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The Town of
Sedgewick
Sedgewick
Sedgewick
Sedgewick
Municipal Development Plan
Municipal Development Plan
Page ii
Table of Contents
PART ONE: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
6
SECTION 1: BACKGROUND
6
SECTION 2: GOALS AND POLICIES
6
PART TWO: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
7
SECTION 3: MAPS
7
SECTION 4: POPULATION PROJECTIONS
11
SECTION 5: GOALS
12
SECTION 6: POLICIES
12
PART FOUR: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
14
SECTION 7: GOALS
14
SECTION 8: POLICIES
14
PART FIVE: COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
15
SECTION 9: GOALS
15
SECTION 10: POLICIES
15
PART SIX: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
16
SECTION 11: GOALS
16
SECTION 12: POLICIES
16
PART SEVEN: TRANSPORTATION
17
SECTION 13: GOALS
17
SECTION 14: POLICIES
17
PART EIGHT: UTILITIES AND SERVICING
18
SECTION 15: GOALS
18
SECTION 16: POLICIES
18
PART NINE: OPEN SPACES AND NATURAL AREAS
19
SECTION 17: GOALS
19
SECTION 18: POLICIES
19
PART TEN: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
20
SECTION 19: GOALS
20
SECTION 20: POLICIES
20
Municipal Development Plan
Page iii
PART ELEVEN: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
21
SECTION 21: GOALS
21
SECTION 22: POLICIES
21
PART TWELVE: EDUCATION
22
SECTION 23: GOALS
22
SECTION 24: POLICIES
22
PART THIRTEEN: INTER-MUNICIPAL COOPERATION
23
SECTION 25: GOALS
23
SECTION 26: POLICIES
23
PART FOURTEEN: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
24
SECTION 27: INTERPRETATION
24
SECTION 28: IMPLEMENTATION
24
SECTION 29: AMENDMENT
24
SECTION 30: REVIEW
24
Municipal Development Plan
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Pa
Pa
Pa
Part
rt
rt
rt One:
One:
One:
One: Background a
Background a
Background a
Background and Purpose
nd Purpose
nd Purpose
nd Purpose
Section 1: Background
1.1
The Municipal Government Act, Statutes of Alberta, 1994 (as amended) states that
municipalities with a population of 3,500 or less may prepare and adopt a municipal
development plan (MDP). The Act states that an MDP must address future land use and
development in the municipality, the provision of municipal services and facilities, and inter-
municipal issues such as future growth areas and the co-ordination of transportation systems
and infrastructure.
1.2
The overall purpose of the Sedgewick Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is to guide future
growth and development to ensure that it is sustainable, orderly, appropriate, complementary,
efficient, and that it enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Sedgewick.
1.3
The MDP is primarily a policy document that can be utilized as a framework which both public
and private sector decision making can occur. As a policy document it is, for the most part,
general in nature and long range in its outlook. The MDP provides the means whereby
Council can evaluate immediate situations or proposals in the context of a long range plan for
Sedgewick.
Section 2: Goals and Policies
2.1
The goals and policies of the MDP apply to land within the Town boundary, and are intended
to:
2.1.1
Protect and enhance past physical characteristics and traditions;
2.1.2
Guide the orderly and systematic physical growth of the community;
2.1.3
Establish the desirable qualitative and quantitative direction for future community
development;
2.1.4
Identify major current and potential constraints, issues and opportunities such as the
need for jobs, variety in housing types and densities, and infrastructure expansion,
amongst others;
2.1.5
Define strategies for achieving the Town's aspirations and set priorities for the near
and long term future.
2.1.6
Establish policies and recommendations that will delineate how the Town can move
towards achieving its goals; and
2.1.7
Be consistent with Provincial Land Use Policy.
2.2
Any goals or policies related to lands outside Town boundaries are statements of future intent
or preference.
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Part
art
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art Two
Two
Two
Two: : : : Physical Environment
Physical Environment
Physical Environment
Physical Environment
Section 3: Maps
3.1
Map 1 shows recent aerial photography of Sedgewick.
3.2
Map 2 identifies land use opportunities and constraints for Sedgewick.
3.3
Map 3 identifies future land uses as envisioned by the Municipal Development Plan.
Municipal Development Plan
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Map 1 - Sedgewick Aerial Photo
Municipal Development Plan
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Map 2 - Sedgewick Development Opportunities
Municipal Development Plan
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Map 3 - Sedgewick Future Land Use Concept
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Section 4: Population Projections
4.1
Figure 1 illustrates the population for the Town of Sedgewick since 1981, and anticipates the
population being between 900 and 1,000 population to 2026.
The chart shows that over the past 25+ years, the Town has experienced no population
growth.
Through this period, building permit activity has remained consistent; however population
increase has been modest due to lower rates of persons per occupied dwelling, from a
population per dwelling figure of 3.0 persons per dwelling in 1981 to 2.2 persons per dwelling
in 2006.
In determining the projected population of Sedgewick moving forward, it is estimated that
three (3) dwellings per year will be added, while the population per dwelling will stay at 2.2
persons per dwelling.
Figure 1 - Historical Population and Projected Population 1986 to 2026
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026
Population
4.2
The Town of Sedgewick has undertaken an analysis to determine what types of development
would be desired to have growth exceed that which is projected for the community. The
municipality, through public consultation, has identified that that development arising from
young families and retirees seeking a small-Town lifestyle with adequate services, and driven
by the small scale manufacturing and industrial service sector seeking skilled labour, is
desired by the community.
4.3
In reviewing recent development permit activity, Sedgewick has witnessed some dwelling unit
construction, however development has been limited due to the lack of desirable serviced
lots.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part Three: Setting the Stage for Growth
art Three: Setting the Stage for Growth
art Three: Setting the Stage for Growth
art Three: Setting the Stage for Growth
Section 5: Goals
5.1
To ensure the orderly, complementary, contiguous, and efficient development of the physical
environment within Sedgewick.
5.2
To identify future growth needs and directions for Sedgewick and endeavour to ensure an
adequate supply of developable land.
5.3
To undertake community consultation through the preparation of a community Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis and Community Visioning Session.
Section 6: Policies
6.1
All development and subdivision of land shall, whenever possible, adhere to the goals and
policies of this plan and follow the land use concepts as shown on Map 2 and Map 3.
6.2
Development and subdivision proposals that do not comply with the goals and policies of this
plan will be evaluated on their merits. The Town may consider amending this plan to
accommodate proposals it deems acceptable.
6.3
A high level of quality and aesthetic appeal will be encouraged in all development and
redevelopment.
6.4
The Town may require the preparation of an area structure plan (ASP) or other non-statutory
plan, acceptable to Council, before subdivision and/or development of any large tract of land
is permitted to proceed.
6.5
The Town may require the preparation of an area redevelopment plan (ARP) or other non-
statutory plan, acceptable to Council, before the subdivision and/or redevelopment of any
large tract of land is permitted to proceed.
6.6
All adopted statutory plans shall adhere to this plan.
6.7
The Land Use Bylaw and all non-statutory plans and policies adopted by Council should be
consistent with this plan.
6.8
The Town should give consideration to the following matters when reviewing proposed
developments and/or amendments to the Land Use Bylaw.
Municipal Development Plan
Page 13
6.8.1
Goals and policies of this and other applicable statutory and non-statutory plans
and/or policies adopted by Council;
6.8.2
Views of the public;
6.8.3
Physical characteristics of the subject and adjacent land;
6.8.4
Use of other land in the vicinity;
6.8.5
Availability of and possible impact on public and private utilities;
6.8.6
Access to and possible impact on transportation systems;
6.8.7
Overall design; and
6.8.8
Any other matters which, in the opinion of Council, are relevant.
6.9
In compliance with the Subdivision and Development Regulation, pursuant to the Municipal
Government Act, no applications for subdivisions and/or development of schools, hospitals,
food establishments, or residences will be approved within 300 metres of the working areas of
Town Sewage Lagoon without the written consent of the Deputy Minister of the Department of
Environmental Protection.
6.10
Higher utilization of existing infrastructure is encouraged through the appropriate infill
development.
6.11
The Town will endeavour to maintain an adequate supply of serviceable land.
6.12
The Town may assume a role in land development, including acquisition, servicing and
subdivision, in order to ensure an adequate supply of land.
6.13
Upon the subdivision of land, the Town will require the provision of reserves; in the form of
land, money, or a combination thereof; to the maximum amount provided for in the Municipal
Government Act.
6.14
New development and re-development will be required to pay its fair share of expanding
existing or creating new public facilities and services (water, sewer, stormwater, roads and
other community facilities).
Municipal Development Plan
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Part Four: Residential Development
Section 7: Goals
7.1
A mixture of residential densities and tenure will be encouraged in all neighbourhoods so that
a variety of housing is available.
7.2
High quality housing design, layout, site amenities and development will be promoted for all
new residential housing projects.
7.3
Housing affordability will be encouraged to support the needs of first time home buyers,
singles, lone-parents, seniors and persons with disabilities.
7.4
Encourage infill development by creating smaller lots and higher densities.
7.5
Provide for separation and buffering of residential neighbourhoods from incompatible land
uses.
Section 8: Policies
8.1
Map 2 and Map 3 identifies existing and future residential areas.
8.2
It is the Town's intent to achieve residential expansion through infill as well as future
annexation of lands to the north of Town.
8.3
In residential areas, upon subdivision, it is the Town's preference that the provision of
reserves is in the form of land in order to provide adequate buffering, open spaces, and
school sites.
8.4
Although detached housing will be the dominant housing type, the Town supports the
provision of a wide range of housing types in order to meet all of its housing needs.
8.5
Higher density housing is encouraged to develop small clusters with good access to major
roads. Consideration should also be given to proximity to schools, open spaces and
community facilities.
8.6
The maximum residential density should be approximately 16 dwelling units per gross
developable hectare.
8.7
Innovative residential designs are encouraged. The external design and finish of all
residential buildings should be of high quality and reflect or complement existing development
in the vicinity.
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Part
art
art
art Five: Commercial Development
Five: Commercial Development
Five: Commercial Development
Five: Commercial Development
Section 9: Goals
9.1
To promote and encourage the provision of a full range of goods and services for the citizens
of Sedgewick.
9.2
To minimize potential conflicts between commercial and non-commercial land uses.
9.3
To encourage aesthetically pleasing commercial development.
Section 10: Policies
10.1
Map 2 and Map 3 identifies existing and future commercial areas.
10.2
The Town will encourage infill and redevelopment of the Central Business District centred
around 47 Street and 48 Avenue.
10.3
The Town will encourage the highway commercial development along Highway 13 within the
Town boundaries, and ultimately seeks to expand south of Highway 13 to accommodate
lands for highway commercial and light industrial purposes.
10.4
The Town will work closely with Alberta Transportation to insure that any future access or
activity adjacent to Highway 13 is constructed to Alberta Transportation's standards.
10.5
The Town supports the concept of creating a mixed light industrial and commercial district
within the land use bylaw, to encourage a wide array of options for commercial development
within the Town.
10.6
The external design and finish of all commercial developments should be of high quality and
reflect or complement existing development in the vicinity.
10.7
Home based businesses will be allowed as permitted uses in all residential districts provided
they are secondary to the residential use and do not detract from the amenities of the
surrounding residential neighbourhood. Specific standards and requirements will be
governed by the Land Use Bylaw.
10.8
In commercial areas, upon subdivision, it is the Town's preference that the provision of
reserves is in the form of money, except in cases where the site borders on a non-commercial
use in which case the Town may consider the dedication of land to provide adequate
buffering.
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Part
art
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art Six
Six
Six
Six: Industrial Development
: Industrial Development
: Industrial Development
: Industrial Development
Section 11: Goals
11.1
To accommodate a broad range of industrial development.
11.2
To minimize potential conflicts between industrial and non-industrial land uses.
Section 12: Policies
12.1
Map 2 and Map 3 identifies existing and future industrial areas.
12.2
The Town will encourage industrial development by maintaining a large land base for industry
and promoting its availability to prospective users.
12.3
The Town will ensure orderly development of the existing industrial area north of Highway 13,
and endeavours to expand industrial uses west of 50 Street through future annexation of
these lands.
12.4
The Town will seek to minimize potential negative externalities associated with industrial
developments.
12.5
Where negative externalities associated with an industrial use cannot be reduced to an
acceptable level, the Town will strive to assist in the relocation of the industrial use to a more
suitable location within the Town.
12.6
In industrial areas, upon subdivision, it is the Town's preference that the provision of reserves
is in the form of money, except in cases where the site borders on a non-industrial use in
which case land may be dedicated to provide adequate buffering.
12.7
The Town may require an independent environmental impact assessment (EIA) to be
completed before permitting an industrial use that may potentially cause environmental or
health problems.
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Part
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art Seven:
even:
even:
even: Transpor
Transpor
Transpor
Transportation
ation
ation
ation
Section 13: Goals
13.1
To identify short and long term transportation needs of both the Town and the surrounding
region and strive to ensure that these needs are adequately met in a manner that is
compatible with existing and future development.
Section 14: Policies
14.1
The Town will endeavour to protect Highway 13 from uses and development adjacent to the
highway that may be detrimental to the flow and safety of traffic.
14.2
The Town shall establish standards and specifications for the future development of roads.
These shall include the width of future roads, required right-of-way, methods of construction,
placement of signage and sidewalks, lighting, landscaping requirements and intersection
treatments.
14.3
The Town may establish bylaws concerning off-site levies in accordance with the provisions
of the Municipal Government Act to finance the provision of off-site road upgrades.
14.4
Additional development setbacks and dedications for future roads may be established in the
Land Use Bylaw.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
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art Eight
Eight
Eight
Eight: Utilities and Servicing
: Utilities and Servicing
: Utilities and Servicing
: Utilities and Servicing
Section 15: Goals
15.1
To support the adequate, safe, and efficient provision of municipal and private utilities.
15.2
To ensure municipal services are provided in a timely and efficient manner.
Section 16: Policies
16.1
New development shall be required to be serviced by all municipal utilities to a standard
satisfactory to the Town. The Town may accept industrial and commercial development on
large parcels of land not serviced by municipal utilities. Low density residential areas may
also use communal water and sewer services which meet municipal standards. A condition
of development in these circumstances shall be the entering of a deferred servicing
agreement requiring connection to municipal utilities when they become available.
16.2
Prior to subdivision approval, the developer shall be required to provide detailed engineering
plans to describe how the water, sanitary and storm water servicing will be fulfilled.
16.3
Utility rights-of-way and public utility lots shall be provided at the time of subdivision.
16.4
The use of road right-of-way for storm water conveyance must be designed to accommodate
a 1:100 year storm and not adversely affect traffic. Should the road right-of-way not be able
to accommodate the 1:100 storm, on-site storm water ponds will be required. Storm water
storage or retention is not allowed within road right-of-ways.
16.5
The Town may establish bylaws concerning off-site levies in accordance with the provisions
of the Municipal Government Act to finance the provision of adequate municipal water,
sanitary sewer, and storm sewer utilities.
16.6
The Town supports the development, whenever possible, of partnerships with Flagstaff
County and other urban municipalities in the region for the provision of municipal services.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
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art Nine:
Nine:
Nine:
Nine: Open Spaces and Natural Areas
Open Spaces and Natural Areas
Open Spaces and Natural Areas
Open Spaces and Natural Areas
Section 17: Goals
17.1
To protect and preserve, whenever possible, existing natural areas.
17.2
To ensure that development does not unduly impact the natural environment.
17.3
To ensure that the natural environment does not jeopardize the health, safety, and quality of
life of the citizens of Sedgewick.
17.4
To provide open spaces that are functional and effective in satisfying the needs of residents
and visitors to the community.
Section 18: Policies
18.1
The Town may require an environmental assessment/audit to be carried out on a site that is
the subject of a development proposal.
18.2
The Town will work with developers to ensure that developments do not have a significant
negative environmental impact on the Town.
18.3
The Town will not permit development in areas prone to flooding.
18.4
The Town will utilize environmental reserve and environmental conservation easements as
mechanisms to protect environmentally significant areas.
18.5
Through the subdivision process, the Town shall require that lands considered unsuitable for
development area dedicated as environmental reserve with the provisions of the MGA.
18.6
When lands adjacent to water bodies or water courses are subdivided, a strip of land shall be
dedicated as environmental reserve to provide a buffer and provide public access. The width
of the required dedication shall be established by the Subdivision Authority.
18.7
Lands dedicated as environmental reserve shall remain in their natural state and/or be used
as part of the public trail system where necessary to ensure a continuous integrated trail
system.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
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art Ten
Ten
Ten
Ten: Communi
: Communi
: Communi
: Community Development
ty Development
ty Development
ty Development
Section 19: Goals
19.1
To strive to provide community facilities that will enhance the provision of community services
associated with the social, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the citizens of
Sedgewick and to protect and preserve, whenever possible, existing natural areas.
Section 20: Policies
20.1
The Town supports the provision of linear green spaces which may be developed as
walkways to act as linkages between residential areas, schools, open spaces and community
facilities.
20.2
Local playgrounds and tot-lots should be provided in residential developments as part of the
municipal reserve dedication resulting from subdivision. Whenever possible tot-lots should be
centrally located within each residential area and linked via walkways and/or sidewalks.
20.3
The Town supports the preservation of natural areas and natural vegetation within open
spaces whenever possible.
20.4
Public and quasi-public uses, such as nursing homes, churches, and community centres, will
be permitted in residential areas provided they are located at or near neighbourhood entry
points and adequate buffering or separation is provided.
20.5
The Town encourages cooperation between the Town, Flagstaff County, Battle River School
Division and East Central Regional Catholic School Division and other community groups on
the sharing of facilities and resources.
20.6
The Town will endeavour to work with the Province to ensure the adequate provision of health
and medical care services and facilities.
20.7
The citizens of Sedgewick should, whenever possible, be provided with adequate, timely, and
efficient protective services. This includes, but is not limited to, protection from loss of life
from fire, accident, natural disaster, or unlawful activity.
20.8
The citizens of Sedgewick should, whenever possible, be provided with adequate, timely, and
efficient common services. This includes, but is not limited, to infrastructure development and
maintenance, snow removal, and garbage removal.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
art
art Elev
Elev
Elev
Eleven:
en:
en:
en: Economic Development
Economic Development
Economic Development
Economic Development
Section 21: Goals
21.1
To further the economic vitality and sustainability of the local and area economy.
21.2
To develop a strong tourism sector in the local and area economy.
Section 22: Policies
22.1
The Town supports, in principle, private economic development initiatives.
22.2
The Town may support economic development initiatives, whether on its own or in
partnership with the private sector.
22.3
The Town supports, whenever possible, joint economic development initiatives with Flagstaff
County and other municipalities in the region.
22.4
The Town encourages the development of the tourism industry in and around Sedgewick.
Such development should not have adverse social, economic, or environmental impacts.
22.5
Tourism oriented development should benefit the citizens of Sedgewick and area by providing
greater economic, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
22.6
The Town and/or related agency should develop and maintain a registry of local businesses
and services in order to identify and then actively seek to fill gaps.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
art
art Twelve
Twelve
Twelve
Twelve: Education
: Education
: Education
: Education
Section 23: Goals
23.1
To encourage the provision of the broadest and fullest range of educational opportunities for
the citizens of Sedgewick.
Section 24: Policies
24.1
The Town will endeavour to cooperate with Battle River School Division and East Central
Alberta Catholic Separate Schools Division to enhance the provision of educational resources
and opportunities to the citizens of Sedgewick.
24.2
The Town supports the sharing of educational facilities and resources.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
art
art Thirteen: Inter
Thirteen: Inter
Thirteen: Inter
Thirteen: Inter-municipal Cooperation
municipal Cooperation
municipal Cooperation
municipal Cooperation
Section 25: Goals
25.1
To undertake cooperative planning with Flagstaff County.
25.2
To coordinate land use policies for the boundary areas which are mutually beneficial to both
the Town and the County.
25.3
To coordinate the provision of roads, facilities, and other services that serve residents of both
municipalities.
Section 26: Policies
26.1
The Town will endeavour to work with the County and other urban municipalities in the region
to address issues of mutual concern and to ensure that development in either municipality
complements the existing and future land uses of the other municipality.
26.2
The Town will discourage, whenever possible, development or uses that may have a negative
impact on adjacent uses in Flagstaff County.
26.3
The Town intends to ultimately expand through annexation to the south (south of Highway 13)
for commercial and light industrial purposes; to the west (west of 50 Street and south of the
railway) for light industrial purposes; and to the north for residential purposes.
Municipal Development Plan
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Part
art
art
art Fourteen: Administrative Matters
Fourteen: Administrative Matters
Fourteen: Administrative Matters
Fourteen: Administrative Matters
Section 27: Interpretation
27.1
The MDP is, for the most part, general in nature and long rage in its outlook. The MDP
provides the means whereby Council and Town staff can evaluate immediate situations or
proposals in the context of a long range plan for Sedgewick. In this regard, the boundary
between the land uses shown on Map 3 - Future Land Use Concept" is not to be rigidly
interpreted and the specific boundaries shall be determined through the designation of the
Land Use Bylaw Districts.
27.2
Subject to Council's approval, minor variations from the policies of the MDP will not require an
amendment to the MDP. More substantive changes will require an amendment to the MDP
and any other affected plan.
27.3
The MDP contains "shall", "should", and "may" policies which are interpreted as follows:
27.3.1 "Shall" policies must be complied with,
27.3.2 "Should" policies mean compliance in principle, but is subject to the discretion of the
applicable authority on a case by case basis, and
27.3.3 "May" policies indicate that the applicable authority determines the level of
compliance that is required.
Section 28: Implementation
28.1
The goals and policies of the MDP will be further refined and implemented through the
development, adoption, and day to day application of statutory plans (area structure plans
and area redevelopment plans), non statutory plans (outline plans, design schemes, etc.) and
the Land Use Bylaw.
Section 29: Amendment
29.1
Amendment of the MDP must follow the appropriate procedures as outlined in the Municipal
Government Act.
30.1
All statutory and non-statutory plans shall be consistent with the MDP and may require
amendment to ensure their compliance with the MDP.
Section 30: Review
30.1
In order to ensure that the MDP is current, the entire plan should be reviewed approximately
every three years, preferably soon after the municipal election.