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2013
Town of
Ville De
Municipal Development Plan &
Sustainability Plan
Legal
Table of Contents
i
1
Introduction ............................................................................ 1
1.1
About this Plan .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2
How and Why Was the Plan Developed? ............................................................................ 3
1.3
Public Consultation .............................................................................................................. 4
1.4
Our Approach ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.5
Why Sustainability Matters ................................................................................................. 5
1.6
Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................ 6
1.7
Philosophical Principles ....................................................................................................... 6
1.8
Planning Principles............................................................................................................... 7
2
The Five Pillars ........................................................................ 9
2.1
This Plan As An Integrated Community Sustainability Plan............................................... 10
3
Community Context, Vision, and Plan Goals ....................... 14
3.1
Regional Context ............................................................................................................... 14
3.2
Community Characteristics ............................................................................................... 14
3.3
Environmental Characteristics........................................................................................... 20
3.4
Municipal Services ............................................................................................................. 21
4
Community Features ............................................................. 23
4.1
Recreation ......................................................................................................................... 23
4.2
Heritage ............................................................................................................................. 27
4.3
Culture ............................................................................................................................... 28
4.4
Social .................................................................................................................................. 32
5
Economy ................................................................................ 36
6
Natural Environment ............................................................. 39
7
Infrastructure and Form ....................................................... 45
7.1
Infrastructure..................................................................................................................... 45
7.2
Form (Future Land Use Concept) ...................................................................................... 54
7.3
Future Land Use ................................................................................................................. 56
7.4
Residential Use Area .......................................................................................................... 58
7.5
Commercial Use Area ........................................................................................................ 65
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Introduction
1
1
Introduction
1.1
About this Plan
The Town of Legal Integrated Municipal Development & Sustainability Plan (MDP) is
intended to provide long range guidance for the future development in the Town of
Legal while concurrently fulfilling the requirements of the federal Building Canada
Initiative. Combining the Town's MDP and Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
(ICSP) into one document, the Town of Legal Integrated Municipal Development &
Sustainability Plan (MDP) will help to ensure the seamless integration and
implementation of the Town's sustainability goals and objectives into land use and
development decisions made within the community.
This Plan provides Council, administration and community members with the
infrastructure necessary to achieve land use and development goals and objectives
while concurrently working towards achieving broader goals and objectives
established within each of the Pillars of Sustainability identified within this Plan.
The Municipal Government Act gives all Alberta municipalities the authority to adopt
an MDP. The MDP establishes a broad land use, infrastructure, and transportation
framework for future development in the Town. The MDP also includes a series of
policies that address the preferred characteristics of future development and the
development process within the corporate boundaries of the Town.
The Legal MDP provides a description of past and present human and physical
environments within the community. This comprehensive approach enables the Town
to effectively develop a plan for how the community may reach its desired
destination. Baseline environmental data, stakeholder comments, and the socio-
perceptual concerns of the community were considered in order to ensure the vision
enshrined in the MDP address the needs and objectives of all community
stakeholders and the larger region.
Additionally, the Town of Legal, which is a member municipality of the Capital
Region Board (CRB), carefully considered the goals and policies identified within the
2009 Capital Region Growth Plan. The goals, objectives and policies contained
within the 2013 Town of Legal MDP are consistent with the Capital Region Growth
Plan.
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Introduction
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The Town of Legal recognizes that other provincial and federal statutes will affect
the Town's future development. The Province of Alberta is currently in the process of
preparing regional watershed plans as part of the Implementation of the Alberta
Land Stewardship Act. When the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan is complete
the Town will review the MDP to ensure that the MDP is consistent with the
Regional Plan.
The Town also acknowledges that moving forward, the MDP may not be the only
statutory plan to impact land use within the community. This is because the
Municipal Government Act allows a municipality to adopt Area Structure Plans and
Area Redevelopment Plans to provide direction regarding specific areas or
neighbourhoods within a municipality. The Town may also adopt an Intermunicipal
Development Plan with its municipal neighbour, Sturgeon County. Future
development within Legal may require the adoption of one or more of these
statutory planning documents. In such a case, the Municipal Government Act
requires that all statutory plans be consistent with one another.
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Introduction
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For the purposes of land use planning and development, this Plan will serve as the
senior municipal land use planning document, and will be implemented, among other
ways, through the Town of Legal Land Use Bylaw.
Development that does not conform to the MDP will not be approved. If a proposed
development does not comply with the MDP but is felt to be desirable, an
amendment to the MDP may be considered by Council.
In addition, changes to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB), which regulates development on
specific sites, and subdivision approvals, must also be consistent with the MDP.
Decision making on all subdivision and development permit applications will conform
to the spirit and intent of the goals, objectives, and policies of the MDP.
The boundaries of the land use areas described on Map 2: Future Land Use (see
Section 7.3) are approximate only and may not follow legal surveyed boundaries.
Minor adjustments or variances that may be required to land use classes, the location
of future roads, quantities or figures shall not require an amendment to this Plan. In
addition, this MDP should be periodically reviewed to take into account changing
circumstances and municipal preferences.
1.2
How and Why Was the Plan Developed?
In October 2012, the Council and staff of the Town of Legal engaged community
residents in a planning process to undertake an extensive review of the Municipal
Development Plan (MDP) for the community. The Plan was initiated to provide the
community with a shared action plan for building a sustainable, common future that
conforms to current provincial legislative requirements including those goals and
policies identified within the Capital Region Board Growth Plan.
The main focus of the Town of Legal MDP is to assist the Town and approval
agencies in achieving and maintaining sustainable, orderly and efficient land use and
development.
The Town's previous MDP was approved in 1998, since that time the community has
experienced a demographic change (younger community), additional residential
growth, the Capital Region Board was established and the Town annexed land from
Sturgeon County. All of these factors are drivers that triggered the need for the
Town to undertake in 2012-2013 a review of their MDP.
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Introduction
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Additionally, the Town of Legal saw the requirement to develop an ICSP as a unique
opportunity to incorporate sustainability principals into the Town's Municipal
Development Plan. The merging of these two important planning documents will
ensure that future community growth and development will be based on principles
and practices that encourage sustainable development, infrastructure management
and the efficient management of valued community resources.
1.3
Public Consultation
Throughout the development of Town of Legal MDP the project team relied heavily
on internal and external consultation. The contributions of community members and
stakeholders who volunteered their time and ideas to this project are greatly
appreciated and significantly influenced the goals, policies and objectives herein.
The MDP also incorporates feedback from stakeholders, Sturgeon County,
administration and Council as well as the Capital Region Board and research into
best planning practices and case studies from other Alberta communities.
In October 2012 Municipal Planning Services and the Town of Legal held an informal
Public Open House and planning workshop to obtain input, ideas and from land
owners and residents for the MDP's content and direction.
A 2nd Public Information Open House was held on May 30 at the Citadel Centre, to
obtain additional input into the planning program and provide land owners and
residents with the opportunity to contribute feedback at the draft document stage.
A Public Hearing was held on October 15, 2013 pursuant to the Municipal
Government Act where a presentation on the new Municipal Development Plan and
Sustainability Planwas given. The public was provided an opportunity to be heard by
Council and any issues presented were reviewed and thoughtfully considered by
Council.
1.4
Our Approach
In developing the Town of Legal MDP, the Brundtland Commission's definition of
sustainable development was utilized as a starting point for understanding
sustainability.
This report defines sustainable development as:
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Introduction
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"Development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs."
Three key ideas:
Think long term. This allowed the community to be creative, to think about big,
about long-term trends and helped the Town focus on strategies to ensure the
community will prosper well into the future.
Look at the whole. All elements of life in Legal were considered in the formulation
of this plan -- how to build the community, current economic conditions, community
culture, local governance practices, the natural environment and how community
groups and members connect and support one another. Taking a holistic and
comprehensive approach to understanding Legal provides Town with a better
understanding of how community members interact and support to each other and
the larger region.
See the connections. Systems at work within the Town are connected locally and
regionally. Throughout the planning process discussions took place about the
challenges associated with focusing on the details without losing site of the "big
picture". This approach to valuing both the parts (systems within the community) as
well as the whole has been one of the priorities of this project. Our culture
influences our economy. How we build the community influences our natural
environment. How we relate to each other influences how we make decisions.
Acknowledging and trying to understanding these connections will help us meet our
needs as a community now and well into the future.
1.5
Why Sustainability Matters
The purpose of incorporating sustainability into the operations and direction of the
Town is two-fold. First, sustainable development within the Town of Legal
integrates five (5) key perspectives - Community Features (social, cultural,
heritage and recreation), Economy, Natural Environment, Form &
Infrastructure, and Governance - into the Town's long-term planning in order to
develop a more holistic and balanced approach to decision-making. Sustainability
strategies help stabilize environmental degradation, protect the economic resource
base, and enhance the health and wellbeing of the community as a whole.
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Introduction
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Second, committing to sustainable development is a simple and prudent approach to
long-range planning. For example, a secure and adaptable future is a primary
concern of the town in its role as a provider of major services. The town invests a
large amount of resources each year in maintaining and enhancing municipal systems
to provide services and infrastructure in areas such as roads and transportation,
potable water, waste management, wastewater treatment, and recreation. The
community cannot function without these systems. From a risk-management
perspective alone, the cost of assuming a reactive role most often surpasses the cost
of planning ahead; thus it is valuable to invest in keeping these systems working
properly over the long term. The present and future state of the Town of Legal is the
responsibility of both the current decision makers and the community as a whole.
1.6
Guiding Principles
Sound planning and development initiatives are necessary in order to achieve a
balance between supporting opportunities for sustainable growth and development
within the Town while also ensuring that all of the systems at work within the
community and identified within the Town's MDP are respected and supported.
1.7
Philosophical Principles
The Town of Legal's philosophy for managing growth and its land base is reflected
within this Municipal Development Plan and Sustainability Plan. The philosophy
comprises three principles:
Principle #1:
Land uses and development activities must respect and maintain
the integrity of the Town's land base, which varies throughout
the Town.
Principle #2:
Growth must be managed and directed in a compatible,
equitable manner that recognizes the diverse needs and
aspirations of all Town residents.
Principle #3:
Smart growth principles will be applied in maintaining the
integrity of the land base and to promote sustainable
development such that the needs of the present generation are
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Introduction
7
met without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs.
1.8
Planning Principles
The Municipal Development Plan and Sustainability Plan policies also recognize three
fundamental planning principles that are embodied in the Municipal Government Act
and the Provincial Land Use Policies.
Principle #1:
In carrying out their planning responsibilities, municipalities are
encouraged never to lose sight of the rights of individual
citizens and landowners. Municipalities must assess the impact
of any planning decision on individuals having regard to the
purpose statement of the planning legislation.
Principle #2:
Municipalities should establish land use patterns which make
efficient use of land, infrastructure, public services and public
facilities and which contribute to the development of healthy,
safe, and viable communities by encouraging appropriate mixes
of all land use types and a wide range of economic
opportunities.
Principle #3:
Planning activities should be carried out in a fair, open,
consistent, and equitable manner.
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Introduction
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Figure 1: Historic Murals in Legal
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The Five Pillars
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2
The Five Pillars
The Pillars of Sustainably identified within this Plan reflect the five (5) key
perspectives which underlay land use and community development within the Town
of Legal. All community and land use decisions should be consistent with and help to
achieve the goals and targets identified within in the five pillar areas.
This approach to planning represents an integrated approach to sustainable land use
and community development within the Town of Legal. The following sections of the
MDP have been structured to represent the five pillars.
Each Pillar features the following elements:
Description of the current reality - providing an understanding of our
starting point today, including existing initiatives that are already underway;
Goal statement - a portrayal of what Legal will look like in 50 years if we
successfully work towards achieving the vision set forth in the Pillar;
Objectives - providing specific targets and triggers for the community to
collaboratively work towards over a period of 10 to 50 years; and
Policies & action strategies - including policies and specific actions that
have been identified as priorities by the community for the duration of this
plan. Policies and action strategies apply throughout the entire community
and encompass both formal and explicit process and non-formal, individual
and community based initiatives.
Broad goal statements for the five key pillars of sustainability incorporated into this
Plan are briefly described below:
1.
Community Features: Create a vibrant and festive community through the
promotion of a strong sense of heritage, arts and community pride. Work as a
community to ensure tolerance and respect, friendly and cooperative
behaviour in neighbourhoods, low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour,
healthy lifestyles and provision of a sufficient range of social and affordable
housing.
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The Five Pillars
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2.
Economy: Create a flourishing and diverse local economy through the
promotion of a strong business community with links to the regional
economy, diverse job creation and sufficient land and buildings to support
economic prosperity as well as change.
3.
Natural Environment: Initiate measures which ensure a quality
environment by implementing strategies to manage resources within
ecological limits.
4.
Form & Infrastructure: Direct future development so it is contiguous and
makes efficient use of land, infrastructure, transportation networks, and
other community resources. Regularly review, invest in and update long-term
infrastructure development, maintenance, and replacement plans.
5.
Governance: Commitment to collaboration with regional partners and a
democratic system which allows for effective and inclusive participation,
representation and leadership through a transparent and accountable
governance system, a strong inclusive community and volunteer sector.
2.1
This Plan As An Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
There are a number of projects which are eligible for 'New Deals for Cities and
Communities' funding. This Municipal Development and Sustainability Plan will
provide the Town and larger community with access to funding for these types of
projects. Funding is dedicated to programs which better the environment. The
following are examples of projects eligible for funding as cited in the Administrative
Procedures for New Deals for Cities and Communities (this listing is neither all
inclusive nor exhaustive):
At the Municipal Level:
Public Transit
Purchase, development, and rehabilitation of major capital security devices,
communication equipment, and other public safety enhancements.
Implementation of Municipal Infrastructure Management Systems including
software and the collection of Core Infrastructure data to the limits outlined
in the program guidelines.
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The Five Pillars
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Water
Water treatment, storage and pumping facilities.
Treated water supply lines.
Distribution system upgrades and replacements, including individual services
to the property line
Implementation of Water Infrastructure Management Systems, including the
purchase of software and collection of data to the limits outlined in the
program guidelines.
Wastewater Treatment Systems
Wastewater treatment and pumping facilities.
Sewage collection system upgrades and replacements, including service mains
to the property line.
Implementation
of
Wastewater
Infrastructure
Management
Systems,
including the purchase of software and collection of data to the limits
outlined in the program guidelines.
Wastewater (Storm Sewer Drainage Systems and Facilities)
Storm sewer line replacement or rehabilitation.
Construction of new storm sewer retention ponds and new storm sewer
treatment facilities.
Replacement or rehabilitation of storm sewer collection lines including service
lines, and catch basins.
Implementation of Storm Sewer Infrastructure Management Systems,
including the purchase of software and collection of data to the limits
outlined in the program guidelines.
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The Five Pillars
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Solid Waste Management
Waste diversion - Material Recovery Facilities.
Organics management.
Collection depots.
Waste disposal landfills.
Community Energy Systems
Retrofits of local government-owned buildings.
Energy systems such as renewable energy, combined heat and power (CHP),
cogeneration and district energy.
Street lighting retrofits.
Roadways & Bridges
Reconstruction and rehabilitation of roadways and road structures.
Construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of railway and other grade
separations.
Other ancillary works such as sidewalks, commuter bikeways, lighting, traffic
control signals, pedestrian signals, storm drainage and utility relocations.
Capacity Building
Development and implementation of the MDP.
Collaboration: building partnerships and strategic alliances; participation; and
consultation and outreach.
Knowledge: use of technology; research; and monitoring and evaluation.
The Plan can be used throughout the larger community in the following ways:
an organization referencing the town of Legal MDP in grant applications;
a local business using the town of Legal MDP to make decisions on their
purchasing or delivery of goods and services;
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The Five Pillars
13
a school developing student programs that aligns with the direction of the
Town of Legal MDP; or
a household making decisions that contribute to the Town of Legal MDP,
such as purchasing a rain barrel for their yard.
These are just a few examples of how the MDP can help build the future we want for
our community. Citizens of the Town of Legal are creative people and over the
coming years will discover new and exciting ways to use this plan and make it a living
part of the community.
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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3
Community Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
3.1
Regional Context
The Town of Legal is located approximately 40 km north of the City of Edmonton,
immediately east of the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 651 (See Map 1:
Regional Location ). Historically, the Town has served as a social and community
service centre for the surrounding area. Today the community, which is
predominately a bedroom community, provides high quality social and recreational
services and some commercial services to compliment new and existing family
oriented housing and recreational amenities.
3.2
Community Characteristics
Population Trends
Understanding the Town of Legal's population and how it is changing over time is
important
to
establishing
effective
planning
and
development
strategies.
In 1998, the former Village of Legal obtained 'town' status in Alberta. According to
the federal census, Legal's population in 1996 was 1,095. In 2001, the Town's
population decreased slightly to 1,058. Since this time, the Town's population has
gradually increased, from 1,198 in 2006 to 1,225 in 2011.
Year
Population
Annual Growth Rate
1996
1,095
2001
1,058
-3.4%
2006
1,198
13.2%
2011
1,225
2.3%
2014
1,288
1.7%
Age
Based on figures from the 2011 Census, the median age of Town residents is 34.4,
which comparable to the median age of the population for Alberta, at 36.6. The
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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Town of Legal contains more young people when compared to the province as a
whole, as 23.2% of the population is under the age of 15, compared to 18.8% for all
of Alberta.
Source: Statistics Canada 2011 Census
The population pyramid of Legal from 2011 shows a lower proportion of younger
residents under the age of 25. Individuals of this demographic often relocate to
larger urban areas for education and employment opportunities. The Town of Legal's
population pyramid generally conforms to regional trends, though this is occurring
slightly less for males. This phenomenon indicates that there are likely more
employment opportunities in the region for males and therefore young men do not
need to migrate elsewhere for employment opportunities.
Education
Legal offers a broad range of educational opportunities and programing for local
residents. There are three (3) school systems that provide educational opportunities
to residents. The Legal School provides Catholic education in English for K-9. There
are two (2) preschool programs at Legal School for 3 & 4 year olds. Legal also has a
Francophone School, École Citadelle, which offers K-9. A Francophone preschool is
offered for 3 & 4 year olds at École Citadelle. Grades 10-12 students attend a
modern, new, hi-tech school just minutes away at the Morinville Community High
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
40
60
80
0 to 4 years
10 to 14 years
20 to 24 years
30 to 34 years
40 to 44 years
50 to 54 years
60 to 64 years
70 to 74 years
80 to 84 years
Female
Male
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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School. Francophone students have the opportunity to attend École Alexandre
Taché, a francophone High School in St. Albert, with bus service provided.
Additionally, beginning in the fall of 2013, the Sturgeon School Board will begin
offering a Kindergarten and a preschool program within the community.
Additionally the following programs also operate within the community that provide
additional educational opportunities and programing for children:
Parentlink program which provides programing for children between the ages
of 0-6.
According to Statistics Canada 34.6% of the residents over the age of 15 in the
Town of Legal have no certificate, diploma or degree, compared to 23.4% for all of
Alberta. The following chart further illustrates the level of education obtained by
residents of the Town of Legal over the age of 15. Education levels can help
illustrate the type of workforce and employment opportunities available in the area.
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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Highest Level of Education for Population Aged 15+
# of
Persons
% of
Population
No certificate; diploma or degree
315
34.6
High school certificate or equivalent
235
25.9
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or
diploma
160
17.6
College,
CEGEP,
or
other
non-
university certificate or diploma
155
17.0
University certificate or diploma below
the bachelor level
20
2.2
University certificate; diploma or degree
15
1.6
Total number of residents aged
15+
910
100
(approximately)
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
Almost two-fifths (38.4%) of the Town's residents over the age of fifteen have some
form of post-secondary education. The majority of this group supplemented their
education with an apprenticeship, trades certificate or college diploma.
Income
The median income for all private households in the Town of Legal is $57,887, which
is slightly lower than the Alberta median of $63,988. The majority of household
income in the Town of Legal (82.3%) is derived from employment, as opposed to
government transfers such as pension plans, employment insurance, social
assistance and worker's compensation. The provincial equivalent is 82.3%. Statistics
Canada classifies 7.8% of all persons in private households in the Town as low
income before tax and 6.5% as low income after tax. These percentages are both
lower than the provincial average.
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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Housing
As of 2006, the Town of Legal contained a total of 420 dwellings - 83.3% of which
are owner occupied. The vast majority (91.7%) of the housing inventory is made up of
low density single detached houses. The average household size in the Town is 3.1
persons, which is the same as the Alberta average. Statistics Canada estimates that
4.8% of total occupied dwellings require major repair, while the provincial average is
6.7%. Of the Town's total occupied dwellings, 63.1% were constructed prior to 1986,
while across Alberta the average is 62.5%.
Housing Inventory
Single-detached houses
91.7 %
Semi-detached houses
3.6 %
Apartments
2.4 %
Other*
2.3 %
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
* According to Statistics Canada "Other" includes other single attached houses and
movable dwellings such as mobile homes and other movable dwellings such as
houseboats and railroad cars.
Economics and Employment
The local economy supports opportunities for employment in agriculture, oil and gas,
government services, service commercial, and light manufacturing industries. There
are opportunities for residents to work and live in the Town of Legal and the
surrounding area.
The Town of Legal is a local service centre for area residents. Within the Town's
boundaries are a variety of commercial, educational, social and recreational services.
A diversity of businesses within the Town provide local and area residents with daily
necessities, contract services, entertainment and dining opportunities.
The Town of Legal is a bedroom community for residents who work throughout the
region. Influences on the Town's economy include the proximity of Canadian Forces
Base (CFB) Edmonton, Alberta's Industrial Heartland as well as the Town of
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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Morinville, and the Cities of St. Albert and Edmonton. The economy of Town of
Legal is fundamentally linked to the larger region as employment opportunities in the
region provide long-term job security for residents, as well as customers for local
businesses.
The following chart further identifies the percentage of the Town of Legal workforce
employed by specific industries.
Industry Inventory
Agriculture and other resource-based industries
5.4 %
Health care and social services
5.4 %
Business services
14.6 %
Retail trade
11.5 %
Construction
15.4 %
Finance and real estate
6.9 %
Manufacturing
11.5 %
Educational services
3.1 %
Other
21.5 %
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
Statistics Canada estimates that approximately 12.3% of the working population that
lives in the Town of Legal also works in the Town. 45.4% of the Town's population
works outside the Town but within Alberta. 4.6% of the Town's population works
from home, while 23.1% have no fixed workplace address. 73.8% of the workforce
within the Town drives a car, truck or van to work, compared to 74.2% of individuals
for all of Alberta. It is not uncommon for individuals within smaller urban areas to
rely on single-person vehicles for transportation. 4.6% of individuals take public
transit, walk or bicycle to work. This figure is lower than both the provincial average
(16.2%) and the national average (18%) and speaks to the commuter culture of the
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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community. Most work opportunities are located outside of the community and
therefore vehicle travel to employment centres is required.
Development Statistics
In order to monitor growth within the community the Town monitors new home
starts and the number of business licenses issued annually. The following chart
illustrates new home permits issued and business licenses approved within the Town
between 2007 and 2012.
Year
New Home Permits
Business Licenses
2007
9
70
2008
1
76
2009
5
67
2010
6
79
2011
6
104
2012
7
70
Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census
This data indicates that growth has been moderate and relatively steady since 2007.
The Town anticipates that employment growth within the community will also
continue to exhibit a moderate growth rate consistent with the Capital Region Board
employment growth forecast of approximately 0.7% annually for the duration of the
plan.
3.3
Environmental Characteristics
The Town of Legal, is located within the North Saskatchewan Boreal Region of
Alberta. The area within and immediately surrounding the Town is generally flat,
although the lands surrounding the town gently slope toward a drainage course that
runs north to south in the eastern portion of the town.
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Soils within the Town and the immediate surrounding area are generally of a high
agricultural capability.
There is one minor water course (Legal Creek) within the Town. Legal Creek
connects to the Redwater River and provides important habitat areas and sustenance
for local flora and fauna.
3.4
Municipal Services
Municipal water for the Town of Legal is provided by the regional water line, which is
located to the south of the Town. A water reservoir currently operates in the
southern-most portion of the Town, west of 50 Street. A network of water
distribution pipelines has been developed throughout the Town to provide municipal
water to all residents, businesses and institutional uses in the Town. These
waterlines have not been extended into undeveloped portions of the Town, although
future connections can be made adjacent to existing Town roads.
Sanitary waste in the Town of Legal is handled by municipal sanitary pipeline
infrastructure, which distributes the waste to a sanitary management facility north of
the Town of Legal. This facility (operated by the Town of Legal) currently has
additional capacity for future developments in the Town, and has room to expand its
existing capacity if required.
Stormwater runoff in the Town of Legal is managed via existing roadway ditches and
storm sewer pipelines that collect and later distribute the collected stormwater to
natural discharge areas throughout the Town.
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Context, Vision, and Plan Goals
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Figure 2: Legal Fire Hall
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Community Features
23
4
Community Features
The Community Features pillar represents the social,
recreation, heritage and cultural systems at work within the
Town of Legal. These systems are integral to ensuring the
health and well-being of the community. The vibrancy,
heritage and identity of the Town of Legal is reflected and
influenced by these systems.
4.1
Recreation
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 and under circumstances
where it does not adversely affect the community, or the natural environment.
Recreation also forms an important component of the tourism potential of the
region, and is to be encouraged as much as possible within the term of this
Plan, provided, of course, that the tourist activities or facilities do not threaten
the potential itself, the economy and community, or the natural environment.
Current Reality:
The Town of Legal has a number of recreational
assets including:
Citadel Park and
Fairgrounds (12 ac. park
with arena, curling rink,
ball diamonds, soccer
pitch, playground &
gazebo)
Knights of Columbus Park
& Baseball Diamond
Centralta Community
Centre
Citadel Centre
Grasshopper
Park
Municipal Trails
Club 60 Roses
Legal Creek
Skateboard
Park
Centennial Park
(RV Park,
baseball
diamonds, pond
& playground)
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Community Features
24
Goal Statement:
Sustain existing recreational assets and ensure
that future recreation opportunities reflect the
scale, values and needs of the community.
OBJECTIVE A: Provide all residents reasonable access to recreation opportunities
POLICIES
Policy 1
Promote structured and unstructured recreational activities
Policy 2
Strengthen community connectivity to provide additional opportunities
for recreation and active lifestyle choices for people of all ages and
abilities
Policy 3
The Town shall support the development of active transportation
pathways, including the existing trail network, linking parts of the Town
to provide both connectivity between neighbourhoods and recreation
opportunities
Policy 4
The Town shall endeavour to ensure adequate provision of attractive,
accessible, well-maintained recreation areas and facilities for the
community.
Policy 5
Through the subdivision process, and in accordance with the Municipal
Government Act, the Town shall require that subdivision applications
provide 10% of their land as Municipal Reserve for park and school
purposes as a condition of subdivision approval. The land shall be
shared with the School Division(s) in accordance with the School
Division(s) approved needs and in accordance with any agreement the
Town may have with the School Division(s). The land acquired by the
Town through this process will be used for recreational facilities and
uses.
Policy 6
Notwithstanding Policy 5 above, from time to time, the amount of land
that would be provided by a subdivision may be too small or may be
unsuitable to be of use for the Town's recreational purposes. In such
instances, at the discretion of the Subdivision Authority and in
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Community Features
25
accordance with the Municipal Government Act, money in place of
Reserves may be required. That money shall be used for recreation
capital works and shared with the School Division in accordance with
any agreement the Town may have with the School Division(s).
Policy 7
The Town supports and encourages the activities of community clubs,
sports clubs, cultural and heritage societies, churches, schools,
individuals, etc. through funding, policy development and facility
development.
OBJECTIVE B: Maintain our existing recreation assets and encourage the
development of new recreation opportunities
POLICIES
Policy 1
Strive to increase recreational use of the existing facilities
Policy 2
Work
collaboratively
with
local
businesses,
organizations
and
institutions to enhance public and privately funded recreational
opportunities
Policy 3
The development of recreation areas and facilities shall be based on
standards which are within the financial capabilities of the community
to achieve.
Policy 4
Develop a facilities maintenance and improvement strategy and
incorporate recreation maintenance and investments into a 5 year
capital budget to plan for required maintenance and future recreation
investments
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26
OBJECTIVE C: Encourage collaboration with community groups, not-for-profit
organizations, and regional partners to provide a range of
recreation opportunities.
POLICIES
Policy 1
Maintain open lines of communication with Sturgeon County
Policy 2
Prepare a regional recreation master plan with regional partners to
identify opportunities for regional collaboration
Policy 3
Work cooperatively with Sturgeon County and other regional partners
to maintain and develop high quality recreation facilities
Policy 4
The Town shall continue to work collaboratively with community
organizations to support the management of local trail networks and
community facilities.
Policy 5
Endeavour to support community groups in providing recreation
opportunities within the Town
OBJECTIVE D: To encourage trail development while also protecting adjacent land
owners from potential negative impacts through the careful
regulation of recreation use of the rights-of-way.
POLICIES
Policy 1
Multi-lot residential developments will be required to provide multi-
modal trail networks to the satisfaction of the Subdivision Authority at
time of subdivision.
Policy 2
The Town shall endeavour to identify and create an interconnected
system of parks and community green spaces throughout the Town.
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Community Features
27
OBJECTIVE E: To maximize the use of existing recreation facilities and parks and
to plan the Town's future recreation and tourism needs.
POLICIES
Policy 1
Service clubs and citizens groups should be encouraged to assist with
park development.
Policy 2
The Town shall continue to work collaboratively with existing service
clubs, not-for-profit organizations, and regional partners to improve
and support existing recreation and tourism facilities within the Town.
4.2
Heritage
Future development will be respectful of important heritage and cultural
resources by preserving and protecting, where appropriate, significant heritage
buildings and spaces. The Town will strive to build on these assets in order to
ensure that they serve to enhance the lives of our citizens by preserving and
protecting historic places for the current community and future generations.
Current Reality:
The Town of Legal has a number of heritage assets
that positively impact the quality of life for local
residents and visitors to the community. Some of
these assets include:
Murals
French Culture (Bilingual community)
Fete Au Village
Coal Mining History
Goal Statement:
The Town of Legal will strive to build on the
strengths of our natural, built, and human heritage
in order to enhance the lives of our citizens
through the identification and preservation of
historic places for the present community and
future generations.
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Community Features
28
OBJECTIVE A: To preserve and promote significant historic resources located
within the community
POLICIES
Policy 1
Based upon Provincial guidelines, Town Council will encourage private
and public efforts to preserve and support historic and cultural
resources deemed worthy of preservation by the municipality.
Policy 2
Support the preservation of the heritage documents, oral histories,
videos, recordings, and photographs for the region by encouraging the
development of a local archives
Policy 3
The Town shall require Heritage Resource Impact Assessments to be
included with proposed subdivision and development applications in
locations where the proposal may impact significant heritage resources.
Policy 4
The Town shall encourage the use of historic resources to promote
tourism, where appropriate.
Policy 5
Explore opportunities for engaging a local or regional Community
Economic Development officer to encourage the promotion of the
Town's heritage and heritage assets for the purpose of encouraging
tourism and economic development within the community and region
Policy 6
The Town shall encourage local and regional organizations to preserve
and promote local historic and cultural resources.
4.3
Culture
A community's public facilities and services showcase the community's
commitment to wellness and excellence by providing a framework in which the
community functions. Services such as neighbourhood facilities, recreation
facilities and services, community programs, protective and emergency services
and health and social services play a vital role in increasing the quality of life
for all community members.
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Community Features
29
Current Reality:
The Town of Legal's unique identity and small-town
feel are a source of pride for residents. The community
is rooted in its commitment to the natural beauty,
ecological
integrity,
cultural
events
and
local
community traditions. The people of Legal, both past
and present, are integral to the Town's success as a
strong, sustainable and distinctive community. The
Town of Legal is host to unique community events that
regularly draw residents together.
Recent events include:
Fete Au Village
Baseball, Hockey, Soccer and Curling Tournaments
Small Town Saturday Night (2012)
Light up the Park Christmas Festival
Farmers Market
Annual Volunteer Appreciate Night
Annual Craft and Trade Fair
Annual Meet Your Community Night
The Town also has a number of additional cultural assets and
organizations that provide opportunities for spontaneous gathering,
celebrations and entertainment.
These assets include:
Murals
Strong Local Arts Community
Bilingual Community (French and English)
Goal Statement:
Legal
is
a
community
with
diverse
cultural
opportunities. We work openly and collaboratively to
develop a strong civic culture and quality of life which
reflects local cultural assets.
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30
OBJECTIVE A: Legal is a learning and creative community
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage the development of the performing and visual arts in Legal
Policy 2
The Town will continue to collaborate with municipal and provincial
partners to ensure the provision of cultural facilities.
Policy 3
Work with community groups and volunteers to increase the accessibility
of cultural resources
Policy 4
Support newcomers to the community and strive to create a warm and
inviting atmosphere that is welcoming to new community members
through programs such as the Welcome Wagon program
Policy 5
Encourage the upgrading of existing facilities and improvements to
cultural facilities.
Policy 6
Encourage the development of a business incubator.
Policy 7
Support accessible life-long learning opportunities such as continuing
education
programs,
early
childhood
educations
programs
and
programing for seniors.
OBJECTIVE B: Maintain and improve the overall appearance of the community
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage the protection and growth of the Town's "urban forest"
through new planning initiatives and the preservation of significant tree
stands.
Policy 2
Encourage citizens to be involved in Town beautification initiatives
Policy 3
Encourage citizens to take ownership of and pride in the Town's visual
appearance
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Community Features
31
Policy 4
Encourage the development and maintenance of public works of art
Policy 5
Explore opportunities for developing and implementing a design theme
for the downtown area
Policy 6
Encourage the development of distinct "gateways" into community
Policy 7
To improve the visual image of the entrances to the Town, Town Council
will encourage owners planning property improvements to consider using
building materials, textures, colour, landscaping, and signs that would
favourably complement and/or enhance the entrances to the Town. Town
Council will also use its best efforts to undertake such works on its
properties and encourage the Provincial Government to do the same on
its properties, especially the Primary Highways.
Policy 8
Encourage new developments and existing development to utilize noise
and odour controls
OBJECTIVE C: Work with provincial agencies, regional partners and the
community at large to ensure a high level of protective and
emergency services within Town
POLICIES
Policy 1
Continue regular and open communication with emergency services
providers
Policy 2
The
Town
will
continue
to
assess
the
level
of
municipal
protective/emergency servicing. Attention will be focused primarily on
staff, equipment and space requirements to ensure adequate fire
protection.
Policy 3
Implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
practices in new developments and subdivision design
Policy 4
Work with regional partners in reviewing and establishing regional
emergency services strategies
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Community Features
32
Policy 5
The Town will encourage the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to work
with various community groups in an effort to sponsor an awareness of
crime in Legal and a preventive attitude among Town residents.
Policy 6
The Town will endeavor to ensure that an appropriate level of ambulance
service is provided in the community.
Policy 7
Assist volunteer emergency services groups to help recruit members by
means of education, promotion and communication
OBJECTIVE D: Gathering places for community members to interact and celebrate
are vibrant and accessible to all members of the community
POLICIES
Policy 1
Recognize and promote the significance and location of community
"hubs" and park spaces
Policy 2
Encourage new developments to include opportunities for spontaneous
interaction and gathering
4.4
Social
Social assets are often described as a community's soft infrastructure systems.
They refer to health care services, education, emergency services and child care
services. Social assets also include factors such as affordability and wellness.
These systems and factors increase the quality of life for all community
members and strongly influence the attractiveness of the Town of Legal as a
place to live, work and recreate.
Current Reality:
The Town currently provides a range of health care
services to citizens. Available services include:
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Community Features
33
Goal Statement:
The Town of Legal offers affordable and diverse
housing options and business opportunities. Our
comprehensive social and healthcare services
promote mind and body wellness for community
members through all stages of life.
OBJECTIVE A: Encourage collaboration with provincial agencies, not-for-profit
groups, and organizations to ensure affordable, efficient, and
diverse social and healthcare services within the Town which are
appropriate to the scale and demographics of the community and
surrounding region
POLICIES
Policy 1
Collaborate with the Provincial Health Authority to attract health care
providers to locate, live and work in Town
Policy 2
Collaborate with the Provincial Health Authority to assess differences
between current needs and existing services
Policy 3
Collaborate with the Provincial Health Authority to encourage the
development of innovative healthcare practices in the community
Policy 4
The Town will endeavour to ensure the expansion of social services to
Local FCSS
Two Elementary
and Junior High
Schools
Parent Link Centre
Legal Youth Group
Legal-lerie
Monthly News
Letter
Club 60 Roses
Volunteer Fire
Department
Regional
Ambulance
Service
Community
Bulletin Boards
Day Homes
Chateau Sturgeon
Seniors
Supportive
Housing
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Community Features
34
residents as the need arises
Policy 5
The Town will endeavour to ensure the expansion of health services as
required in order to meet the needs of local and regional residents
Policy 6
Develop and implement a health care worker retention program
OBJECTIVE B: Encourage initiatives and developments which foster a culture of
lifelong learning and creativity within the community
POLICIES
Policy 1
Promote informal and formal learning opportunities for citizens of all
ages
Policy 2
Collaborate with education providers to increase locally available
educational opportunities
OBJECTIVE C: Support opportunities for the creation of a wide variety of viable
housing options within the community
POLICES
Policy 1
In association with Provincial and Federal agencies, maintain current
levels of service and encourage the development of additional seniors
housing and assisted living options
Policy 2
Encourage new large scale developments within the community to
include market and non-market housing options according to
community needs
Policy 3
Consider the implementation of innovative housing models, including
higher density districts and new construction methods to encourage
more affordable housing within the community
Policy 4
Encourage the continued use of green building technologies in new
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Community Features
35
buildings and retrofits
OBJECTIVE D: Encourage diversity and inclusiveness within the community
through collaboration with local stakeholders as well as provincial
and federal agencies
POLICES
Policy 1
Explore opportunities, in association with Provincial and Federal
agencies, develop programs for welcoming new Canadians
Policy 2
Encourage strategies for inclusiveness to support individuals of all
abilities within the community
Policy 3
Continue to provide services to welcome new community members
such as the welcome bag and online community directory to support all
new community members and business owners
Policy 4
Continue efforts within the Town Office to increase the accessibility of
staff and distribution of information to community members
Policy 5
In association with Provincial and Federal agencies, support and
encourage early childhood development programming
Policy 6
In association with Provincial and Federal agencies, support and
encourage programming, counselling, and recreation opportunities for
youth, adults, and seniors
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Economy
36
5
Economy
As the costs of living, operating a business and
providing municipal services increase, the community
will need to identify priority spending areas in order to
balance community needs. Essential to the Town's
long-term financial sustainability and affordability is
the ability to expand the tax base and achieve a
reasonable
balance
between
residential
and
commercial/industrial tax assessment. The benefits of
such a strategy are two-fold:
providing additional municipal revenue; and
creating local employment opportunities.
Building on these benefits, being innovative and remaining competitive in the regional
economy - both at the regional and municipal level - will be central to Town of
Legal's success in attracting new development and supporting existing businesses.
While recognizing the other elements of community sustainability, Legal's economic
development strategies must also incorporate principles of environmental and social
sustainability. If community well-being is to be one of the defining features of our
"Town culture" then future economic developments must also support the well-
being of the community.
Current Reality:
The large commuter community and range of intervening
opportunities for shopping in the region have put a strain
on local businesses. The Town currently provides a
range of services to the community and broader region
including, banking, groceries & restaurants. The Town is
working to diversify and strengthen the local economic
base.
Goal Statement:
Our local economy is innovative and competitive. Local
businesses flourish within our affordable, balanced, and
diverse community. Our economic prosperity reflects
our success in achieving a balance between all of our
community sustainability objectives.
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Economy
37
OBJECTIVE A: Maintain a healthy economic environment in which both private
enterprises and public organizations thrive
POLICES
Policy 1
Implement responsible and balanced budgets that support local
residents, business owners, and infrastructure
Policy 2
Encourage open communication between the business community and
Council
OBJECTIVE B: Support local business and encourage balance between retention,
growth and expansion of local businesses and services
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage local businesses to actively market their goods and services
Policy 2
Work with individuals and the development community to address
development concerns and be open to adjusting policies/ regulations to
support innovations
Policy 3
Encourage appropriate business development downtown
Policy 4
Encourage the development of new local industries and businesses
which will provide additional employment opportunities
Policy 5
Assist in the facilitation of consumer access to available local products
and services
OBJECTIVE C: Work collaboratively with the local and regional business
community to increase investment, attraction and diversity
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage the business areas within the Town (specifically the
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Economy
38
Downtown) to be attractive and "eye catching"
Policy 2
Encourage business initiatives that further the diversification of local
products and services
Policy 3
Work in collaboration with the local Chamber of Commerce to attract
new businesses to the community
OBJECTIVE D: Encourage attraction and retention strategies
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage new business owners and employees to settle in Town
Policy 2
Facilitate communication between skilled individuals and employers
Policy 3
Work with local organizations to support entrepreneurism for youth
Policy 4
Publically recognize innovative businesses and developments that have
made significant contributions to community sustainability initiatives
and community prosperity
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Natural Environment
39
6
Natural Environment
The Town of Legal includes a range of valuable
environmental features which support not only the
Town's ecosystem but also the economic, social,
cultural, and recreational systems throughout the
community.
Recognizing
that
a
successful
and
sustainable future is dependent on the vitality of all of
the
interconnected
systems
(built
and
natural
environment, economic, social and cultural) the Town of
Legal has adopted a strong approach for environmental
management.
The natural environment includes community assets such as water quality, wildlife
habitat, air quality, etc.
Current Reality:
The natural environment has a large influence on how a
community takes shape. Water courses, the water table
and existing tree covered areas create opportunities for
some kinds of development and present challenges to
others. The Town currently includes some unique green
spaces both within the Town boundary and in the larger
Legal Region. Natural assets include:
Legal Creek
Mature Tree Stands
High Quality Agricultural Soils
Future development within the Town should consider
and incorporate the natural environment into site design
and development.
Goal Statement:
Residents and businesses are engaged in environmental
issues
and
promote
ecological
sustainability
and
stewardship throughout the community and within
individual households and businesses.
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Natural Environment
40
OBJECTIVE A:
Identify and preserve significant ecological sites within Town.
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage the use of ecologically based planning principles and best
practices in the development and implementation of future planning
documents
Policy 2
Work with local educational providers to increase awareness and
conservation of the Town's natural assets
Policy 3
Research and implement a municipal planting policy to reforest
deforested areas within the community
Policy 4
Endeavor to develop an inventory of significant and unique ecological
sites and resources within the Town.
Policy 5
The Town may require an environmental assessment related to a
proposed development which may have an impact on an identified
natural or environmentally sensitive feature, to be provided by the
developer.
Policy 6
The town will encourage the retention of significant tree stands on
Town land and on privately owned land.
Policy 7
Encourage sustainable landscaping practices
Policy 8
Encourage
the
efficient
management
of
resources
and
the
implementation of energy conservation practices
Policy 9
Work with the local RCMP and volunteers to discourage vandalism in
parks and natural areas
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Natural Environment
41
OBJECTIVE B:
Encourage development only on lands which do not have
critical development constraints
POLICIES
Policy 1
Development shall not be allowed in areas characterized by wetlands,
swamps, muskeg, or saturated soils. Development shall also be
prohibited in valleys, ravines, or seasonal draws
Policy 2
Development shall be prohibited on slopes in excess of 15% or on
slopes which are subject to slippage or mass movement
Policy 3
Development is prohibited on soils which have extremely fast
percolation rates and/or which might result in the possibility of
groundwater contamination
Policy 4
No permanent structures will be allowed within the 1:100 year flood
plain of any river, stream or lake shore, unless proper flood proofing
techniques are applied. A certificate from a qualified, registered
professional engineer or architect will be required by the Town to
confirm that the development has been properly flood proofed.
Policy 5
The Town shall encourage flood plain and flood prone areas to be kept
in their natural state or be used for extensive agricultural use, where
applicable.
Policy 6
Where development is allowed within a flood prone or flood plain area,
the developer shall take measures as required by the Development
and/or Subdivision Authority.
Policy 7
On municipal lands within extremely high water table areas, new
development should be limited to recreational uses.
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42
OBJECTIVE C:
Encourage community members to "live locally" and foster
local self-reliance in relation to food, energy and economic systems
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town will support local businesses and producers by striving to
develop a Buy Local Campaign and municipal Buy Local policy.
OBJECTIVE D:
Strengthen
relationships
with
the
regional
agricultural
community by encouraging local opportunities for the production and consumption
of agricultural products
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage the processing and sale of local agricultural products
Policy 2
Encourage future developments to be compatible with adjacent
agricultural developments
OBJECTIVE E: Encourage energy efficient design and the development and
utilization of alternative energy.
STRATEGIES
Policy 1
The Town encourages houses to be oriented to maximize passive solar
energy, natural shade and windbreaks, and to orient rooms such as
kitchens and bedrooms based on light and heat requirements. The use
of energy-efficient appliances and materials is also encouraged.
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43
Solar orientation and use of wind breaks for passive energy conservation.
A 13O South-East orientation is ideal to maximize solar energy benefits.
Policy 2
The Town encourages the use of small alternative energy systems as a
green alternative to traditional forms of electrical generation.
OBJECTIVE F:
Encourage best practices is waste reduction and water
management.
STRATEGIES
Policy 1
Encourage building and infrastructure practices that reduce water
consumption
Policy 2
The Town shall encourage new development to provide multi-modal
transportation options to reduce car dependency within the
community and reduce vehicular air emissions
Policy 3
The Town shall encourage recycling and other waste reduction
programs which divert materials from the regional landfill.
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Natural Environment
44
Policy 4
The Town shall endeavor to implement innovative technologies and
best practices to supply the water needs of residents and industries.
Policy 5
The Town shall endeavor to implement innovative technologies and
best practices to treat waste water prior to returning it to the
hydrologic cycle.
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Infrastructure and Form
45
7
Infrastructure and Form
Form and Infrastructure encompasses those things that
we
generally
refer
to
as
a
community's
hard
infrastructure, such transportation network and public
utilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities,
water treatment and supply faculties, storm water
management facilities, trail networks, buildings, etc. as
well as the Future Land Use Strategy for the
community. The Future Land Use Strategy includes
policies for different land uses within the Town and
identifies areas within Legal for future commercial, industrial, residential and
community land uses.
7.1
Infrastructure
The built environment often describes most of the layout and feel of a
community. The development of transportation and utility systems can have a
significant impact on land use within the Town of Legal. Although the Town
does not have the authority to regulate Provincial Highways, pipelines,
transmission lines and similar installations that are under provincial control in
many instances Council is given an opportunity to comment on the proposed
locations of these facilities. It is Council's intention to encourage the appropriate
authorities to have regard for the policies of this Plan.
Current Reality:
In its current form, the Town of Legal is dominated
by single-family housing, automobile oriented
transportation systems, as well as some highway
commercial and light industrial development. Recent
years have seen efforts to increase and improve
municipal
infrastructure,
increase
housing
opportunities, and to develop a more walkable and
attractive downtown area.
Goal Statement:
The Town of Legal manages growth responsibility
to ensure that the community is financially,
environmentally
and
socially
sustainable.
Infrastructure systems are well maintained and
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Infrastructure and Form
46
meet the needs of the current and future
community. The Town is compact and efficient.
New
development
and
infill
development
incorporates
design
elements
that
emphasize
connectivity,
multi-modal
transportation
opportunities and utilize cost and resource efficient
technologies.
OBJECTIVE A: Work collaboratively with the development community to
facilitate the implementation of innovative, energy and resource
efficient design standards in new developments
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage and facilitate environmentally-neutral design standards in
new developments and retrofits
Policy 2
New
development
will
normally
be
contiguous
to
existing
development and make efficient use of land, infrastructure and other
community resources
Policy 3
Implement high standards for urban design and landscaping
Policy 4
Encourage new developments to employ strategies for designing with
the landscape
OBJECTIVE B: Plan and budget for the development and maintenance of
infrastructure over the long term
POLICIES
Policy 1
Regularly review and update the Town's Water and Sanitary Sewer
Assessment
Policy 2
Ensure that infrastructure maintenance and development reflects the
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Infrastructure and Form
47
size and scale of the community
OBJECTIVE C: Ensure that municipal services and utilities are provided in an
economical and efficient manner and are reflective of need,
environmental constraints, land use considerations, and existing
infrastructure.
POLICIES
Policy 1
All municipal infrastructure systems, such as new roads, sewage
collection and water distribution systems created as a result of private
development, which may include dedication to the Town or
subdivision, shall only be assumed by the municipality if the system
has been constructed or upgraded to a standard which is acceptable to
the Town and which meets or exceeds all appropriate Provincial and
Federal standards.
Policy 2
The Town will ensure that infrastructure systems within the
community are safe and well-maintained
Policy 3
New development/infrastructure projects will be assessed in terms of
their cost effectiveness over the lifecycle of the project
Policy 4
New development within the community must conform with
recommendations in the Town's Water and Sanitary Sewer
Assessment
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Infrastructure and Form
48
OBJECTIVE D:
Work collaboratively with regional and provincial partners to
increase
the
resilience
and
security
of
the
regional
transportation network
POLICIES
Policy 1
Evaluate and, with the assistance of other levels of government,
design transportation systems based on accessibility, affordability and
security
Policy 2
Establish a strategy for prioritizing transportation system resources
Policy 3
Improve communication between all system users in the event of an
emergency or disruption
Policy 4
Strive to establish a transportation network that includes of all forms
of movement
Policy 5
Service roads adjacent to Provincial Highways in the Town shall be
considered as local roads and developed to appropriate standards.
Policy 6
The Town shall require that land use adjacent to Provincial Highways
and their associated accesses conform with the Access Management
Guidelines as outlined by Alberta Transportation. As well, where
possible, the Town's system of major local roads shall be afforded a
similar level of protection from encroachment and proliferation of
direct access.
Policy 7
Direct access from private property onto Provincial Highways shall be
discouraged and limited wherever possible, especially where access
onto local roads is available. Application for subdivision will be
specifically designed to minimize accesses onto Provincial Highways
and local arterial roads through the use of service roads or
redesigning the subdivision boundaries to redirect accesses onto local
roads
Policy 8
The Town shall implement a program of maintenance and
improvement for local roads designed to enhance traffic flow.
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Infrastructure and Form
49
Through the subdivision and development processes, the Town shall
endeavour to make the most efficient use of existing roadway
facilities. Developments with the potential for substantial road impact
(high traffic volumes or heavy trucks) will be directed to those roads
that are designed and constructed to accommodate such development.
Policy 9
The Town will endeavour to maintain flexibility in the extending of
municipal services into newly developed areas and will ensure that
developers provide excess capacity to allow extensions into future
development areas.
Policy 10
The Town may require the preparation of a servicing scheme and a
detailed geo-technical study prior to area structure plan or large area
subdivision approval.
Policy 11
The Town will continue to collect baseline data for future engineering
review in order to supplement the findings of historical Town servicing
studies, and improve the accuracy of future projections.
Policy 12
Developers shall be expected to provide or pay for the installation of
utilities and development of roads in new subdivisions. The
requirement shall be implemented through a development agreement
with the Town.
Policy 13
Off-site levies may be determined at the time of new development
and, if required, shall be assessed on all new developments in
accordance with any approved off-site levy bylaws.
OBJECTIVE E:
Work collaboratively with regional and provincial partners to
provide a reliable and efficient water and water systems
POLICIES
Policy 1
With the assistance of other levels of government and the regional water
commission, evaluate, design and maintain the regional water systems.
Policy 2
Encourage the efficient use of resources including water conservation.
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Policy 3
The Town shall endeavor to cooperate wherever possible with other
municipalities
and/or
the
provincial
government
with
planning,
development and operation of sanitary waste disposal facilities and
sewage lagoons.
Policy 4
Town Council supports the continued use of the Regional Landfill
System concept and principles.
OBJECTIVE F:
To ensure that all subdivision and development conforms to
municipal and provincial infrastructure and servicing standards
POLICIES
Policy 1
Subdivision shall not be allowed where access to graded and graveled or
paved roads in good condition does not exist, or where construction of a
roadway and access to current Town standards to the site is not
undertaken by the landowner/developer.
OBJECTIVE G:
Encourage the safe, orderly, and efficient development of
transportation and utility corridors including a hierarchy of streets
and efficient parking
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town shall establish a hierarchical street system consisting of:
(a)
arterials that have routes for quick and efficient movement of
traffic;
(b)
collector routes that serve to connect residential areas to arterial
streets;
(c)
local streets that serve to provide direct access to individual lots
and that have no through traffic.
Policy 2
Council shall encourage linear transportation and utility facilities to
locate so that they:
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(a)
follow road allowances wherever feasible;
(c)
use corridors to integrate a number of utilities; and
(b)
minimize disruption of recreation, wildlife, and historic resources.
Policy 3
The Town will endeavour to protect sufficient land for future arterial
road rights-of-way from encroachment by other uses.
Policy 4
Direct access to arterial roads from adjacent properties will be limited in
order to emphasize the most important function of these roadways,
which is to accommodate high volume traffic flows.
Policy 5
The Town will endeavour to enhance the appearance of roadways.
Developers will be required to provide landscaping, including trees,
along the medians and boulevards of roadways.
Policy 6
The Town will require the development of multi-ways or coordinated
walkway and bikeway systems in new residential areas, linking them to
recreation areas and facilities where appropriate. The rights-of-way for
these multi-ways shall be provided at the time of subdivision.
Policy 7
Employers and employees shall be encouraged to use alternative parking
areas to allow customers better access to the Town's retail and service
outlets.
OBJECTIVE H:
Minimize conflicts between transportation, communications, or
utility facilities and other land uses
POLICIES
Policy 1
Council shall encourage high voltage power lines and high pressure
pipelines to locate away from residential areas
Policy 2
Where proposed transportation and utility lines and facilities may
adversely affect adjacent lands or land uses, the Town shall recommend
or require as a condition of development of the line or facility such
buffering as deemed appropriate to minimize any negative impacts.
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Policy 3
The Town may require future subdivision proposals adjacent to
transportation and utility lines and facilities to provide such buffering as
deemed appropriate.
Policy 4
The Town shall encourage wireless communication facilities to consider
good planning and design so as to have the least impact on the natural
environment, and the least visual impact on nearby residents. The Town
shall also encourage the developers of wireless communication facilities
to provide an opportunity for public consultation.
Policy 5
Where appropriate, new facilities should be built to standards to
accommodate multiple devices. Individual facilities are strongly
discouraged. Should co-locations not prove feasible, the clustering of
wireless communication facilities shall be encouraged.
Policy 6
Wherever possible, all new service connections (power, telephone, etc.)
should be underground, except in the Industrial area. In the Industrial
Area the location of services will be at the discretion of the
Development Authority
OBJECTIVE I:
Minimize conflicts between transportation, communications, or
utility facilities and other land uses.
POLICIES
Policy 1
Council shall encourage high voltage power lines and high pressure
pipelines to locate away from residential areas
Policy 2
Where proposed transportation and utility lines and facilities may
adversely affect adjacent lands or land uses, the Town shall recommend
or require as a condition of development of the line or facility such
buffering as deemed appropriate to minimize any negative impacts.
Policy 3
The Town may require future subdivision proposals adjacent to
transportation and utility lines and facilities to provide such buffering as
deemed appropriate.
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Policy 4
The Town shall encourage wireless communication facilities to consider
good planning and design so as to have the least impact on the natural
environment, and the least visual impact on nearby residents. The Town
shall also encourage the developers of wireless communication facilities
to provide an opportunity for public consultation.
Policy 5
Where appropriate, new facilities should be built to standards to
accommodate multiple devices. Individual facilities are strongly
discouraged. Should co-locations not prove feasible, the clustering of
wireless communication facilities shall be encouraged.
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7.2
Form (Future Land Use Concept)
A development strategy has been developed for the Town of Legal based on the
review of the existing development pattern and on an analysis of the major
challenges and trends facing the Town.
The strategy entails:
striving for moderate, steady population growth;
ensuring orderly, beneficial development occurs in the Town;
ensuring adequate land is available to meet future development needs;
ensuring development is staged according to growth requirements;
ensuring each stage of development provides for a variety of
development opportunities, necessary services and amenities; and
emphasizing community strengths and assets such as the small town
character, and significant opportunities such as the Downtown core.
The goals, objectives and policies of the Plan support the orderly and economic
development of land within the Town and encourage the development of a
balanced community in terms of land use. The Plan attempts to provide for a
range of housing opportunities, to address quality of life issues, and to promote
the concepts of community and neighbourhood.
Plan policies have been made flexible in order to allow for the anticipated, as
well as varying, growth rates. To address the development of the community as
a whole, the plan covers all land within the Town's existing corporate
boundaries.
Goal Statement:
Growth and development in the Town of Legal is
orderly and efficient. Attention and care to
planning, implementation and the allocation of land
to various uses ensures that the Town can
accommodate the anticipated needs and desires of
the expected ultimate population and maintain local
and
regional
infrastructure,
conserve
natural
resources, expand transportation accessibility, the
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availability of utilities, public facilities, and financial
resources.
Development Pattern
Development within the Town of Legal will take on an economical and viable
development pattern in order to ensure that land uses are compatible with the
surrounding area and that servicing costs are affordable for the community and
region.
OBJECTIVE A: To ensure that sufficient land is available to meet future development
needs
POLICIES
Policy 1
Map 2: Future Land Use shall reflect the community's future
development needs
Policy 2
The future development pattern for the Town is shown on the Future
Land Use Map (Map 2: Future Land Use). Development shall generally
conform to this map and the policies within this Municipal Development
Plan and Sustainability Plan.
Policy 3
The Town shall encourage industry to locate wells and pipelines within
corridors adjacent to parcel boundaries in order to minimize the impact
of these developments on the Town's land base
Policy 4
The Town will discourage the development of new well sites within the
municipal boundary
OBJECTIVE B: To ensure that future development is responsive to the changing
needs of the community and both local and regional influences
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town shall promote phased development as necessary to respond to
population and development needs of the community
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Policy 2
The Town should encourage flexible development and design concepts
to provide adaptability for the changing needs of the community
OBJECTIVE C: To implement high standards for neighbourhood design and
landscaping to enhance residents' quality of life
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town should explore innovative zoning tools in consultation with
the development industry including but not limited to form-based,
performance-based, and use-based zones, and/or a hybrid of more than
one type of zoning system
Policy 2
The Town should encourage a variety of development designs and
layouts, particularly those which use green technology, reduce the
building footprint, increase the amount of open space, and promote the
use of alternative forms of transportation
Policy 3
New developments within residential areas shall be of a character that is
compatible with and/or improves the existing physical character of the
area.
Policy 4
Within both commercial and residential areas, new developments for
both commercial and residential uses may be considered where the
design, form, and massing are compatible with to the surrounding
development, and improves the appearance and use of the existing
neighbourhood.
7.3
Future Land Use
The development strategy for the Town of Legal is illustrated on the Future Land
Use Map (See Map 2 -Future Land Use). This map contains a conceptual
future land use pattern and transportation network for the community and is
meant to convey the general intent of the Town concerning the future direction
of growth. The map is intended to be interpreted as a broad expression of land
use policy and not as a precise description of proposed land uses related to
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specific parcels of land. The Future Land Use map is to be used in concert with
the goals, objectives and policies of the Plan.
The development concept reinforces the general pattern of development
currently found within the Town while ultimately developing a more compact
community which includes a broader range of residential, commercial and light
industrial land uses.
Land Use Classifications
The Land Use Classifications shown on the Map 2 - Future Land Use Map
are defined as follows:
Residential
refers to that area of the Town currently used for predominantly residential
purposes. Residential also refers to that area to be developed for predominantly
low density housing, and some medium and high density housing in selected
locations at a scale and density compatible with the neighbourhood.
Commercial
refers to that area containing commercial uses and compatible office, residential,
institutional and recreational uses. The Commercial area includes that area
surrounding the downtown core containing vacant lots, older single family
residences and non-conforming uses, which may be suitable to accommodate
downtown expansion including mixed use commercial/residential development
on a limited and site specific basis.
Compatible highway commercial uses that would benefit from exposure along
highway areas and that are visually attractive in appearance may also be
considered within this area. Compatible recreational, park and institutional uses
that cannot be reasonably accommodated elsewhere in the community may also
be considered.
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Industrial
refers to existing and future industrial development that does not:
consume a large volume of water or produce high quantities of effluent
or waste;
discharge toxic or noxious by-products into the air or groundwater
system; or
adversely impact adjacent properties through extreme noise, traffic or
emissions.
Community
refers to that area intended for low intensity park, recreation or community
development and/or to be preserved in its natural state.
Specific Land Use Areas
The following land use and development objectives and policies shall apply to all
lands shown on the Future Land Use Map within the Town of Legal and shall be
used by the Town of Legal to guide decision-making regarding land use and
development within the Town.
7.4
Residential Use Area
The Town of Legal has experienced some single family residential development
and a limited amount of multi-family residential development over the last ten
(10) years. This trend affects the social, economic and environmental community
of the Town.
There are three types of residential uses that characterize the Town:
Single family residential developments (generally referred to as low
density developments)
Medium density developments (including duplex and row housing
developments); and
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High density developments (including walk up apartment style
condominium developments).
This Plan strives to achieve a balance between providing opportunities for
residential development while still supporting and preserving the livelihood and
quality of life of the existing and future community, the physical environment
and areas of historic and cultural significance within the region.
Housing Mix
OBJECTIVE A: To ensure that sufficient land and residential developments are
available to meet future housing needs.
POLICIES
Policy 1
In cooperation with developers and other government agencies, the
Town will endeavour to ensure the provision of:
(a)
a range of dwelling and lot sizes;
(b)
a variety of housing types;
(c)
an adequate supply of rental units;
(d)
social housing to meet special housing needs in the community;
and
(e)
affordable non-market housing to meet the needs of the
community.
Policy 2
All new or revised residential area structure plan areas shall normally
include a residential housing mix normally reflecting a ratio of 80%
low and medium density residential development and 20% high density
residential development. A larger percentage of higher density
residential development may be allowed by the Town if the developer
can demonstrate the following:
(a)
that the development can be serviced in a manner that is
consistent with the Town's Water and Sanitary Sewer
Assessment;
(b)
that the overall development pattern is complementary to
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adjacent land uses and infrastructure;
(c)
that the development will provide a high percentage of social
and/or affordable housing; and
(d)
that the development will provide a higher percentage of
public amenity areas, including but not limited to, park areas,
trails, recreation amenities and/or public art.
Policy 3
The Town will endeavour to provide the housing mix indicated above
in each neighbourhood indicated in this Plan and within new
neighbourhoods as they develop.
Policy 4
Rehabilitation of older, structurally sound housing units will be
encouraged wherever feasible.
Policy 5
Where the Town deems necessary, new residential developments will
be required to provide buffering from potential negative impacts of
adjacent land uses.
Neighbourhood planning
OBJECTIVE B:
To ensure that residential development is orderly, planned,
efficient, and encourages community and neighbourhood pride
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town will adopt the neighbourhood as the basic planning unit for
future residential development and redevelopment. Consideration of the
design and development of complete neighbourhoods will be part of the
evaluation criteria for all new multi-lot residential developments.
Policy 2
The Town will require the preparation and approval of an Area Structure
Plan or Outline Plan/Development Concept prior to the approval of new
residential neighbourhoods. The preparation and costs associated with
the preparation of a new Plan or amendment to an existing Plan will be
the responsibility of the developer. If the Town incurs costs while
reviewing a proposed Plan or Plan amendment then costs associated
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with the review will also be the responsibility of the developer.
Policy 3
At
the
discretion
of
the
Subdivision
Authority,
an
Outline
Plan/Development Concept may be submitted rather than an Area
Structure Plan, if:
(a)
The entire parcel area is less than or equal to 20 ha (50
ac) in area; and
(b)
The development will generate a total residential
population of less than 280 people within the Plan area;
and
(c)
In the opinion of the Town's approving authorities the
proposed development will not:
i)
generate a substantive regional impact, or
ii)
trigger a REF Review by the CRB if an Area
Structure Plan were required.
Policy 4
All Outline Plans/Development Concepts must be approved by resolution
of Council prior to Subdivision Approval.
Policy 5
The Town's overall density of residential development within a
designated neighbourhood unit should be approximately 30 units per net
residential hectare. As average household size continues to decline,
however, a somewhat higher overall density standard may be considered
in specific circumstances.
Policy 6
Ground oriented medium density residential development will be
permitted in each neighbourhood. Medium density residential sites
should be spread throughout each neighbourhood rather than being
concentrated in any one area.
Policy 7
Ground-oriented medium density residential development will not
normally exceed a density of 50 units per net residential hectare.
Policy 8
High density residential developments will not normally exceed a density
of 100 units per net residential hectare.
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Policy 9
High density residential buildings will not exceed four storeys in height.
Policy 10
Notwithstanding Policies 8 and 9 above, the Town may allow high
density residential buildings which exceed four storeys in height or
contain more than 100 dwelling units if the developer can demonstrate
the following:
(a)
that the development can be serviced in a manner that is
consistent with the Town's servicing requirements;
(b)
that the overall development pattern is complementary to
adjacent land uses and infrastructure;
(c)
that the development will provide a high percentage of social
and/or affordable housing;
(d)
that the development will provide a higher percentage of public
amenity areas, including but not limited to, park areas, trails,
recreation amenities and/or public art; and
(e)
that any additional Emergency Services requirements necessary
to the safety and security of the development and residents are
provided by the developer.
Policy 11
High-density housing family sites should locate adjacent to arterial or
collector streets.
Subdivision & Site Planning
OBJECTIVE C:
To ensure that future development provides a mix of housing
types to meet a variety of life cycle demands and market
preferences
POLICIES
Policy 1
Different housing
types
should
be
appropriately
related
to
neighbourhood and Town facilities and services and to schools. For
example, senior citizens' housing and apartment buildings, should
normally be situated close to healthcare and/or commercial facilities.
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Policy 2
Compatible housing types should normally be sited adjacent to one
another. Walk-up apartment buildings, for example, are compatible
with ground-oriented multiple family dwellings, but incompatible with
single detached dwellings.
Policy 3
Subdivision and site planning techniques using building forms,
landscaping features, etc., should be used to reduce adverse effects
of noise sources such as railways and major roadways on residential
areas foster a sense of neighbourhood security; and provide visual
privacy.
Policy 4
Dwellings should have an adequate outdoor amenity area and should
be designed so as to minimize energy loss.
Policy 5
The Town may require the implementation of architectural controls for
major developments to create an aesthetically pleasing residential
environment.
Policy 6
Wherever possible, street frontages should be minimized. Excessive
frontage adds to development costs and increases maintenance costs.
Policy 7
When single-family residential sites are constructed, such design
features as loops, cul-de-sacs, traffic calming measures and buffers
should be incorporated to create quiet, low traffic areas.
Policy 8
Multi-family units may be permitted in the downtown area on the
second-storey of commercial buildings or adjacent arterial or collector
streets.
Affordable Housing
OBJECTIVE D: To ensure the development of sufficient market and non-market
housing to meet the current and future needs of the community
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town shall work with developers, home builders, government and
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non-government agencies to increase the proportion of affordable
housing units within the community.
Development Phasing
OBJECTIVE E: To ensure that new development occurs in an efficient manner that
does not put a strain on the Town's current or future infrastructure
capacity and serves to improve community connectivity
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town shall require the phasing and staging of future development in
order to ensure contiguous development and the orderly extension of
roadways and municipal services.
Policy 2
Each stage of a staged subdivision should provide a supply of lots that
could reasonably be expected to be fully developed within a two-year
time frame. The size of each stage should be large enough to offer a
variety of housing types and to meet anticipated residential demands. All
amenities such as parks, landscaping or recreational facilities should be
phased along with the construction of the dwelling units.
Policy 3
The Town should not allow successive stages of subdivision until the
majority of lots in previous stages have been issued development
permits or unless the developer can clearly demonstrate that the lots in a
successive stage would not remain undeveloped for an extended period
of time.
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Policy 4
The residential phasing policies are designed to discourage "leap frog"
development and mitigate potential costs associated with future
residential development in locations which are separated from previously
developed areas.
Policy 5
The Future Land Use Map (Map 2) illustrates the Town's preferred plan
for the phasing of new residential developments based on current
development locations, infrastructure capacity within the Town and best
planning practices.
Policy 6
Notwithstanding Policy 1 above the Residential Phasing policies are not
intended to preclude the possibility of any future residential
development in areas which are not developed until approved
development areas are completely developed. Development proposals
adjacent to existing approved plans may be considered where:
(a)
servicing connections are existing and available on the site or at a
property line adjacent to the site;
(b)
adequate capacity exists to service proposed development in a
manner that is consistent with the Town's Water and Sanitary
Sewer Assessment to the satisfaction of the Town's engineer;
and
(c)
where it is demonstrated that the overall development pattern is
complementary with adjacent land uses and infrastructure.
Policy 7
All residential development shall be serviced efficiently and be consistent
with the Town's servicing requirements.
7.5
Commercial Use Area
The intent of the Plan is to accommodate a range of commercial facilities,
primarily located within the downtown area, adjacent to highways, and within
established commercial areas. Commercial developments provide a service to,
local residents, the traveling public, tourists to the region and the surrounding
agricultural community. The Town will not support commercial developments
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that adversely affect the standard of safety or convenience, or the functional
integrity of any highway or road.
OBJECTIVE A:
To ensure that there is an adequate supply of competitively
priced
commercial
land
to
realize
Legal's
commercial
development potential
POLICIES
Policy 1
Town Council shall encourage developers to participate in commercial
development.
Policy 2
Town Council will continue to encourage the development of the
Town of Legal as an important local commercial and service centre for
area residents, visitors and agri-industry.
OBJECTIVE B: To separate and distinguish between various commercial uses
POLICIES
Policy 1
Four (4) types of commercial development shall be encouraged within
Town These uses shall be defined and regulated in the Town's Land
Use Bylaw:
(a)
Downtown
Commercial
-
intensive
retail
and
service
establishments,
(b)
General Commercial - large land users (e.g. goods and services
that are more dependent on vehicular access than pedestrian
traffic or that require large amounts of land for storage or
display purposes),
(c)
Highway Commercial - goods and services provided for the
travelling public; and
(d)
Neighbourhood Commercial - small retail outlets intended to
provide goods and services to local residents.
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Policy 2
All future downtown, general and highway commercial development
should occur on lands designated Commercial on the Future
Development Plan. Future neighbourhood commercial development
may occur where specifically indicated in the Town's Land use Bylaw
within the areas designated Residential on the Future Development
Plan
Policy 3
The development of Highway Commercial areas will take careful
cognizance of the need to buffer the potential negative impacts of
such development from adjacent uses
Policy 4
All Future highway commercial development will be serviced
efficiently and be consistent with the Town's servicing requirements
Policy 5
On sites which are highly visible and determined to be of critical
importance to the future development of the downtown area within
the community the Development Authority may require additional
information and requirements in relation to architectural design,
landscaping, and/or any other condition deemed necessary to ensure
high standards of design both on the site and in relation to the
streetscape.
OBJECTIVE C:
To recognize emerging trends in retailing and commercial land use,
including the creation of mixed use intensification nodes for future
development areas
POLICIES
Policy 1
Mixed-use developments that provide for commercial and residential
uses within the same building will be encouraged.
Policy 2
The Town shall endeavour to identify important development sites and
opportunities that have mixed-use development potential and that
would benefit the community.
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Policy 3
The Town shall review its commercial use area policies regularly to
ensure they remain effective considering commercial and retailing trends
and the community's needs.
7.6
Industrial Use Area
For the purpose of this Municipal Development Plan and Sustainability Plan the
term "industry" refers to manufacturing or warehousing and storage; and
includes light, medium and heavy industrial uses. Industries that may have high
levels of noxious emissions or noise are referred to as heavy industry. Light
industry is not noxious and is generally compatible with other uses. Existing
industrial uses within Town can be classified as light industrial.
The Town recognizes that industrial developments can be of benefit to the Town
by providing employment, tax revenue and services to Town residents. If
planned effectively, the non-desirable impacts an industry may have on the
surrounding area can be mitigated or minimized.
This Plan encourages the diversification of the Town's economic base by
identifying land and policies to supporting the development of a diverse range of
industrial developments within the community.
OBJECTIVE A:
To ensure that there is an adequate supply of competitively
priced industrial land in appropriate locations to realize the
Town's industrial development potential
POLICIES
Policy 1
It is the policy of this Plan that the areas designated Industrial on the
Future Land Use Concept shall be developed as industrial uses, and
that industrial development shall be directed to those lands.
Policy 2
The Town will encourage concentrated industrial growth by directing
future industrial development to the industrial area in order to
minimize conflicts with neighbouring land uses, to facilitate the
economical provision of municipal services, and to promote an
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efficient industrial land use pattern.
Policy 3
Only light industrial uses will be allowed within the Town boundary.
Policy 4
Town Council shall encourage private developers who own land within
the Industrial Land Use Designation to develop their land for
industrial use.
Policy 5
The sizing and servicing of industrial sites should reflect the
requirements of a wide range of light industrial uses such as
construction, trucking, manufacturing and wholesaling activities, etc.
Policy 6
Existing and future industrial activities in the industrial area will be
protected by preventing encroachment of non-industrial uses.
Policy 7
Future industrial development will demonstrate adequate fire flow
capacities prior to development approval and after completion of
construction to the satisfaction of the Town's Fire Department.
Policy 8
Future industrial development within the Industrial Area will be
connected to a paved road network in a manner that meets with the
satisfaction of the Town's Public Works Department and should have
direct and quick access to truck routes and highways.
OBJECTIVE B:
To ensure that the site design and visual appearance of industrial
developments are compatible with surrounding land uses
POLICIES
Policy 1
The visual appearance of industrial buildings, the location of roadways,
landscaping and buffering will be considered in order to ensure
compatibility with surrounding uses. The Town will include building and
landscaping standards in its land use bylaw as a means of encouraging
the development of more attractive industrial structures and improving
compatibility with surrounding uses.
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Policy 2
Attractive appearance and a high standard of maintenance shall be
required at all industrial sites. To this end and to improve the image of
the industrial areas, landowners and businesses will be required to
provide reasonable landscaping (in the form of vegetation, fencing, and
other landscaping features) and building materials, textures, colour and
signs that would favourably enhance the industrial environment at the
time of development and will be encouraged to properly maintain, add
and improve such features and materials to enhance the industrial
environment.
OBJECTIVE C:
To encourage local and regional industrial development
POLICIES
Policy 1
The Town will seek the assistance of other levels of government in
promoting local industrial development opportunities.
Policy 2
The Town will cooperate with local business groups in promoting the
municipality as a good place to live and establish business.
Policy 3
The Town will work collaboratively with the Sturgeon Regional
Economic Development Committee to actively seek out industries which
could locate in Town.
Policy 4
Town Council will encourage the development of a regional industrial
base in order to sustain those activities associated with the development
of the adjacent resources of the area.
7.7
Community Use Area
There are currently a number of Community Use areas within the Town of Legal
which reflect the large number of excellent community and social services
amenities as well as recreation facilities located within Town.
OBJECTIVE A: To provide adequate public and quasi-public facilities to meet the
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Town's needs
POLICIES
Policy 1
It is the policy of this Plan that the areas designated Community Use on
the Future Land Use Plan shall be developed in parks, recreation
facilities, institutional uses (such as schools, health and wellness
facilities, arenas, etc.), and that such development shall be directed to
those lands designated Community
Policy 2
Public and quasi-public building uses in this policy shall be:
(a)
educational facilities (e.g. schools)
(b)
community facilities (e.g. Town office, community centre, fire hall,
etc.)
(c)
government facilities (e.g. provincial buildings)
(d)
institutional facilities (e.g. churches)
(e)
health and wellness facilities (e.g. medi-centre)
Policy 3
All major institutional development should occur on lands designated
Institutional on the Map 2: Future Land Use. However, small
institutional uses may occur in other lands, at the discretion of the
Town's Development Authority
Policy 4
All public and quasi-public facilities shall be properly maintained
Policy 5
The Town shall encourage other government agencies and not-for-
profit agencies to locate in those areas designated as institutional use on
Map 2: Future Land Use
Policy 6
Significant environmental features within the Community Use area will
be persevered in their natural state
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7.8
Overlay Area Policies
The Overlay in this Section applies to a special area in the Town which requires
special objectives and policies in addition to those of the underlying Land Use
Areas. Development in this area may require that additional information be
submitted by the applicant in order to ensure the suitability of potential
development sites.
The overlay areas are shown on the Map 2: Future Land Use.
Development Constraint Overlay
The Development Constraint Overlay identifies areas in the Town of Legal where
the physical characteristics of the land may make development difficult or
unfeasible. Development in these areas may require additional information to be
submitted by the applicant in order to ensure the suitability of potential
development sites. The Development Constraint Overlay Overly areas are
shown on Map 2: Future Land Use.
OBJECTIVE A: To ensure that the development does not occur in areas
with critical constraints or on sites which are unsuitable
for the proposed use
Policy 1
The Development Authority may require that any proposal for
development within the Development Constraint Overlay be
accompanied by an engineering study prepared by a registered
engineer that assess the suitability of the subject site and the
proposed development from the points of view of geotechnical
stability and potential site contamination. Further, if a
development is approved after such an analysis is provided, the
Development Authority shall require that any recommendations
of the analysis be implemented by the landowner/developer
and registered against the title of the subject lands so as to
advise future landowners of the engineering requirements for
development.
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Downtown Overlay
Downtown is the core of any community. It is the place that sets the tone,
creates the identity and personality of a community. The "downtown" is one of
the most important business districts in any community. It provides
opportunities for spontaneous interaction, for shopping, for dining and for
celebration. Balancing highway commercial growth with the growth and
development of the Downtown area will help generate increased community
pride, increased entrepreneurial interest in the community and could even serve
to increase tourism potential within the Town. The Downtown Area Overlay is
shown on Map 2: Future Land Use.
OBJECTIVE A: To ensure that the Downtown is attractive, vibrant, and
provides for an appropriate mix of uses and modes of
transportation.
Policy 1
Lands within the Downtown Area shall be developed for local
commercial uses, institutional uses, mixed use developments, and
high density residential developments.
Policy 2
Development and expansion of the downtown core will normally
proceed as follows:
(a)
First, development of vacant lots and/or redevelopment of
commercial
properties
and
buildings
located
in
the
downtown.
(b)
Second, development of vacant lots and/or redevelopment of
commercial and non-conforming uses located in existing
commercial districts adjacent to the downtown.
(c)
Third, redevelopment of residential land located near the
downtown.
Policy 3
In order to ensure that the Downtown area remains and is enhanced
as a viable "downtown hub" area, any development of residential
uses in the Downtown other than residential uses which are strictly
accessory to commercial uses or located in apartment buildings
where the main floor of the building is entirely occupied by
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commercial uses, will be considered as discretionary uses and
considered on a case by case basis.
Policy 4
New office development uses will be encouraged to locate within the
Downtown Area. The rehabilitation of potentially healthy commercial
buildings will be encouraged. Rehabilitative measures may involve
structural repairs, cleaning, painting, or installing decorative features
such as awnings, canopies, or shutters and installing street furniture
such as benches and planters.
Policy 5
The rehabilitation or replacement of existing dwellings in the
Downtown area which are not accessory to commercial uses or
within buildings which are entirely devoted to commercial uses on
the main floor maybe considered on a discretionary basis.
Policy 6
The conversion of existing dwellings in the Downtown area to
commercial uses will be encouraged.
Policy 7
Residential uses which are strictly accessory to commercial uses may
be allowed within the Downtown area. These developments will be
encouraged to be predominantly and clearly commercial in nature
with the residential use, as a secondary use.
Policy 8
The Town will endeavour to ensure that the maximum amount of
land in the Downtown area which is currently vacant or being used
for residential purposes is developed for commercial uses, mixed
uses or high density residential uses within the time frame of this
Plan.
Policy 9
The Town will strongly encourage the development of an attractive
pedestrian environment within the Downtown area. This may
involve:
(a)
using building setbacks to create pedestrian rest areas and
attractive landscaped niches at convenient locations,
(b)
removing obstructions to pedestrian flow, providing sufficient
sidewalk widths, and clearly marking pedestrian crosswalks,
(c)
encouraging businesses to provide rear or side entrances to
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offer access to employee and customer parking areas.
Policy 10
The Town will endeavour to ensure an attractive street appearance in
the Downtown area by providing street furniture and landscaped
areas which will give life and character to the street scene.
Laneways should also be made attractive, designed for security
reasons and improved, where necessary, for vehicular and pedestrian
traffic.
Policy 11
Yards at the rear of business premises should be neat and properly
maintained to present an attractive appearance to adjacent land uses.
Dilapidated accessory buildings should be removed. Debris and
weeds shall not be allowed.
Policy 12
The Town will endeavour to ensure that adequate loading/unloading
spaces are provided at the rear of business premises to discourage
curb loading/unloading of goods.
Policy 13
Off-street parking areas should be properly drained, paved or
graveled, safe for night use, landscaped and screened from non-
commercial uses by means of a fence, earth berm, or shrubbery.
Policy 14
Appropriate access for emergency vehicles should be provided to all
buildings.
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7.9
Maps
Map 1: Regional Location
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Map 2: Future Land Use
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8
Governance
Transparent and responsible governance is
essential to realizing the Town's sustainability
goals. Relationships built, decisions made and
actions
taken
by
Council
and
Town
administration affect the viability of all of the
systems at work within the community.
Governance refers to the environment and
institutions in which the government functions
as well as its relationships with stakeholders and
the broader community. Moving forward, the Town of Legal will build on
existing community relationships to increase local capacity for sustainable
development and improve upon transparent and responsible governance
practices.
8.1
Responsible Governance Practices
Current Reality:
The Town's governance practices are transparent and
accountable to residents. The relationship between the Town office and the
community is strong. Town administration and Council are committed to
establishing a relationship of trust both within the organization and with the
larger community.
Goal Statement:
Legal is a viable, accessible and effective
community in which fair and timely decisions are
made and communication between the municipal
office and the larger community is regular, open
and transparent.
OBJECTIVE A: Foster an environment of civic engagement
POLICIES
Policy 1
Encourage educational opportunities to develop future leaders within
the community
Policy 2
When appropriate, use local media to share information and
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encourage feedback
Policy 3
Continue to organize and hold public open houses to share
information with the community and garner feed back
Policy 4
Council will attempt to take measures to hear and listen to the voices
of the community
OBJECTIVE B: Practice sound and transparent fiscal management
POLICIES
Policy 1
Balance the cost of providing municipal services with providing
accessibility and affordability of services for residents and businesses
Policy 2
Allocate and manage resources in a cost-effective manner through
the budget and financial reporting process
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9
Authority of the Plan
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A., 2000, this Plan shall be
adopted by the Town of Legal, as the Town of Legal Municipal Development
and Sustainability Plan. Subdivision, development and re-development of
lands within the Town of Legal by the Municipality and general public shall be
in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. Council shall encourage the
Provincial and Federal governments to have regard for the provisions of this
Plan, and in the formulation and implementation of Provincial and Federal
policies and programs, within the Town of Legal.
OBJECTIVE A: To ensure that all municipal statutory and regulatory planning
documents are consistent and up-to-date and to conduct
reviews and consider amendments to the Plan as required
POLICIES
Policy 1
When this Plan or any part thereof takes effect, the Land Use Bylaw
of Town of Legal shall be amended, if necessary, to conform to this
Plan
Policy 2
The Municipal Government Act outlines the procedure for an
amendment to the Municipal Development Plan. When reviewing
proposals for amendment, Council shall ensure that the change is in
agreement with the plan goal and objectives. Council should require
that a request for an amendment be made in writing. The submission
should also address the reasons for the amendment and conformity
with the Plan's goals and intent. When reviewing an amendment,
Council should consult with any agencies it feels may be of
assistance
Policy 3
Planning is a continuous process and it is important that the
Municipal Development Plan and Sustainability Plan be monitored,
reviewed and updated in order to ensure that the planning needs of
the Town are being met. A review may be appropriate when:
(a)
changes in economic, social or technical developments occur,
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(b)
a new Council is elected, or
(c)
an amendment to the plan is made.
A comprehensive review should be undertaken at least once every
five years.
OBJECTIVE C: To
engage
in
cooperative
and
collaborative
communication with municipal, regional, and provincial
partners.
Policies
Policy 1
The planning process must include and involve neighbouring
municipalities. To that end, the Town of Legal will actively consult
with adjacent municipalities and the CRB during the review of this
Plan, amendments to the Land Use Bylaw, proposed subdivisions, or
significant discretionary development permits when the proposal is in
close proximity to the adjacent municipality or when, in the opinion of
the Town of Legal, the proposal may impact the adjacent municipality,
in order to obtain the adjacent municipality's views on the proposal.
The approving authority will give careful consideration to any matters
raised during this consultation; however, the Town of Legal will not be
bound by the recommendations of the adjacent municipality.
Policy 2
Implementation of the Town's Municipal Development Plan must
conform to the goals, objectives and policies contained within Capital
Region Growth Plan.