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VILLAGE OF RYCROFT
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
BYLAW NO. 214-19
October 2019
Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
Preamble
1
1.2
Plan Purpose
1
1.3
Interpretation
1
1.4
Context
2
2.0
Process, Current Policy and Conditions ........................................................................ 3
2.1
Planning Process
3
2.2
Current Policy Context
4
2.3
Existing Conditions
4
2.4
Planning Framework in Alberta
5
3.0
Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................... 8
4.0
General Development Policies ...................................................................................... 9
5.0
Residential Development ............................................................................................. 11
5.1
Objectives
11
5.2
Policies
11
6.0
Commerce and Industry .............................................................................................. 13
6.1
Objectives
13
6.2
Policies
13
7.0
Parks and Recreation .................................................................................................. 15
7.1
Objectives
15
7.2
Policies
15
8.0
Transportation and Utilities .......................................................................................... 17
8.1
Objectives
17
8.2
Transportation Policies
17
8.3
Utilities and Servicing Policies
17
9.0
Intermunicipal Collaboration ........................................................................................ 19
9.1
Objectives
19
9.2
Policies
19
10.0 Monitoring and Review ................................................................................................ 20
TABLES
Table 2.1. Population Estimates for the Village of Rycroft ...................................................................................... 7
Table 2.2. Future Land Requirements for the Village of Rycroft ............................................................................. 7
FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Village of Rycroft Population History, 1946-2016 ................................................................................... 2
Figure 2.1. Alberta's Land Use Planning Framework .............................................................................................. 5
Figure 2.2 Existing Land Supply for the Village of Rycroft ...................................................................................... 6
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Municipal Development Plan
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1.0
Introduction
1.1
Preamble
The Municipal Development Plan (Plan) is the primary planning policy document for use at the municipal level. It
is intended to provide a framework for the ongoing development of the Village of Rycroft (Village). The
preparation of this Plan has been motivated by a number of factors:
- The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires every municipality to prepare a Municipal Development
Plan, and this Plan has been prepared in accordance with s. 632 of the MGA;
- The Village has experienced a slight population decline, decreasing from a population of 638 to 612
(-4.1%) between 2006 and 2016. A desire to attract and retain residents and employment opportunities
form a major theme of this Plan;
- New development trends and current best practices in land use planning and engineering have emerged,
along with recent changes to provincial regulations, and direction from Council, Administration, and
ratepayers; and
- Consistency with the new Intermunicipal Development Plan between the Village, Municipal District of Spirit
River No. 133 (MD), and the Town of Spirit River (Town), which promotes regional partnership,
intermunicipal agreement, and coordination in land use planning.
1.2
Plan Purpose
The purpose of this Plan, in addition to applicable Provincial legislation, is to inform residents and developers of
the Village's future land use strategy and provide clear direction to Council, the Development and Subdivision
Authority, and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in making land use decisions. The Plan is
intended to guide the future growth and development of the Village by:
- Identifying policies respecting future land use, transportation, and servicing; and
- Providing support and direction for the administration of the Land Use Bylaw, and the review of subdivision
and development applications.
1.3
Interpretation
For the purpose of interpreting this Plan:
1. All words or expressions shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the MGA, the Subdivision
and Development Regulation, and the Village's Land Use Bylaw.
2. The land use boundaries identified in this Plan are considered approximate and not absolute. Any minor
adjustments or variances that may be necessary to land use policy areas shall not require an amendment to
this Plan.
3. The policies of this Plan contain "shall", "must", "will", "should", and "may" statements. All instances of the
words "shall", "must" or "will" in policy are mandatory requirements to implement this Plan and achieve a
desired result. All instances of the word "should" is a directive term encouraging a strongly preferred action in
a policy. "May" is a discretionary term indicating that interpretation is dependent on the particular
circumstances where it is not practical or reasonable to apply the policy.
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1.4
Context
1. Location
The Village is located within the Municipal District of Spirit River No. 133 in the northwest part of the Province
of Alberta, as shown on Map 1. Rycroft is at the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 2, approximately 68
km north of Grande Prairie, and 8 km southeast of its neighbouring community, the Town of Spirit River. The
Spirit River forms the north boundary of the Village.
2. Municipal History
Rycroft was incorporated through Ministerial Order as a village in 1944. Growth of the Village has been
accommodated through four annexations, the most recent of which occurred in 1988. A referendum on the
Village's future status was conducted in May 2018, through which a majority of residents voted against
dissolution.
3. Historical Population Change
The 2016 Federal census indicated a Village population of 612. As shown in Figure 1.1, this represents a
minor decline from the 2006 and 2011 censuses. Overall the Village's population has fluctuated since 1971.
Figure 1.1 Village of Rycroft Population History, 1946-20161
1 Source: Statistics Canada (1946-2016)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
1946
1951
1956
1961
1966
1971
1976
1981
1986
1991
1996
2001
2006
2011
2016
Population
Census Year
ALBERTA
MD of
Spirit River
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Date: 2019-10-24
1:225,000
0
2
4
6
1
km
NAD83 UTM 115 Longitude Meter Province of Alberta Canada
Village of Rycroft
Town of Spirit River
MD of Spirit River
VILLAGE OF RYCROFT
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
BYLAW NO. 214-19
MAP 1:
LOCATION AND CONTEXT
OCTOBER 2019
2
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49
49
731
VILLAGE OF
RYCROFT
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MD Map Scale
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2.0
Process, Current Policy and Conditions
2.1
Planning Process
The Village initiated the preparation of this Plan, along with an update to its Land Use Bylaw and the preparation
of an Intermunicipal Development Plan (with the Town and the MD) in July 2018. The following opportunities for
the public and other stakeholders to make suggestions and provide feedback took place over the ensuing
months:
- A project initiation meeting was held on August 21, 2018 with members of Village Council and Administration
to provide an overview of the project phasing and delivery, and to discuss issues and concerns on a
preliminary basis;
During the initial round of engagement, a public open house was held at the Rycroft Community Memorial Hall
on October 23, 2018, to introduce the project to the public and to provide them with an opportunity to express
their ideas on future development in the community. A total of 6 residents attended, along with representatives
of Village Administration and Council. The input received related to the following themes:
- Pathway between Rycroft and Spirit River;
- Attract more retail business;
- Work on municipal waste facility with the G5;
- Day care centre;
- CN tracks into Town should be less bumpy - flatter;
- More walking trails; exercise machines;
- Continue cooperation with fellow municipalities, eg. water treatment work; on water from Peace River;
- Encourage more businesses within Village and MD which helps all to prosper;
- Attract social spots for families, family restaurant, deli, etc.;
- Have community gardens;
- Fix drainage issue;
- More youth/family events;
- Should have control over beekeepers in R-1, R-2 zone;
- New housing complexes;
- Attract "big box" retail shops;
- Sidewalks - all of them need to be good - pedestrian should not have to walk on roads;
- Update local parks
In addition, local elementary school children were asked to provide input on their favourite things about their
community, and what they would like it to be like in the future. Some of the common responses included:
- Like the school park;
- Like my neighbourhood;
- More places to go, e.g. library, stores, restaurants, skate/bike park;
- More parks, trails.
- As part of the second and final round of engagement, a public open house was held at the Rycroft Community
Memorial Hall on October 8, 2019 and an online survey was available from August 19 until October 17 to
present the draft updated future land use concept and updated Municipal Development Plan policies. Overall,
5 residents attended the open house and 3 responses were received through the online survey. A summary of
the key themes heard is presented below:
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- Support for additional walking tails, pathways and improved sidewalk connections; potential interest in
developing a walking trail loop around the Village;
- Industrial area north of Highway 49, adjacent to the agricultural grounds, should be left as agriculture or
community amenity space as the reclamation required may make it unusable in the future;
- Village parks on the MDP maps should be identified as public service land use; and
- Explore whether the commercial/industrial land use boundary in the northeast of the Village needs to be
adjusted.
2.2
Current Policy Context
2.2.1
Municipal Government Act
The MGA requires all municipalities to adopt a Municipal Development Plan, that:
1. Must address:
a. Future land use;
b. The manner of and the proposals for future development;
c. Co-ordination of land use, future growth patterns and other infrastructure with adjacent municipalities;
d. The provision of required transportation systems; and
e. The provision of municipal services and facilities.
2. Must contain policies for:
a. Land uses adjacent to sour gas facilities;
b. The provision of municipal and school reserves; and
c. The protection of agricultural operations;
3. May address:
a. Financing and programming of municipal infrastructure;
b. Physical, social, and economic development;
c. Environmental matters; and
d. The financial resources of the municipality.
Beyond this mandated content, the Plan is intended to be a living document representing the desire of the
residents in the Village to achieve a future vision for Rycroft. It is intended to provide information for all
stakeholders to help realize this vision.
2.3
Existing Conditions
2.3.1
Location
The Village is located in the fertile, picturesque Peace River Country Region, along the south bank of the Spirit
River, 4 km northeast of where the original settlement of Spirit River was located. Known as the "Hub of the
Peace", Rycroft benefitted from a highly accessible location in the region, with early rail service provided by the
Northern Alberta Railroad, later complemented by access to two major provincial highways, Highway 2 and
Highway 49.
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2.4
Planning Framework in Alberta
All together these plans and policies provide a consistent structure and framework to guide land use and
development in the Village.
Figure 2.1 provides an overview of the Alberta Planning Framework, where the Municipal Development Plan is
located within the Framework, and how it is integrated with other statutory plans, land use regulations, and the
approval process.
Figure 2.1. Alberta's Land Use Planning Framework
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2.4.1
Existing Land Use
The Village consists of a mix of residential, commercial, industrial and public service land uses. The majority of
the built-up area of the community, located south of Highway 49 and west of Highway 2 is primarily composed of
single-family residential development and the Village's commercial core. Large park areas and a school site are
located at the west and southerly portions of the Village. Commercial and industrial areas are located to the north
of Highway 49 and east of Highway 2. The Village's exhibition grounds, and water treatment facilities are located
north of Highway 49. Railway station grounds, containing fertilizer plants and related facilities are located north of
the downtown area adjacent to Highway 49.
Figure 2.2 provides a breakdown of existing land use within the Village.
Figure 2.2 Existing Land Supply for the Village of Rycroft
2.4.2
Transportation
Highway 2 and Highway 49 provide the primary access to the Village. CN Rail provides connections for freight
service to Grande Prairie and points south.
2.4.3
Servicing
The Village is serviced with municipal water that is sourced from the Spirit River and treated at facilities at the
north end of the Village. Municipal sewer services are also provided, with treatment lagoons located immediately
north of the Village in the MD. Storm drainage is accommodated by overland drainage swales, culverts and
ditches. The central commercial area is served by underground storm pipe.
Residential,
13%
Commercial,
7%
Industrial,
18%
Parks and Open
Space,
7%
Community/Public
Use,
8%
Roads,
21%
Railway,
7%
Public Utility,
3%
Undeveloped Land,
16%
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2.4.4
Projected Growth
In order to inform the preparation of the Intermunicipal Development Plan, population forecasts were undertaken
for the Village to anticipate future land needs. Three 30- and 50-year growth scenarios were prepared for
planning purposes, based on 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% annual growth. The Village determined that a medium
growth scenario (1.0%) was reasonable based on long term patterns and also for consistency with forecasts
previously undertaken for a regional water servicing study.
Table 2.1. Population Estimates for the Village of Rycroft
Year
Low
(0.5%)
Medium
(1.0%)
High
(1.5%)
2018
618
624
630
2048
718
841
986
2068
793
1027
1327
2.4.5
Growth Management
The Village has a current land base that totals 186 ha, of which 86% (159 ha) is developed. As a result,
approximately 27 ha of undeveloped land remains to accommodate future growth, consisting of approximately
13 ha of residential (including community/park land), 3 ha of commercial, and 11 ha of industrial land within
current Village boundaries. With the exception of a single residence located in the industrial area, the residential
supply is entirely in the area south of Highway 43 and west of the railroad tracks. The industrial and commercial
is entirely in the area north of Highway 43.
On the basis of the preferred medium growth scenario, future land requirement estimates are presented in
Table 2.2.
Table 2.2. Future Land Requirements for the Village of Rycroft
Land Supply/Requirement
Area (Gross Developable Hectares)*
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
In-Boundary Undeveloped Land Supply
12.9
2.7
11.3
10-Year Land Requirements
6.9
2.9
6.9
20-Year Land Requirements
13.4
5.7
13.3
25-Year Land Requirements
16.9
7.1
16.7
30-Year Land Requirements
20.5
8.7
20.3
40-Year Land Requirements
28.4
12.0
28.1
50-Year Land Requirements
37.1
15.7
36.7
*Bolded figures indicate where land requirements meet or exceed undeveloped land supply.
At the 10-year mark, it is projected that the Village will have exhausted its current supply of undeveloped
commercial land. At the 20-year mark, it will have also exhausted its residential and industrial land bases. To
accommodate growth projections for 50 years in the future, the Village will require an additional 24 ha of
residential land, 13 ha of commercial, and 25 ha of industrial land.
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3.0
Guiding Principles
During the Plan preparation and engagement activities the following major themes and guiding principles were
identified.
1. Core Principles
If the Village is to succeed in providing new and improved recreational and social opportunities and attracting
new businesses, then any decision made by Council, Administration or stakeholders about growth must
recognize the following principles:
- Capitalize on location and access advantages: ensure land with rail access, highway access and necessary
servicing is made available to attract interested businesses;
- Promote economic development and business retention;
- Encourage and enable a diversity of housing types; and
- Initiate the development of recreational and other public use space opportunities.
These principles are the core values that: reflect the character of the Village as identified in the planning process;
will provide a consistent set of principles for every decision made by Council or Administration; and shall provide
a foundation for the vision, objectives and policies of this Plan.
2. Major Themes
Participants in the planning process emphasized a desire to make new and improved recreational and social
opportunities available, such as:
- A recreational trail between the Village and the Town;
- Youth and family events;
- Sidewalk improvements; and
- Upgraded local parks.
There was a recognition of a need to attract new businesses to the Village, to maintain its prosperity and provide
opportunities for Villagers to shop and socialize. Opportunities were also seen for increased collaboration
between municipalities -- the Village, the Town and the MD -- especially relating to infrastructure and service
provision.
3. Goals of the Plan
The goals of this Plan are as follows:
- To enhance existing residential neighbourhoods;
- To build on the Village's location advantages to attract new commercial and industrial development;
- To maintain a variety of community recreational opportunities for residents;
- To provide opportunities for future Village growth; and
- To provide a framework for the upgrading and extension of municipal infrastructure where required.
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4.0
General Development Policies
The following are general policies that apply across the Village. Subsequent sections of this Plan will address
policy content related to more specific land use areas.
4.1.1
Conformity with Legislation
The Village shall conform to the policies of the Province of Alberta, the Provincial Land Use Framework, the
Alberta Land Stewardship Act and any subsequent Regional Plan when considering amendments to this Plan,
the approval or amendment of other statutory plans, Land Use Bylaw amendments, and subdivision and
development approvals.
4.1.2
Future Land Use Concept
Future development in the Village shall generally conform to the land use areas as shown on Map 2.
4.1.3
Area Structure Plan (ASP)
The Village may require that an ASP be prepared by the proponent/developer in accordance with Section 633 of
the MGA, as a prerequisite to approval of rezoning or subdivision of a previously undeveloped area, and shall
address the following:
- Conformity with this Plan, other statutory plans, and the Land Use Bylaw;
- The protection and integration of natural areas;
- Proposed land uses and population generation;
- The location of public parks and trails;
- Transportation networks and access;
- Provision of municipal infrastructure;
- Impacts on adjacent land uses and potential mitigation methods;
- Any other matters identified by the Village.
4.1.4
Technical Reports
The proponent of an ASP may be required to provide technical reports in support of the proposed development.
Such reports may include an environmental site assessment, geotechnical assessment, servicing design brief(s),
and traffic impact assessment.
4.1.5
Development Agreement
When land is subdivided, developed or redeveloped the Village may require developers to enter into a
development agreement as a condition of approval to address the installation of infrastructure required to serve
the development.
4.1.6
Extension of Services
The extension of urban development into new areas shall only occur if an approved ASP is in place, which
demonstrates connections to services adjacent to the lands proposed for development, or development
agreements are in place to provide services.
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1:12,500
0
80
160
240
320
400
40
m
NAD83 UTM 115 Longitude Meter Province of Alberta Canada
Village Boundary
Future Growth Direction
Commercial
Industrial
Open Space/Community
Public Service/Utility
Residential
Estate Residential
VILLAGE OF RYCROFT
MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
BYLAW NO. 214-19
MAP 2:
FUTURE LAND USE CONCEPT
OCTOBER 2019
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Hwy 49
Hwy 49
Hwy 2
51 St.
47 St.
47 Ave.
46 Ave.
45 Ave.
Urban
Land Use
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4.1.7
Costs of Development
The developer shall be responsible for the costs incurred for the construction of infrastructure required to serve
or accommodate a proposed subdivision or development.
4.1.8
Land Use Bylaw
The Land Use Bylaw shall establish provisions and regulations for development and implement the policies of
this Plan.
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5.0
Residential Development
The Village has a current (as of 2016 census) population of 612 accommodated in 295 homes, the vast majority
of which are single family dwellings. The existing residential area of the Village is completely built-out, with no
vacant land available for new urban residential development, but there are numerous vacant and underutilized
lots present. The Village's undeveloped residential land base located west of the CN Rail line is constrained by
road access limitations and a lack of municipal services.
It is the intent of this Plan to ensure the continued orderly development of residential areas to optimize
maintenance and servicing costs, and to promote the infill of existing, vacant residential lots.
5.1
Objectives
- Accommodate a range of residential dwelling types.
- Promote estate (large lot) residential development at appropriate locations.
- Encourage infill development and redevelopment of underutilized lots.
5.2
Policies
5.2.1
Applicability
The policies contained in this section apply to those lands identified as Urban Residential and Estate Residential
on Map 2. The Village shall direct future residential development to these areas.
5.2.2
Residential Land Supply
The Village should maintain a 20-year supply of residential lands. As of 2019, the Village has a 13 ha supply of
undeveloped residential lands. By 2039, the Village will require an additional 13 ha of residential land that will
require the annexation of additional lands from the MD. Map 2 indicates potential future residential growth
directions.
5.2.3
Infill
Infill development on vacant lots or the redevelopment of underutilized lots in existing residential neighbourhoods
is encouraged to optimize the use of existing roads, services, parks and other community services. Infill
development should be of similar scale and design to the surrounding properties to integrate new development
into the existing neighbourhood.
5.2.4
Estate Residential
Estate residential development, consisting of large acreage lots with on-site servicing, is proposed for the vacant
lands west of the CN Rail line. This form of development is deemed appropriate due to constraints that do not
allow for conventional residential densities, namely limitations on road access, and a lack of municipal services in
the area.
5.2.5
Multi-Unit Housing
Low profile medium density residential development consisting of duplexes and row houses may be
accommodated in existing neighbourhoods through the consolidation of abutting vacant or underutilized lots.
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5.2.6
Secondary Suites
The Village encourages the development of secondary suites to provide an affordable and efficient housing
option for residents.
5.2.7
Seniors Housing
The Village, in cooperation with the Grande Spirit Foundation and other providers, shall investigate the potential
development of additional seniors' housing.
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6.0
Commerce and Industry
Commercial development in the Village primarily consists of its central downtown core, and highway commercial
development along Highway 49 and Highway 2. Industrial development is located on the railway station grounds,
and in industrial areas adjacent to the Village's highway commercial lands. There is a good supply of serviced
and highly visible industrial and commercial land available for immediate development.
Despite this commercial and industrial base (the Village has a reasonably good 68:32 residential-non residential
assessment ratio), the Village has been challenged by the closure of numerous businesses in recent years,
primarily in the central commercial area.
It is the intent of this Plan to provide guidance for future commercial and industrial development and expansion of
the Village's non-residential assessment base.
6.1
Objectives
- Diversify the Village's economic tax base by attracting new commercial and industrial businesses.
- Accommodate a range of commercial development, including service, retail and office.
- To develop initiatives for local economic development and promotion of the community as a place to do
business.
6.2
Policies
1. Applicability
The policies contained in this section apply to those lands identified as Commercial and Industrial on Map 2.
The Village shall direct future commercial and industrial development to these areas.
2. Commercial and Industrial Land Supply
The Village should maintain a 20 year supply of commercial and industrial lands. As of 2019, the Village has
a 3 ha supply of undeveloped commercial lands and 11 ha of undeveloped industrial lands. By 2039, the
Village will require an additional 6 ha of commercial land and 13 ha of industrial land that will require the
annexation of lands from the MD.
3. Economic Growth
The Village should actively promote its proximity to Highways 2 and 49 to attract businesses engaged in
transportation and logistics, oilfield services, agricultural industries, manufacturing and fabrication, and
services catering to the traveling public.
4. Economic Development Strategy
In cooperation with neighbouring municipalities and business partners, prepare an implementation strategy
and capital plan to implement the recommendations of the Village's recently completed Economic
Development Assessment.
5. Chamber of Commerce
In cooperation with neighbouring municipalities and business partners, the Village supports and encourages
the establishment of a Chamber of Commerce for the Central Peace area.
6. Downtown Revitalization
Commercial development on vacant lots or the redevelopment of underutilized lots in the central commercial
area is encouraged. The Village should consider incentives to encourage revitalization of the area that may
include waiving development fees and/or similar measures for businesses that carry out improvements to
existing buildings, or pursue the adaptive reuse of under-utilized, vacant, or derelict commercial buildings.
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7. Derelict Buildings
Through the Unsightly Premises Bylaw, the Village shall actively encourage the cleanup of derelict properties
in the central commercial area.
8. Compatibility
To address nuisances, such as noise or traffic, commercial developments located adjacent to residential land
use districts shall:
-
Maintain development setbacks or yards;
-
Provide a landscaped or treed buffer and/or fencing along abutting site boundaries; and
-
Strategically locate parking, loading, waste collection areas, outdoor storage, and signage.
9. Home Based Business
The Village, through the Land Use Bylaw, shall encourage and promote the development of home based
businesses.
10. Proximity to Oil and Gas
Subdivision and development applications shall identify any oil and gas facilities in the vicinity and comply
with required setbacks.
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7.0
Parks and Recreation
Parks, recreation and cultural facilities are essential to a community's success as they are key contributors to the
overall health and wellbeing of Village residents and therefore improve quality of life.
7.1
Objectives
-
To create and maintain an integrated, accessible and well-planned system of open space, trails, parks
and recreational/cultural facilities.
-
To continue to provide recreation and cultural programming, and explore new opportunities.
7.2
Policies
1. Applicability
The policies contained in this section apply to those lands identified as Open Space/Community on Map 2.
2. Park Spaces
Park and recreation spaces will be planned or upgraded to provide a variety of opportunities for all residents
for all seasons, and designed to consider ease of access, operation and maintenance.
3. Joint Use Agreements
The Village should pursue partnerships and joint facility opportunities with area school boards through joint
use agreements.
4. Recreation Programming
The Village commits to continued support for organizations, volunteer groups and non-governmental
organizations in the provision of recreational, social and cultural services. The Village shall collaborate with
local volunteer boards, societies and neighbouring municipalities to monitor and identify opportunities for new
recreational and cultural programming.
5. Recreation and Culture Master Plan
The Village, with neighbouring municipalities, should explore the preparation of a Recreation and Culture
Master Plan for the communities.
6. Municipal Reserve (MR)
As a condition of subdivision, the Village may require that a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the
developable lands be dedicated as municipal reserve (MR) in accordance with the MGA.
7. MR Dedication
In the event that MR is dedicated, it shall be acquired in parcel form for the development of neighborhood
parks, school sites, trail corridors, or buffers between residential and non-residential uses, except:
- In the case of commercial, industrial or other non-residential subdivisions, when money in place shall be
acquired in accordance with the Act; or
- Deferred to assemble larger school or recreation sites in accordance with an approved ASP.
8. Money in Place of MR
Money in place of MR shall be used to enhance and upgrade existing parks or acquire additional park areas.
9. School Location
During the planning process for new lands, the developer and Village shall work with local school boards to
ensure a suitable location for a new school site if required.
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Municipal Development Plan
Village of Rycroft
Bylaw 214-19
Integrated Expertise.
Locally Delivered.
10. Flood Plains
No permanent development shall be permitted on lands that are contained within the 1:100 year flood plain of
the Spirit River. Development on such lands may only be considered after satisfactory site assessments are
provided.
11. Environmental Reserve (ER)
Where applicable, the Village shall require the dedication of ER lands at the time of subdivision in accordance
with the MGA. ER may be dedicated in parcel form or by way of Environmental Reserve Easements (ERE).
ER and ERE lands shall remain in their natural state and/or be integrated within the parks and open space
network.
islengineering.com
October 2019
Municipal Development Plan
Village of Rycroft
Bylaw 214-19
17
8.0
Transportation and Utilities
The provision and maintenance of municipal infrastructure and utilities is a key factor in the planning and
development of the Village.
This Plan includes infrastructure policies to ensure that all new developments are appropriately serviced and
meet the needs of the Village.
8.1
Objectives
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To ensure that the Village provides an efficient and effective transportation network.
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To ensure that all development is municipally serviced or provides on-site water, wastewater servicing,
and manages stormwater.
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To provide for the installation of alternative energy systems in the community.
8.2
Transportation Policies
1. Road Standards
All roads shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the Village's Design Standards.
2. Access Required
All proposed lots shall have direct access to a local roadway.
3. Pedestrian Connectivity
The Village shall endeavour to increase pedestrian connectivity in the community by improving or installing
sidewalks where desired and developing a community trail system that connects residents to schools and
recreation facilities, as well as along the river and to Nardam Lake.
4. Trails Plan
The Village should prepare, in cooperation with the Town and MD, a regional trails plan.
5. Road Improvements
The Village shall prepare a capital plan to address the required road improvements identified in the
Infrastructure Assessment 2016.
6. Alberta Transportation
The Village shall refer all statutory plans and amendments, rezoning, and subdivision and development
applications that include land located within 1.6 km of Highways 2 and 49 to Alberta Transportation for review
and comment.
8.3
Utilities and Servicing Policies
1. Water and Sanitary Sewer
All subdivision and development proposed shall be required to connect to the Village's municipal water and
sewer systems, unless development is exempted in accordance with other provisions of this Plan.
2. Private Services
The Village may allow developments to be serviced with on-site sewage disposal facilities and water systems
in areas where municipal services are not available, provided such systems are constructed in accordance
with Provincial requirements and maintained by the owner.
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Municipal Development Plan
Village of Rycroft
Bylaw 214-19
Integrated Expertise.
Locally Delivered.
3. Stormwater Servicing
Developers shall be required to provide detailed stormwater management plans as part of the subdivision
and development processes.
4. Stormwater Management
The Village may develop a stormwater management plan to manage stormwater run-off.
5. Servicing System Improvements
The Village shall prepare a capital plan to address the required water, sewer and storm drainage
improvements identified in the Infrastructure Assessment 2016.
6. Alternative Energy
The Village may allow the development or installation of alternative energy systems, including solar collectors
and wind energy conversion systems in accordance with the Land Use Bylaw provided that such facilities are
compatible with adjacent land uses.
7. Internet
The Village, in cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, should support the expansion of high-speed
telecommunication networks into under-served areas of the region as a means to encourage future business
opportunities and improve connectivity for residents.
islengineering.com
October 2019
Municipal Development Plan
Village of Rycroft
Bylaw 214-19
19
9.0
Intermunicipal Collaboration
The Village has a long history of cooperation with its municipal neighbours through the G3 (with the Town and
the MD) and G5 (the G3 partners plus Birch Hills and Saddle Hills Counties) partnerships, as well as the recent
approval of its Intermunicipal Development Plan. The Village places great value on collaborative initiatives as it
helps maintain its long term sustainability, as well as that of its municipal neighbours.
9.1
Objectives
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Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with adjacent municipalities or other stakeholders, as well as
Provincial and Federal agencies to achieve the objective of regional cooperation and regional planning.
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To support, implement and review the Intermunicipal Development Plan.
9.2
Policies
1. Regional Planning
Once initiated by the Province, the Village shall participate in the preparation of the Upper Peace Regional
Plan.
2. Intermunicipal Plans and Agreements
The Village shall support its Intermunicipal Development Plan and joint agreements with neighbouring
municipalities. The Village will further participate in the monitoring and review of these plans and agreements
to ensure they remain current and reflect the needs of the respective municipalities and area residents.
3. Intermunicipal Development Plan
The Village shall not approve any development proposal in contravention of the Intermunicipal Development
Plan. If such development is proposed and deemed to have merit, then an amendment may be pursued in
accordance with the provisions of the Intermunicipal Development Plan.
4. Watershed Management
In keeping with Alberta's "Water for Life" initiative, the Village shall work with provincial agencies and
neighbouring municipalities to protect watersheds and maintain the water quality of surface and groundwater
systems.
5. Master Plans
The Village and its municipal neighbours may prepare master plans to upgrade and expand existing utility
servicing and transportation infrastructure.
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Municipal Development Plan
Village of Rycroft
Bylaw 214-19
Integrated Expertise.
Locally Delivered.
10.0 Monitoring and Review
This Plan will guide decisions about the future growth and development of the Village. More detailed planning is
required through subsequent stages of the planning process, including the implementation of the Land Use
Bylaw, and the subdivision and development approval process. Conformity between the Intermunicipal
Development Plan, the Land Use Bylaw, and this Plan must be achieved.
This Plan must be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it adequately deals with new and evolving planning
and development trends and demands on the land. The Village's Council and Administration must be prepared at
any time to consider proposed amendments to this Plan in order to deal with unanticipated conditions, or
proposals contrary to this Plan, but deemed desirable by Council. If amendments are required, they shall be
carried out through a transparent public consultation process.
1. Plan Review
To ensure that this Plan continues to be current and relevant, it should be reviewed at 5 year intervals unless
changing conditions warrant a review prior to that time. Plan reviews may reflect such factors as legislative
change, changes to the local development climate, the impact of new major projects, or Council direction. In
undertaking such a review, consideration should be given to:
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Reviewing annual land use changes and issues;
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Reviewing best practices and new development trends; and
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Communication and consultation with stakeholders.
2. Plan Amendments
If an amendment to this Plan or the Land Use Bylaw is required to accommodate a proposed subdivision, the
amendment shall receive third reading from Council prior to subdivision approval taking place.
3. Amendment Applications
The Village or a landowner may initiate an amendment to this Plan. An application to amend this Plan shall
include information respecting:
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The purpose of the amendment, proposed amendment text and/or mapping;
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An explanation of the rationale for the amendment; and
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A statement outlining the effect of the proposed amendment on adjacent land uses and municipal
infrastructure and services.