.13)
4. Feature innovative housing design, range of densities and housing types such as mixed-use, cluster
development, secondary suites, seniors' centres and affordable housing. Provide the opportunities
for a variety of residential environments which feature innovative designs and densities and which
make efficient use of existing facilities, infrastructure and public transportation. (SSRP Strategy 8.14)
5. Minimize potential conflict of land uses adjacent to natural resource extraction, manufacturing and
other industrial developments. (SSRP Strategy 8.15)
6. Minimize potential conflict of land uses within and adjacent to areas prone to flooding, erosion,
subsidence, or wildfire. (SSRP Strategy 8.16)
7. Complement their municipal financial management strategies, whereby land use decisions
contribute to the financial sustainability of the municipality. (SSRP Strategy 8.17)
8. Locate schools and health facilities, transportation and transit and other amenities appropriately,
to meet increased demand from a growing population. (SSRP Strategy 8.18)
AGRICULTURE
1. Identify areas where agricultural activities, including extensive and intensive agricultural and
associated activities, should be the primary land use in the region. (SSRP Strategy 8.19)
2. Limit the fragmentation of agricultural lands and their premature conversion to other, non-
agricultural uses, especially within areas where agriculture has been identified as a primary land
use in the region. Municipal planning, policies and tools that promote the efficient use of land
should be used where appropriate to support this strategy. (SSRP Strategy 8.20)
3. Employ appropriate planning tools to direct non-agricultural subdivision and development to areas
where such development will not constrain agricultural activities, or to areas of lower-quality
agricultural lands. (SSRP Strategy 8.21)
4. Minimize conflicts between intensive agricultural operations and incompatible land use by using
appropriate planning tools, setback distances and other mitigating measures. (SSRP Strategy 8.22)
pg. 32
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
WATER AND WATERSHEDS
1. Utilize or incorporate measures which minimize or mitigate possible negative impacts on important
water resources or risks to health, public safety and loss to property damage due to hazards
associated with water, such as flooding, erosion and subsidence due to bank stability issues, etc.,
within the scope of their jurisdiction. (SSRP Strategy 8.23)
2. Incorporate measures in future land-use planning decisions to mitigate the impact of floods through
appropriate flood hazard area management and emergency response planning for floods. (SSRP
Strategy 8.24)
3. Prohibit unauthorized future use of development of land in the floodway in accordance with the
Flood Recovery Reconstruction Act and the Floodway Development Regulation under
development, which will control, regulate or prohibit use of development of land that is located in
a floodway and define authorized uses. (SSRP Strategy 8.25)
4. Identify and consider, based on available information including information from the Government
of Alberta, the values of significant water resources and other water features, such as ravines,
valleys, riparian lands, stream corridors, lakeshores, wetlands, and unique environmentally
significant landscapes within their boundaries. (SSRP Strategy 8.26)
5. Determine appropriate land-use patterns in the vicinity of these significant water resources and
other water features. (SSRP Strategy 8.27)
6. Consider local impacts as well as impacts on the entire watershed. (SSRP Strategy 8.28)
7. Consider a range of approaches to facilitate the conservation, protection or restoration of these
water features and the protection of sensitive aquatic habitat and other aquatic resources. (SSRP
Strategy 8.29)
8. Establish appropriate setbacks from waterbodies to maintain water quality, flood water
conveyance and storage, bank stability and habitat. (SSRP Strategy 8.30)
9. Assess existing developments located within flood hazard areas for long-term opportunities for
redevelopment to reduce risk associated with flooding, including human safety, property damage,
infrastructure and economic loss. (SSRP Strategy 8.31)
10. Facilitate public access and enjoyment of water features, to the extent possible. (SSRP Strategy
8.32)
11. Use available guidance, where appropriate, from water and watershed planning initiatives in
support of municipal planning. (SSRP Strategy 8.33)
HISTORIC RESOURCES
1. Identify significant historic resources to foster their preservation and enhancement for the use and
enjoyment by present and future generations. (SSRP Strategy 8.34)
2. Work toward the designation of Municipal Historic Resources to preserve municipally significant
historic places. (SSRP Strategy 8.35)
3. Formulate agreements with the Ministry for development referrals to assist in the identification and
protection of historic resources within the scope of their jurisdiction. (SSRP Strategy 8.36)
March 2020
Village of Coutts MDP Bylaw No. 570
pg. 33
TRANSPORTATION
1. Identify the location, nature and purpose of key provincial transportation corridors and related
facilities. (SSRP Strategy 8.37)
2. Work with the Ministry to minimize negative interactions between the transportation corridors and
related facilities identified in accordance with strategy 8.37 above and the surrounding areas and
land uses through the establishment of compatible land-use patterns. (SSRP Strategy 8.38)
3. Enter into highway vicinity agreements with the Ministry and employ appropriate setback distances
and other mitigating measures relating to noise, air pollution and safety to limit access if subdivision
and development is to be approved in the vicinity of the areas identified in accordance with 8.37
above. (SSRP Strategy 8.39)