This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot ad9389e03af7 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 1
MUNICIPALITY OF BOISSEVAIN-MORTON
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
March 2023
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton is located within Treaty 1 and 2 Territory, on the traditional
lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Dakota, Oji-Cree, the Ininiwak (Cree), and Dene peoples, and on
the homeland of the Métis nation.
We acknowledge this land and water, the original peoples of this place, and the treaties that guide
our ongoing relationship.
We commit to tending to this place and our treaty partnerships with care in the spirit of
collaboration and reciprocity going forward.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
2
Vision
Over the next 20 years, the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will continue to grow as a hub for
agriculture, industry, recreation, and outdoor adventure in southwestern Manitoba.
We will expand our reputation as a safe, healthy, diverse, and welcoming place to live. With
continued support, our local businesses, arts, and natural environment will thrive despite the
challenges of a changing world.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 3
PARTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In PART ONE: INTRODUCTION, you will find background information on the Municipality of
Boissevain-Morton, the purpose and intent of the Development Plan, and the vision for the
Municipality.
In PART TWO: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT, you will find goals and policies for land use and
development that apply to all areas of the municipality.
In PART THREE: POLICY AREAS, you will find goals and policies for specific land use policy
areas within the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton. The policy areas are illustrated in the
maps contained in Part Six of this Development Plan.
In PART FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION, you will find an overview of the planning tools used to
implement this Development Plan.
In PART FIVE: DEFINITIONS, you will find definitions helpful in interpreting words in this
Plan.
In PART SIX: DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAPS, you will find land use maps showing the location
of the designated policy areas described in Part Three of this Development Plan. You can use
these maps to determine what policy area applies to any piece of land in the municipality.
Also found in Part Six are maps showing development restrictions.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
4
Table of Contents
1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 5
1.1
Purpose and Intent ....................................................................................................... 6
1.2
Authority ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.3
Planning Background ................................................................................................... 6
1.4
Context ........................................................................................................................ 7
1.5
Climate Change Vulnerabilities ................................................................................... 12
2
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................. 16
2.1
Application .................................................................................................................. 17
2.2
General Goals & Policies .............................................................................................. 17
2.3
Land & Water ............................................................................................................. 19
2.4
Transportation & Municipal Infrastructure .................................................................. 24
3
POLICY AREAS .................................................................................................... 28
3.1
NAT - Natural Area .................................................................................................... 29
3.2
AGA - Agricultural General Area / AGR - Agricultural Restricted ................................. 31
3.3
RRC - Rural Residential and Cottage Area .................................................................. 35
3.4
RCI - Regional Commercial and Industrial Area .......................................................... 38
3.5
UNA - Urban Neighbourhood Area ............................................................................ 40
3.6
UCA - Urban Central Area .......................................................................................... 43
4
IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................ 45
4.1
Adoption of this Development Plan ............................................................................ 46
4.2
Review & Amendment ................................................................................................ 46
4.3
Subdivision Approvals ................................................................................................ 46
4.4
Zoning By-Law ........................................................................................................... 46
4.5
Secondary Plans ......................................................................................................... 47
4.6
Adoption of Other By-Laws ........................................................................................ 47
4.7
Special Studies and Concept Plans ............................................................................. 47
5
DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................... 48
6
DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAPS ............................................................................ 52
6.1
Development Restrictions -- Reference Map 1 ........................................................... 53
6.2
Development Restrictions -- Reference Map 2 ........................................................... 54
6.3
Policy Area Map -- Rural -- Map One .......................................................................... 55
6.4
Policy Area Map -- Urban -- Map Two ........................................................................ 56
6.5
Policy Area Map -- Rural -- Map Three ....................................................................... 57
6.6
Policy Area Map -- Rural -- Map Four ......................................................................... 58
6.7
Policy Area Map -- Rural -- Map Five .......................................................................... 59
6.8
Policy Area Map -- Rural -- Map Six ............................................................................ 60
APPENDICES
-
Background Planning Study
-
Municipal Servicing Overview
-
Urban & Rural Residential Supply & Demand Study
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 5
1
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE presents background information on the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton
and the purpose and intent of the Development Plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
6
1.1
Purpose and Intent
This Development Plan sets out the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton's vision for the
future. The vision is advanced through physical, social, environmental and economic
goals and policies that will guide community growth and change.
The decisions of the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton Council related to land use
and development will be based on the goals and policies of this Development Plan.
This Development Plan will also provide guidance for developers, property owners,
residents and the public sector about how and where community members want
land to be developed.
1.2
Authority
The Planning Act provides the legal basis for municipal land use planning in Manitoba.
Under The Planning Act, a municipality must adopt a Development Plan to guide the
growth of the entire area that meets the requirements of the Act.
All Development Plans adopted in Manitoba must be prepared in accordance with
the Provincial Planning Regulation and be generally consistent with the Provincial
Land Use Policies (PLUP's) contained within the Regulation. This Development Plan
has been prepared in compliance with the legislation.
1.3
Planning Background
Boissevain-Morton lies between the Southwest Planning District, Dennis County
Planning District, and Pelican-Rock Lake Planning District, although the municipality
itself is not currently a part of a Planning District.
Prior to municipal amalgamation, growth and development in the Municipality of
Boissevain-Morton was guided by the Morton-Boissevain Planning District
Development Plan No. 2009-01 (adopted by the former planning district board on
April 1, 2010). Following amalgamation, Council adopted Boissevain-Morton
Municipal Zoning By-law No. 2019-03 on November 7, 2019.
This Boissevain-Morton Development Plan and its background studies are informed
by other plans for the region, including two separate watershed planning documents:
The Pembina River Integrated Watershed Management Plan and The East Souris
River Integrated Watershed Management Plan, completed in 2006 and under renewal
in 2022 as the Souris River Integrated Watershed Management Plan.
Once enacted, the new Municipality of Boissevain-Morton Development Plan will
replace and repeal the Morton-Boissevain Planning District Development Plan No.
2009-01.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 7
1.4
Context
More detailed information on the planning context is provided in the Boissevain-
Morton Development Plan Background Planning Study.
.1
Regional Context
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
8
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton covers a land area of 114,341 hectares
(282,543 acres) in southwestern Manitoba, abutting the United States border
(Manitoba Land Use and Development, 2021). The urban area of Boissevain is
situated in the centre of the municipality, surrounded largely by agricultural land.
Boissevain-Morton is home to a number of attractions. The International Peace
Gardens, and two Provincial Parks, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park and William Lake
Provincial Park, are located in the southern part of the municipality. The
northwestern boundary crosses through Whitewater Lake, a globally significant
Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of Manitoba's Wildlife Management Areas.
The municipality is located within the Community and Regional Planning (CRP) Region
of Brandon, as well as the Western Region of the Association of Manitoba
Municipalities' Districts. Boissevain-Morton is bordered by the municipalities of
Deloraine-Winchester, Grassland, Killarney-Turtle Mountain, and the RM of Prairie
Lakes (Manitoba Municipal Relations, 2021).
.2
Population & Demographic Context
Prior to the 2015 amalgamation, the Town of Boissevain and Rural Municipality of
Morton existed as separate entities, with distinct population trends in their
respective areas.
Figure 1: Boissevain-Morton Population 1951 - 2016 (Statistics Canada)
Since 1951, the Town of Boissevain had seen a steady rise in population until the year
1981, when it began a slight decline, plateauing at approximately 1,500 people in
2011. Over the same period, the RM of Morton saw a steady decline in population
over the decades, falling just below 700 people in 2011.
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016
Population
Boissevain-Morton Population 1951-2016
Town of Boissevain
RM of Morton
Boissevain-Morton (Combined)
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 9
Post-amalgamation in 2015, the two distinct populations of the Town of Boissevain
and the RM of Morton became unified. To better understand the long-term
population trends over the entire Boissevain-Morton area, the two historic
population sets have been combined and included as a separate row in Figure 1.
The chart depicts gradual population decline in the present Boissevain-Morton area
over the last few decades until 2006. Since then, the municipality has experienced a
slight population increase, reaching 2,353 in 2016 (Statistics Canada, 2016). Over the
five-year period from 2011 to 2016, the municipality grew by 83 people, an increase
of 3.66%.
The figure below shows three different population projections for the municipality
over the next 20 years that cover a range of scenarios from the most optimistic (high-
growth) to the most pessimistic (low-growth). For a discussion of these projection
calculations, please see the Boissevain-Morton Development Plan Background Planning
Study.
In the low growth scenario, the population of Boissevain-Morton is projected to be
approximately 2,332 people in 2041--approximately twenty people less than the
population in 2016. In the high-growth scenario, the population is projected to be
2,816 in 2041--approximately 460 more people than there were in 2016 (note that
this is still less than the historic combined population of the Town of Boissevain and
the RM of Morton in the 1960s). The third scenario used a "medium growth" model
averaging the results from the first and second scenarios.
Figure 2: Municipality of Boissevain-Morton Population Projections (2016-2041)
2016
2021
2026
2031
2036
2041
Low Growth Scenario
2,353
2,349
2,344
2,340
2,336
2,332
Medium Growth Scenario
2,353
2,394
2,436
2,481
2,526
2,574
High Growth Scenario
2,353
2,439
2,528
2,621
2,717
2,816
2,000
2,100
2,200
2,300
2,400
2,500
2,600
2,700
2,800
2,900
Projected Population
Year /
Projected Population
Boissevain-Morton Population Projections (2016-2041)
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
10
Projected housing needs for the next 20 years can be estimated based on Boissevain-
Morton's population projections, average household size, and existing housing stock.
The following table shows the projected housing needs over the next 20 years for the
three population projection scenarios, assuming the current average household size
of 2.3 persons/household remains constant over the next 20 years (see the table
below).
Table 1: Municipality of Boissevain-Morton Projected Housing Need (with 2.3 average household size)
In the low growth scenario (in which the population actually declines), the
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton's 1,030 existing dwelling units may already be
suitable to meet its needs over the next 20-to-25-year period, notwithstanding
additional land needed to provide housing type and tenures where supplies are
currently limited (e.g. low-income and rural residential housing).
In the medium growth scenario, Boissevain-Morton will need 89 new housing units
by the year 2041, in addition to the 1,030 existing dwelling units. This would require
the construction of an average of 4.5 housing units per year.
In the high growth scenario, the need is twice as great, requiring 194 houses to be
built by the year 2041. To meet this demand, developers in Boissevain-Morton would
need to build 9.7 housing units per year. Based on the research and demographic
trends, there will be a particular need within the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton to
construct new low-income housing and provide a variety of housing typologies.
Year
Low Growth Scenario
Medium Growth Scenario
High Growth Scenario
Projected Pop.
New Housing
Needed
Projected Pop.
New Housing
Needed
Projected Pop.
New Housing
Needed
2021
2,349
0
2,394
11
2,439
30
2026
2,344
0
2,436
29
2,528
69
2031
2,340
0
2,481
49
2,621
110
2036
2,336
0
2,526
68
2,717
151
2041
2,332
0
2,574
89
2,816
194
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 11
Table 2, below, provides estimated needs for future housing and the land required to
fulfill those needs, based on the high-growth scenario population projection and the
minimum acres required per unit as discussed in the Boissevain-Morton Urban and
Rural Residential Supply and Demand Study.
Note that while other population projections are also plausible, using the high-
growth scenario ensures enough land is available to accommodate the full range of
future growth scenarios.
Year
Projected
pop.
Rural (un-serviced)
Urban (serviced)
Totals
(High-
Growth
scenario)
single
family
(rural res.)
single
family
(cottage)
single
family
(urban)
semi-
detached
multi-
family
New
Units
New
Acres
New
Units
New
Acres
New
Units
New
Acres
New
Units
New
Acres
New
Units
New
Acres
New
Units
New
Acres
2021
2,439
6
12
3
6
13
1.5
2
0.2
6
0.2
30
19.8
2026
2,528
14
28
7
14
30
3.4
4
0.4
14
0.4
69
46.2
2031
2,621
22
44
11
22
49
5.6
6
0.6
22
0.6
110
72.7
2036
2,717
30
60
16
32
67
7.7
8
0.7
30
0.8
151
101.2
2041
2,816
38
76
20
40
87
10.0
10
0.9
39
1.0
194
127.9
Table 2: Estimated New Dwelling Units & Acreage Required (Cumulative) 2021 - 2041
By 2041, the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will need an estimated 128 acres to
accommodate future population growth in the rural and urban areas under the high-
growth scenario.
116 acres will be needed to accommodate development in the rural parts of the
municipality, with and estimated 76 acres required for un-serviced rural residential
development and 40 acres for cottage development.
An estimated 11.9 acres are needed to accommodate future residential development
within the urban area in Boissevain: 10 acres for serviced (urban) single-family
development, 0.9 acres for semi-detached dwellings, and 1 acre for multi-family.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
12
1.5
Climate Change Vulnerabilities
The Prairie Climate Centre has published climate change forecasts for Manitoba
municipalities in the Climate Atlas of Canada. The excerpt from the Climate Atlas
Report for the Boissevain area provided in the table below shows the expected
changes to precipitation, temperature, and frost-free season if greenhouse gas
emissions continue to increase at current rates. These projections are based on the
high carbon scenario (RCP 8.5) where carbon emissions continue to increase at
current rates. This section discusses three expected changes in more detail:
a) Increasing summer temperatures
b) Warmer winters
c) Changing precipitation
.1
Increasing Summer Temperatures
The Climate Atlas of Canada projects a significant rise in high-temperature events for
the municipality. Average summer temperatures are expected to increase by 2.2°C in
the near future (2021-2050) and 4.6°C in the far future (2051-2080).
The amount of very hot days (+30°C) per year will also increase in Boissevain-Morton,
from an average of 14 days to 30 days in the near future (an increase of 16 days) and
51 days in the far future (an increase of 37 days).
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 13
Figure 3: Number of +30 Degree Days, 2051 - 2080, High Carbon Scenario (RCP 8.5), Climate Atlas of
Canada, 2022
Warmer temperatures will likely increase costs for cooling, cause stress on crops and
animals, and increase the likelihood of diseases, pests, and drought events.
The drought conditions already experienced in 2021 might foreshadow increasing
dry periods in years to come. According to the Province of Manitoba's A Made-in-
Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, ''Drought has historically been the most costly of
climate impacts on the Prairie economy. It is slow in its onset, but it can continue for
long periods of time over widespread areas. It spirals through our economy from
those who are first affected, such as farmers, then to equipment dealers to
agricultural service businesses. The environmental impacts on land, water, fish and
wildlife are also high, as can be the social and mental health impacts'' (p. 38).
Needless to say, a period of drought would have serious implications for the
Municipality, particularly due to the importance of agriculture to the local economy.
.2
Warmer Winters
The number of very cold days (-30°C) per year is expected to shrink from 10 to 4 in
the near future (2021-2050) and to 1 day in the far future (2051-2080). The frost-free
season may increase from 128 days to 146 days in the near future to 164 days in the
far future. The reduction in cold days and rise of frost-free days will provide a longer
growing season for farmers and will reduce heating costs in winter.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
14
Figure 4: Number of -30 Degree Days, 2051 - 2080, High Carbon Scenario (RCP 8.5), Climate Atlas of
Canada, 2022
However, this change will come with other challenges. As noted in Natural Resources
Canada's From Impacts to Adaptation: Canada in a Changing Climate, ''An increase in
climate variability and the frequency of extreme events would adversely impact the
agricultural industry. A single extreme event (later frost, extended drought, excess
rainfall during harvest period) can eliminate any benefits from improved 'average'
conditions'' (p. 149). Due to the importance of the agricultural industry to Boissevain-
Morton, the Municipality must plan to mitigate and adapt to these potential effects of
climate change.
.3
Changing Precipitation
Due to the numerous factors involved in producing precipitation, it is generally one
of the most difficult climate variables to predict. Overall, climate models forecast that
the region will experience a slight increase in annual precipitation, from 500 mm per
year to more than 530 mm per year in the future.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 15
Figure 5: Precipitation, 2051 - 2080, High Carbon Scenario (RCP 8.5), Climate Atlas of Canada, 2022
Most of this increase is expected to come in the spring, where precipitation is likely to
increase by an average of 15mm in the near future (2021-2050) to 23mm in the far
future (2051-2080). High projections show the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton
could experience close to double the amount of spring precipitation from current
rates, with an increase from 118mm to 230mm in the 2051-2080 period. This could
lead to increased spring flooding events and erosion.
Average precipitation amounts during the rest of the year are predicted to remain
close to current levels, with slight mean increases in fall and winter precipitation and
slight decreases predicted to summer precipitation (which could further contribute to
drought scenarios described above).
.4
Planning Implications
The municipality's ability to adapt to climate change is directly linked to the long-term
viability of its agricultural sector and its access to clean drinking water. If these two
factors are in place, the municipality will be well-positioned for the future and may
even be able to capitalize on population shifts as people move away from areas most
affected by climate change to more favourable areas.
This Development Plan includes goals and policies to guide new development to both
mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
16
2
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
PART TWO presents goals and policies that apply to land use and development throughout
the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton.
These goals and policies should be reviewed with respect to all proposed development,
including those within the designated areas outlined in Part Three.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 17
2.1
Application
This section of the Development Plan outlines the general goals and policies that will
guide the overall planning and development of the Municipality of Boissevain-
Morton. The goals and policies are intended to apply generally throughout the
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton including both rural and urban areas.
2.2
General Goals & Policies
GOALS
.1
Ensure Consistency with Vision
To ensure that the use and development of land is consistent with the community's
vision for the future.
.2
Provide a Range of Facilities
To provide the range of residential, recreational, educational, cultural, commercial,
industrial, entertainment, health and social services and facilities necessary to serve
all residents of the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton.
.3
Encourage Sustainable Land Use and Development
To encourage sustainable use and development of the land that is in the best
interests of the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton and its residents in both the short
term and the long term.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
18
.4
Promote Economic Diversification
To promote economic diversification in a manner that is compatible with the existing
rural agricultural and urban service centre lifestyles of the municipality.
.5
Recognize Heritage Values
To recognize the value of important cultural, archaeological, and historical sites and
buildings.
POLICIES
.6
Continuance of Existing Land Use
Nothing in this Development Plan will affect the continuance of existing land uses
that were lawfully in existence prior to the coming into force of this By-law.
.7
Protection of Historic, Cultural or Archaeological Sites
No development or land use will be allowed if it may endanger any site, building or
other structure with historic, cultural, or archaeological significance that has been
recognized by a municipal, Provincial, Federal or Indigenous Government without
that organization's consent.
.8
Location of New Development
Growth and development within the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will be
directed to infill the existing built-up areas and urban settlements in order to reduce
the cost of possible future piped services as well as increasing the efficiency of
existing roads, hydro and telephone services.
.9
Permitted and Conditional Uses
The permitted and conditional uses and detailed site requirements in the
implementing zoning by-law will be determined in accordance with the policies
contained in this Development Plan. Developments with potentially negative side
effects (like noise pollution) should be prescribed as conditional uses in a zone.
.10
Provincial and Federal Acts and Regulations
The adoption of this Development Plan does not release a proponent of a
development from other requirements of the Provincial and Federal governments. All
development must abide by the requirements of applicable Provincial and Federal
Acts and Regulations.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 19
2.3
Land & Water
GOALS
.1
Preserve Biodiversity and Habitat
To preserve and improve biodiversity, critical and significant wildlife habitat, water
quality, water storage, and the health of wetlands and riparian areas.
.2
Protect Drinking Water Sources
To protect the quality of municipal drinking water sources, including surface and
groundwater.
.3
Promote Wise Use of Resources
To promote wise use of resources (including water, aggregates, minerals, and
forests) and protect areas with significant resource potential from incompatible
forms of development.
.4
Reduce Risks
To reduce risks to life, health, safety, property and ecosystem health that are
associated with flooding and erosion.
.5
Connect to Provincial Parks and Peace Gardens
To continue to build on the connections between our municipality and nearby
provincial parks and the International Peace Gardens.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
20
.6
Support Green Energy
To support green energy (e.g. geothermal, solar power, wind energy).
.7
Ensure Public Access to Water
To ensure all residents continue to have access to public resources such as lakes,
streams, and creeks.
.8
Recognize the Value of Whitewater Lake
To recognize the value and importance of Whitewater Lake. A globally significant
Important Bird Area and one of Manitoba's Wildlife Management Areas, continued
discussions regarding the lake are of vital importance to both the municipality and
larger region. The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will work with the Souris River
Watershed District and neighbouring Municipality in these discussions regarding
land uses around the lake and lake water levels.
POLICIES
.9
Land Subject to Flooding and Erosion Policies
a) Development should be directed away from land subject to flooding and land
subject to erosion (shown on the Development Restrictions maps in Part Six).
Development of permanent structures in these areas shall not be allowed unless:
a. Risks to life, property and ecosystem health are mitigated or proven to be
minimal;
b. The top of the foundations of structures of all permanent buildings are
constructed a minimum of two feet above the design flood level;
c. Existing topography is retained, where appropriate, unless changes are
needed for flood protection;
d. Existing tree, vegetation cover and near-shore aquatic habitat are
preserved to reduce erosion, protect water quality, and maintain bank
stability; and
e. Existing natural features and functions are protected, restored or
improved.
b) Where permanent structures are not allowed on land subject to flooding and
land subject to erosion, the land still may be suitable for uses such as grazing,
sustainable resource harvesting, recreation, transportation and above ground or
underground utilities, flood or erosion control, storm water management and
conservation and other types of development that mitigates or eliminates
potential risks and meets the above criteria.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 21
.10
Shoreline and Riparian Area Policies
Land must not be cleared or developed to the water's edge of creeks, streams and
lakes. An adequate buffer of undisturbed native vegetation must be retained (and
rehabilitated, where possible) to reduce erosion and sedimentation, protect water
quality and fish habitat and provide for wildlife as follows:
a) A 15-metre undisturbed native vegetation area for lands located
adjacent to first or second order drains and artificially created
retention ponds; and
b) A 30-metre undisturbed native vegetation area for lands located
adjacent to all natural water bodies and waterways and other third or
higher order drains.
Developments that create minor disturbances to the natural vegetative cover in
riparian areas, such as docks and pathways, may be permitted in those areas,
provided that not more than 25% of the length of the lot's shoreline is affected. In
agricultural zones, landowners are encouraged to work with the Pembina Valley and
Souris River Watershed Districts to implement best management practices outlined
in integrated watershed management plans to restore and protect riparian buffer
zones outlined in a) and b), above.
Proposed alteration within this native vegetation area may be referred to the federal
or provincial authorities having jurisdiction for their review.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
22
.11
Protection of Wetlands
Development should not result in alteration or damage to permanent or semi-
permanent wetlands by ditching, filling, pumping, subsurface drainage, wetland
consolidation, or other works or means, unless it is required for the purpose of
essential public works (such as flood mitigation) that have been approved by the
Municipality. For illustrative purposes, the Development Restrictions maps show
potential permanent or semi-permanent wetlands in the area.
Alteration of wetlands is also subject to provincial approval under The Water Rights
Act. Developers should review The Water Rights Act before initiating development
proposals.
.12
Mandatory Well Sealing
Landowners should work with the Souris River Watershed District and Pembina
Valley Watershed District to seal wells if: they are unused or abandoned; they are in
areas that become serviced by public water systems; or they do not meet provincial
water safety standards.
.13
Green Energy
Green energy, such as wind and solar power, shall be considered where appropriate,
subject to requirements in the zoning by-law. They should be located and developed
in a manner that minimizes any incompatibility with neighbouring land uses,
agricultural cultivation, and the health and safety of residents.
.14
Protection of Critical and Significant Wildlife Habitat
Areas of critical and significant wildlife habitat, including wooded areas and other
habitat crucial to the stability of wildlife (identified on the Development Restrictions
maps):
a) Must be protected from incompatible land use and development. If the
adverse impacts of development on critical and significant wildlife habitat
cannot be avoided, the impacts must be minimized and mitigated by using
appropriate measures to preserve, create or restore the value of land and
habitat;
b) Should not be fragmented. Development that will result in fragmentation
must be minimized and suitably mitigated;
c) Should be prioritized for rehabilitation, if they have been degraded.
Voluntary actions to conserve and rehabilitate critical and significant wildlife
habitat on private land is encouraged.
Note that the Souris River and Pembina River Watershed Districts may be able to
provide incentives to preserve and conserve habitat and funding to restore habitat.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 23
.15
Aggregate Potential
To avoid land use conflicts that might prevent the extraction of aggregate resources,
only uses compatible with resource extraction shall be allowed in areas identified as
having aggregate potential and locations immediately adjacent to these deposits. For
illustrative purposes, see the Development Restrictions maps for locations with
aggregate potential.
.16
Mineral and Aggregate Exploration and Development
Mineral exploration and development must be conducted in a sustainable manner
that allows it to co-exist with the community's vision for the Municipality of
Boissevain-Morton.
An environmental impact assessment analysis and statement may be required for
any proposed mineral extraction activity within the jurisdictional boundary of the
municipality. Such studies may be required to determine both primary and
secondary impacts. Typical impacts could include: physical environment impacts;
social environment impacts; aesthetic environment impacts; and economic
environment impacts. These potential impacts will be dealt with in the permitting
process as set out in provincial legislation.
.17
Hazardous Uses
The following policies apply to facilities or developments which manufacture, handle,
store or distribute hazardous materials:
a) Wherever possible, new facilities should be separated from urban areas,
buildings used for human occupation, and public drinking water sources;
b) Hazardous facilities should not be located closer to dwellings or provincial
highways than permitted or recommended by the appropriate Provincial
government department;
c) Where new development of a potentially hazardous use is proposed,
information may be required of the applicant relating to: the nature of any
potential discharges into the air, soil or water; the nature of outside storage
requirements; the compatibility of surrounding land uses; and plans for
mitigating any potentially hazardous effects.
.18
Undeveloped Municipal Road Allowances
Portions of municipal road allowances presently in their natural state or in an
uncleared or uncultivated state shall be left in such a state. No person shall remove,
reduce, restrict, or diminish all or any portion of natural vegetation, timber or
minerals contained within or upon a road allowance, including clearing or cultivating
a road allowance for farming, unless duly authorized by the Municipality through a
permit for the private use of an undeveloped road allowance, in accordance with the
Municipal Road Allowances By-Law.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
24
2.4
Transportation & Municipal Infrastructure
GOALS
.1
Ensure High-Quality Municipal Water Supply
To ensure municipal water is clean, high-quality and accessible to all, with an
adequate supply to meet future needs and a changing climate.
.2
Improve Waste Systems
To build a new sewage lagoon and continually improve other municipal waste
systems, including garbage pickup, recycling and composting.
.3
Develop Trail System
To develop the municipality's trail system to support biking, walking, cross-country
skiing, and other forms of active transportation.
.4
Improve Internet Access
To improve access within the municipality to fast and reliable internet.
.5
Compatibility with Existing and Planned Networks
To continue sustainable upgrades to utility and transportation networks (including
rural roads) and ensure that new development considers climate change and
minimizes the risks to quality of life, public health and safety.
.6
Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness
To prepare for risks associated with climate change and ensure the Municipality can
provide essential services in case of emergencies and natural disasters.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 25
POLICIES
.7
Piped Service Hookup
The owner of a building within an area serviced by piped water or wastewater
infrastructure will generally be required to connect the building to the services.
Proposed developments outside of the areas serviced by municipal piped water or
wastewater infrastructure services will be responsible for the provision of their own
services in accordance with Provincial and Federal regulations.
.8
Development Near Wastewater Treatment Lagoons
New residential development shall generally not be allowed within 460 metres of a
wastewater treatment lagoon until the lagoon has been decommissioned, tested and
deemed safe for such uses. Other uses, including park and recreational uses, may be
considered within the buffer area and on top of a former lagoon site, where other
uses may not be allowed even after remediation.
.9
Solid Waste Disposal Capacity
Before approving a new development, confirmation is required that local or
intermunicipal solid waste facilities have sufficient capacity to accommodate any
additional waste that may be generated by the new development.
.10
Development Near Waste Disposal Ground
No dwelling may be constructed within 400 metres of the property line of an
operating or abandoned waste disposal ground, nor within 100 metres of a seasonal
waste facility, unless construction of the dwelling is approved by provincial authority
having jurisdiction.
.11
Road and Street Systems
Roads or street networks associated with a proposed development should be
designed and integrated with both the existing and planned road and street systems
of the adjacent areas in accordance with prevailing local and provincial standards.
Where appropriate, road systems in a secondary plan or plan of subdivision should:
a) Be integrated with the existing road system so as to provide at least two
points of access;
b) Promote a network or grid of streets; and
c) Maintain or encourage scenic views of important natural or human-made
features (e.g. lakes, fields, public buildings, or designated historic sites).
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
26
.12
Access to All-Weather Road
New development should have legal access to an all-weather road of sufficient
standard and capacity, unless the proponent makes an agreement with the
Municipality to upgrade an existing road or develop new road access to a standard
agreed upon by the Municipality. The proponent may be responsible for part or all of
the costs of this roadway construction, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
.13
Development Generating Significant Traffic
New development which has the potential to generate significant vehicle or truck
traffic should be directed away from those areas and land uses where such levels of
traffic could endanger public safety.
.14
Standards for Public Roads
The following factors for public roads should be considered in addition to other
established standards:
a) Future use, staging of construction, density of traffic, type of traffic,
drainage, and snow storage capacity; and
b) The maintenance of adequate surface drainage and reduction of
long-term maintenance costs through the use of ditches, culverts and
shoulders with sufficient width to provide structural strength.
.15
Development Adjacent to Provincial Highways
The following standards shall apply to development adjacent to Provincial Highways,
to the satisfaction of the provincial authorities having jurisdiction:
a) A permit issued by the Province of Manitoba is required prior to
constructing any access onto a provincial trunk highway or a
provincial road. A permit is also required for any modification,
relocation or intensification of use of an existing access.
b) Any development proposed within the controlled area of a provincial
trunk highway or provincial road, as defined under The Transportation
Infrastructure Act, requires a permit issued by the Province.
c) Any development requiring drainage into a provincial highway ditch
requires provincial approval. The cost of any revisions required to the
existing highway drainage system, which are directly associated with
a particular development, will be the responsibility of the developer.
d) Development that may negatively affect plans for road widening or
expansion must not be allowed unless provisions are made to
accommodate future widening or expansion.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 27
e) Development that may reduce the safe and efficient operation of the
highway is not allowed. Where possible, access to development
should be from the municipal road system.
f)
Strip development along the highway that relies on individual
accesses will not be allowed. Access should be via the municipal road
system to the provincial system.
g) Expansion of existing development that is bordered on one side of a
transportation corridor, such as a provincial highway, major road or
rail line, should be kept to the developed side of the corridor so as
not to jeopardize user safety and efficiency.
.16
Active Transportation and Pedestrian Infrastructure
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will support active transportation and
pedestrian travel by:
a) Expanding the existing network of trails and active transportation
infrastructure over time;
b) Requiring plans for new development to link streets, trails, and
sidewalks to the existing transportation and active transportation
network, where appropriate;
c) Encouraging the provision of secure bicycle parking or storage
facilities in new commercial, industrial and multi-family housing
development within the urban centre; and
d) Designing sidewalks, trails and streets in the municipality in a way
that provides safe, attractive, interesting and comfortable spaces
including amenities that may include pedestrian-scale lighting, tree
planting, quality street furnishings and decorative paving.
.17
Public Utilities
The Municipality will support public utilities by:
a) Permitting the essential activities and development of public utilities in all land
use designations, subject to requirements in the Municipality of Boissevain-
Morton Zoning By-Law. Such uses should be located and developed in a manner
that will minimize any incompatibility with neighbouring land uses;
b) Protecting existing utilities from incompatible land uses which may threaten or
adversely affect their operation; and
c) Encouraging cooperative inter-municipal servicing initiatives.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
28
3
POLICY AREAS
PART THREE presents goals and policies that will guide the planning and development of
distinct policy areas within the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton. The goals and policies
for a specified policy area only apply to such areas as shown on the Policy Area maps
contained in Part Six of this Development Plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 29
3.1
NAT - Natural Area
GOALS
.1
Preserve and Enhance Natural Beauty
To preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area and provide access to areas
with scenic value or recreational potential.
.2
Safeguard Fragile Environments
To safeguard sensitive or fragile environments from incompatible development.
.3
Preserve Bird and Wildlife Habitat
To preserve areas like those around Whitewater Lake that are capable of supporting
birds and wildlife which are not suitable for agriculture.
.4
Support Watershed Districts and Conservation Organizations
To support Souris River Watershed District and Pembina Valley Watershed District in
the implementation of their integrated watershed management plans, and to
support other non-profit conservation organizations with land in the municipality.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
30
POLICIES
.5
Intent
Land designated as a Natural Area should be left in its natural state or used for
compatible purposes such as animal grazing or wildlife viewing. Where the land is
currently being cultivated for agriculture or used for another purpose, that use may
continue; however, natural rehabilitation shall be encouraged.
.6
New Development Prohibited
New development is prohibited on land designated as a Natural Area, except where
required to support the conservation of biodiversity or low-impact recreational uses
(e.g. trails).
.7
Critical Habitat and Sensitive Environments
Areas critical to the existence of rare or endangered plants or animals, significant
natural features, and other identified sensitive or fragile environments will be
safeguarded from development that could damage or degrade these environments.
Outdoor recreational uses that are located near critical and significant wildlife habitat
should be planned in a manner that is consistent with the management of those
lands and helps ensure the ecological integrity of those areas.
.8
Public Access
Public access to designated Natural Areas will be encouraged to foster appreciation
for and enjoyment of nature but such access should not lead to levels of activity
which will exceed the capability of the area to sustain the use.
.9
Identification and Protection Encouraged
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton encourages the identification and protection
of natural areas and habitats that are currently unprotected from potentially
incompatible development.
If new large tracts of land are acquired or identified for conservation purposes (e.g.
by the Souris River Watershed District, Pembina Valley Watershed District, or a non-
profit conservation organization), the area should be considered for designation as a
Natural Area in the development plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 31
3.2
AGA - Agricultural General Area / AGR - Agricultural Restricted
GOALS
.1
Recognize Importance of Agriculture
To recognize the importance of agriculture to the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton.
.2
Preserve Agricultural Land
To preserve the prime agricultural farmland and viable lower class agricultural land
in the municipality.
.3
Prepare for Climate Change
To prepare for climate change, such as more extreme weather events and more
frequent droughts.
.4
Provide Opportunities for Specialized Agriculture and Horticulture
To provide opportunities for specialized agriculture and horticulture on small or
fragmented parcels of land.
.5
Minimize Potential for Conflicts with Livestock Operations
To minimize potential land use conflicts and provide clarity to agricultural producers,
through siting considerations for livestock operations.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
32
POLICIES
.6
Intent
Land designated for agricultural use should be used predominantly for agricultural
operations and should be protected from encroachment by new non-agricultural
development, which might unduly interfere with the continued operation or future
expansion of agricultural operations.
.7
Uses with a Negative Impact
Agricultural uses which may have an impact on surrounding uses because of odour,
traffic, visual appearance should be designated as Conditional Uses in the zoning by-
Law.
.8
Prevention of Fragmentation
Land designated for agricultural use must generally be maintained in a minimum
parcel size of at least 80 acres (32 hectares) to prevent further fragmentation.
.9
Subdivision of Agricultural Land
Land designated as Agricultural General Area (AGA) or Agricultural Restricted (AGR)
may only be subdivided into a parcel smaller than 80 acres in the following
circumstances:
a) If it is to be used for a specialized agricultural operation in which
high value, lower volume, intensively managed agricultural products
are produced, such as an apiary, a nursery or a greenhouse, which
requires a smaller land holding;
b) If it is on an existing farmstead site, where
i.
the site is no longer required as part of an agricultural
operation because the associated farmland has been
acquired by another agricultural operation, or
ii.
subdivision of the farmstead site is necessary to allow the
agricultural producer to continue to reside in the existing
farm residence upon retirement;
c) If a single lot subdivision for residential purposes is required for an
individual who significantly participates in the agricultural
operation on an ongoing basis and derives an income from it;
d) If a single lot subdivision is proposed for rural residential purposes,
recognizing that the population of the rural area of the municipality
(formerly the RM of Morton) has continued to decline over the
previous fifteen years;
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 33
e) If a single lot subdivision is proposed for a commercial or industrial
use that is intended to
i.
provide services, machinery, equipment or goods specifically
required by agricultural operations, or
ii.
store or process products grown or raised by an agricultural
operation, but only if it is demonstrated that due to the
nature or activity of the use it is essential that it be located in
an agricultural area and needs to be located on a separate
parcel;
f)
If a single lot subdivision is proposed for a parcel of land that has
been physically isolated by such things as a transportation route or a
water course, but only if the parcel is of a size, shape or nature that
makes farming physically impractical.
.10
Subdivision Limit
A maximum of two residential one-lot subdivisions per 160-acre (65 hectare) title
may be allowed for the circumstances described in subsections 3.2.9 (a) to (d).
Existing approved and registered subdivisions shall be counted in determining the
remaining subdivision potential of each quarter section.
.11
Non-agricultural parcels
Non-agricultural parcels created in accordance with subsections 3.2.9 (b) to (e)
a) must not be wasteful of agricultural land;
b) should, if possible, be directed away from prime agricultural land
and existing livestock operations; and
c) if applicable, must be confined to the existing shelterbelt that forms
part of a farmstead site.
.12
Livestock Operation Mutual Separation Distances
The development or expansion of livestock operations may be considered in areas
of the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton designated as Agricultural General Areas
(AGA).
The Zoning By-Law for the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will establish mutual
separation distances between existing livestock operations and any new or
proposed settlement areas; parks or recreational areas; or residential dwellings not
associated with the livestock operation. These mutual separation distances must
be consistent with the standards prescribed in the Provincial Planning Regulation.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
34
.13
Small-Scale Industrial and Commercial Uses in Agricultural Areas
As a measure to support those engaged in agricultural activities with other economic
means to improve the viability of the farm operation, small scale industrial uses and
commercial uses may be approved as part of a farm operation in the Agricultural
General Area (AGA) or Agricultural Restricted (AGR) policy area, in accordance with
the overall goals and policies for these areas. They shall be secondary to a primary
agricultural or farmstead use and be modest in scale and investment. They should
not generate significant levels of traffic or otherwise have adverse effects on
neighbouring land uses. Such accessory commercial and industrial activities will be
treated as home-based businesses or industries in the municipality's zoning by-law.
.14
Oil Batteries
Oil batteries shall be identified as Conditional Uses in the general agricultural zone of
the zoning by-law. Oil batteries should be located and developed in a manner that
minimizes any incompatibility with neighbouring land uses and the ability to carry
out normal agricultural activities.
AGRICULTURAL RESTRICTED (AGR) POLICIES
In addition to the policies above, the following policies only apply in areas identified
as Agricultural Restricted (AGR) on the Policy Area maps and defined as follows:
a) A 3.2-kilometre (2 mile) area surrounding the existing Boissevain
urban area to prevent conflicts with livestock operations;
b) A 1.6-kilometre (1 mile) area north of Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
to protect the quality of recreational uses in the park;
c) A 1.6-kilometre (1 mile) area around public wells and other drinking
water sources identified as Drinking Water Focus Areas in the Pembina
River and Souris River Integrated Watershed Management Plans, to
protect these sources.
.15
Development and Expansion of Livestock Operations in the AGR Area
The development of new livestock operations will not be allowed in areas
identified as Agricultural Restricted (AGR) on the Policy Area maps. However, existing
livestock operations will be allowed to continue to operate or expand their
operations, provided they have the required approvals from the applicable
government authorities having jurisdiction.
.16
Protection of Drinking Water Sources
Intensive and high-pollution risk development (including land uses and structures
that have a high risk of causing pollution, including chemical fertilizer storage,
disposal fields, fuel tanks, waste disposal grounds, and wastewater treatment
facilities) shall be prohibited in areas identified as Agricultural Restricted (AGR) on the
Policy Area maps to protect public drinking water sources, except where the
proponent can prove (e.g. by adequate engineering or hydro-geological investigation)
that the proposed activity will not cause pollution of the public drinking water supply.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 35
3.3
RRC - Rural Residential and Cottage Area
GOALS
.1
Increase Range of Options
To increase the range of rural residential and cottage options in the municipality.
.2
Repopulate Rural Areas
To bring new people to rural parts of the municipality where the population has been
declining.
.3
Require Appropriate Locations
To ensure that rural residential and cottage development has access to required
municipal services and is located in appropriate areas that do not limit agriculture,
outdoor recreation or resource-based activities.
.4
Provide for Future Development Opportunities
To provide for future cottage expansion and tourism development opportunities in
shoreline areas where such development is suitable.
.5
Encourage Sustainable Living
To encourage sustainable living through renewable energy and local food provision.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
36
POLICIES
.6
Intent
The Rural Residential & Cottage Area should be used predominantly for rural
residential development and cottage development. Other uses that are compatible
with and serve residential or cottage uses, such as parks, recreation areas, and
convenience stores, may also be considered in this designation, subject to the rules
in the zoning by-law.
.7
Lot Sizes
Lot sizes in Rural Residential & Cottage Areas should be large enough to provide a
rural character without wasting land. The size will be regulated in the zoning by-law.
.8
New or Expanding Development
When considering establishing a new development or expanding an existing
development in the Rural Residential & Cottage Area, the cumulative impacts of the
development should be assessed to demonstrate that the additional development
will not:
a) unduly impact existing rural residential and cottage development;
b) create the requirement for urban-like services to serve the
development;
c) lead to the evolution of a new settlement centre; or
d) detract from the natural and rural character that attracted
development to the area.
New or expanding development should be directed away from prime agricultural
land, viable lower-class land and existing agricultural operations whenever possible.
As a priority, such uses should be directed to areas where agriculture is less
dominant (due, for example, to a combination of a diversity of landscape features,
the predominance of lower-class land, a high degree of land fragmentation or the
existence of a mixture of land uses).
.9
Development Pattern
Where rural residential and cottage development is considered appropriate, it
should be encouraged to develop in a pattern that efficiently uses land,
infrastructure and public services.
.10
Tree Cover and Existing Vegetation
Tree cover and other significant existing vegetation should be kept in its natural state
as much as possible when developing lots in the Rural Residential & Cottage Area.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 37
.11
Water
New rural residential and cottage development will be encouraged to locate where
there is an adequate supply of potable water.
.12
Wastewater
Where new rural residential or cottage development proposes on-site waste
treatment, the lot size and location must comply with Provincial regulations and
reflect the capability of local soils to adequately support an approved on-site waste
treatment.
Note that acceptance of any further wastewater at the Adam Lake wastewater
treatment facility from existing or new development areas outside of Turtle
Mountain Provincial Park would require a review of the current capacity at the
wastewater treatment facility and approval from Manitoba Parks.
.13
Charlton Lake Road Access
Any road access to the designated Rural Residential & Cottage Area at Charlton Lake
from William Lake Provincial Park will require a formal agreement with the Province
regarding road development, improvement of existing roads, maintenance, and
other factors.
.14
Keeping of Animals
The Zoning By-law may establish one or more rural residential zones to provide for
different densities and the possibility of animal keeping (in numbers totaling less
than 10 animal units of non-commercial livestock) for personal use, in numbers
consistent with Provincial regulations.
.15
Home-Based Businesses or Occupations
Home-based businesses or occupations may be supported in a Rural Residential and
Cottage Area, subject to the rules in the zoning by-law. They shall be secondary to a
primary residential use and modest in scale and investment. They should not
generate significant levels of traffic or otherwise have adverse effects on
neighbouring land uses. For certain types of businesses, a home-based setting may
be appropriate when first starting up; however, as the business grows and level of
commercial activity increases, it may be more appropriate to relocate to a
commercial property.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
38
3.4
RCI - Regional Commercial and Industrial Area
GOALS
.1
Facilitate and Encourage Development
To facilitate and encourage development, maintenance, and operation of strong,
attractive and convenient commercial and industrial areas that serve the region as a
whole.
.2
Support Regional Agricultural Sector
To support the municipality's agricultural sector by providing opportunities for
growth in agro-commercial and industrial businesses.
.3
Mitigate Adverse Effects
To mitigate adverse effects that commercial and industrial development may have
on residents or nearby land uses.
.4
Safe and Efficient Access to Roadways
To ensure safe and efficient access from commercial and industrial sites to major
roadways and provincial highways.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 39
POLICIES
.5
Intent
The Regional Commercial and Industrial Area is intended for commercial and
industrial uses which benefit from proximity to a highway and/or serve the
agricultural sector (including agro-manufacturing, farm implement sales, processing,
warehousing and storage facilities).
.6
Non-Agriculturally Related Development
New non-agriculturally related commercial or industrial development should only be
considered in rural areas where no suitable sites exist in the urban area of
Boissevain or where they:
a) Are deemed hazardous or incompatible in an urban setting; or
b) Require larger site areas which are not available or appropriate in the urban
area.
.7
Efficient Land Use
Commercial and industrial developments should provide enough land for potential
expansion, while not wasting land.
.8
Access to Roadways
Development in a Regional Commercial and Industrial Area should be located and
designed to facilitate movement of truck traffic to major roads and highways and
minimize excessive truck and vehicle traffic through adjacent built-up areas. Direct
access to the provincial highway system is not allowed; instead, access should be via
an internal road system or municipal road system to the provincial system.
.9
Mitigation of Adverse Effects
Proposals for new developments in the Regional Commercial and Industrial Area
must demonstrate how the proposed development will mitigate effects of noise,
vibrations, dust, odours, or particulate matter that may be detrimental to other
businesses or the amenity of neighbouring areas (e.g. buffering with tree and shrub
planting, fencing, earth mounds, or other measures).
.10
Outside Storage
The zoning by-law should establish regulations for screening or locating outside
storage to minimize negative effects on the view from neighbouring properties.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
40
3.5
UNA - Urban Neighbourhood Area
GOALS
.1
Develop a Complete Community
To provide all of the services needed to live, work, and play within a walking distance
of one another.
.2
Provide Variety of Housing Options
To retain existing residents and attract new residents by offering a variety of urban
residential housing options.
.3
Logical Expansion
To plan the expansion of residential development in a logical and orderly manner.
.4
Increase Affordable Housing Stock
To increase the supply of affordable housing in the municipality.
.5
Allow for Aging in Place
To continue to promote Boissevain-Morton as a place with attractive seniors housing
options and to provide the ability for residents to "age in place."
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 41
.6
Add Density and Retain Character
To provide opportunities to add density to residential neighbourhood areas, while
retaining the character of established streets.
.7
Provide Recreation Opportunities
To promote and provide active and passive recreation opportunities that serve the
municipality and the surrounding area.
.8
Support Local Clubs
To support local service, sport and activity clubs and encourage the participation of
the public in the provision and development of park and recreation areas.
.9
Encourage Tree Planting
To recognize the importance of trees for urban cooling, reduced air pollution,
improved mental well-being, and for their contribution to community character, with
the goal of increasing the number of trees in our neighbourhoods over the next 20
years.
POLICIES
.10
Intent
An Urban Neighbourhood Area shall accommodate a wide range of uses that
contribute to a rich urban environment that is primarily residential in character. Uses
may include (but are not limited to) housing, parks and recreation, small retail,
schools and places of worship.
.11
Range of Housing Options
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton will encourage a range of housing options--in
terms of form, density, tenure and affordability--within Urban Neighbourhood
Areas, which will be regulated in the zoning by-law.
.12
Infill
The Municipality will encourage infill development in existing residential areas to
provide the most efficient and sustainable use of infrastructure and utilities.
.13
Secondary Suites
In order to encourage additional housing availability in the municipality, the zoning
by-law will contain provisions to allow for secondary suites (which may include coach
houses, basement suites, and garden suites) in urban zones, where appropriate.
.14
Sustainability
Landscaping and storm water management in Urban Neighbourhood Areas should
be designed to promote environmental sustainability and anticipate an increased
frequency and intensity of future extreme weather events due to climate change.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
42
.15
New Neighbourhoods or Residential Developments
Before land is subdivided for residential purposes or new major residential
development is established, the proponent should provide a site plan illustrating
the types, distribution, relationships and organization of land uses to be established
within the planned development and how they will be phased and integrated with
the development of the surrounding area, including extensions of transportation,
water, wastewater and drainage infrastructure. Where reasonable, new residential
areas should provide:
a) Good connections to the surrounding streets and open spaces;
b) A mix of uses and a range of building types;
c) Uses and building scales that are compatible with adjacent
development;
d) A community focal point within easy walking distance of the
neighbourhood's residents and workers;
e) A system of interconnected streets and pedestrian routes;
f)
A strategy to provide parkland and to protect, enhance or restore
natural heritage;
g) Community services or parks that benefit the town as a whole, or a
strategy to support existing community services; and
h) Tree-lined streets, preserving existing trees where possible and
planting new trees as regulated in the zoning by-law.
.16
Home-Based Businesses or Occupations
Home-based businesses or occupations may be supported in Urban Neighbourhood
Areas, subject to the rules in the zoning by-law. They shall be secondary to a primary
residential use and modest in scale and investment. They should not generate
significant levels of traffic or otherwise have adverse effects on neighbouring land
uses. For certain types of businesses, a home-based setting may be appropriate
when first starting up; however, as the business grows and level of commercial
activity increases, it may be more appropriate to relocate to a commercial property.
.17
Removal of Mature Trees
The removal of mature trees in the Urban Neighbourhood Area is discouraged
unless required for disease prevention, public safety or necessary public works.
Should removal of mature trees be necessary to accommodate new development,
replacement trees shall be planted in a suitable location.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 43
3.6
UCA - Urban Central Area
GOALS
.1
Provide a Convenient and Thriving Business District
To provide a convenient and thriving retail and small business district and maintain a
compact central urban area in order to promote the efficient use of services.
.2
Shift to Pedestrian-Oriented Environment
To transition auto-oriented developments along the highway corridor to more
pedestrian-oriented environments over the time.
.3
Community Beautification
To support community beautification and streetscaping efforts for both community
residents and visitors.
.4
Provide Places for Art and Culture
To provide places for arts, recreation and culture for all to enjoy.
.5
Expanded Restaurant, Retail, Health Care, and High-Density Housing Options
To expand the range of restaurant, health care, retail services and high-density
housing options in the urban central area.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
44
POLICIES
.6
Intent
The Urban Central Area should be maintained as the most intensive commercial,
residential, social and cultural area in the municipality containing such uses as:
a) Cultural, recreational and institutional uses, such as government
offices, libraries, museums, and other public buildings;
b) Retail, restaurants and office buildings;
c) Mixed-use commercial/residential development;
d) Medium to high-density residential development;
e) Health care facilities;
f)
Light industrial uses; and
g) Recreation areas and parks.
.7
Other Uses
Uses not described in the above policy, including low-density residential uses and
heavy industrial uses, should be directed to other areas of the municipality.
.8
Enabling Attractive Public Realm
Development in the Urban Central Area should enable an attractive public realm and
comfortable pedestrian environment by:
a) Providing minimal building setbacks from the public right-of-way to
the street edge, where possible;
b) Having building entrances provide direct access to the public
sidewalk;
c) Encouraging high-quality landscaping and street trees;
d) Creating a connected network of streets that are accessible;
e) Requiring the provision of accessible parking spaces, signage and
standards in the zoning by-law; and
f)
Minimizing impacts of vehicular access and parking on the pedestrian
environment by encouraging parking lots to be located to the rear or
side of buildings.
.9
Transition to Urban Neighbourhood Area
New development adjacent to an Urban Neighbourhood Area must transition in
appropriate scale and density. Mitigate negative shadow impacts and ensure
adequate sunlight on neighbouring residential properties by using the corridor right-
of-way as a guide to determine maximum building height, where appropriate.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 45
4
IMPLEMENTATION
PART FOUR presents an overview of the planning tools used to implement this
Development Plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
46
The policies outlined in this Development Plan will be implemented through the
following measures and methods:
4.1
Adoption of this Development Plan
Adoption of this Development Plan by by-law of the Municipality of Boissevain-
Morton will give the plan the force of law. Once this Development Plan is adopted, all
development carried out within the municipality must be consistent with the goals
and policies set out in the Development Plan.
4.2
Review & Amendment
The Development Plan should be reviewed periodically and revised if necessary to
anticipate and respond to changing conditions within the Municipality of Boissevain-
Morton. The Development Plan may be amended at any time when considered
appropriate or necessary by the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton.
The Municipality intends to review this Development Plan no later than ten years
after the date on which this plan comes into effect.
4.3
Subdivision Approvals
Proposals involving the subdivision of land will be subject to a review and approval
process involving the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton, utility companies and
certain provincial government departments.
Subdivisions must be consistent with policies and vision written in this Development
Plan as well as complying with the regulations in the zoning by-law, and other
applicable by-laws and government regulations.
4.4
Zoning By-Law
The goals and policies in this Development Plan will be largely implemented through
the municipal zoning by-law. The zoning by-law will set out specific regulations for
land use and development that conform to the Development Plan. The goals and
policies in this Development Plan are intended to provide guidance to the municipal
Council when preparing or amending the zoning by-law and in making decisions on
development applications.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 47
4.5
Secondary Plans
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton Council may also adopt a secondary plan to
provide more guidance for development in a specific area or for particular
development related issues. A secondary plan may deal with goals and issues in any
part of the municipality on matters regarding: any part of this Development Plan;
subdivision, design, road patterns, building standards, heritage resources, sensitive
lands, other social factors such as economic development, or other land use and
development matters.
4.6
Adoption of Other By-Laws
The Municipality of Boissevain-Morton has the authority to adopt and administer
other by-laws respecting the use, development and maintenance of land (such as a
building by-law, property maintenance by-laws, access approval by-laws, drainage
by-laws and other types of by-laws affecting the use of land).
4.7
Special Studies and Concept Plans
Proponents may be required to undertake and submit special studies as part of the
approval process for certain types of development proposals. Engineering or other
professional studies (including the preparations of traffic impact studies by a
qualified professional) may be required for development proposed for lands affected
by natural hazards, flooding, heritage resources, endangered species, potential for
groundwater or surface water pollution, or a general risk to health, the environment,
and property.
Detailed concept or secondary plans may also be required to direct the location,
nature, and timing of development in a manner that is consistent with the intent of
this Development Plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
48
5
DEFINITIONS
PART FIVE presents definitions for all of the bolded phrases in this Development Plan.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 49
"agricultural operation" means an agricultural, horticultural or silvicultural operation that is
conducted in order to produce agricultural products on a commercial basis, and includes:
a) the production of crops, including grains, oil seeds, hay and forages,
and horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, sod,
trees, shrubs and greenhouse crops;
b) the use of land for livestock operations and grazing;
c) the production of eggs, milk and honey;
d) the raising of game animals, fur-bearing animals, game birds, bees
and fish;
e) the processing necessary to prepare an agricultural product for
distribution from the farm gate;
f)
the operation of agricultural machinery and equipment, including the
tillage of land and the application of fertilizers, manure, soil
amendments and pesticides, whether by ground or aerial application;
g) the storage, use or disposal of organic wastes for agricultural
purposes.
"design flood" means a flood magnitude on a water body that, on average, is expected to
occur once during a two hundred year period. In areas where the two hundred year flood
has not been modelled, the design flood will mean a flood magnitude on a water body that,
on average, is expected to occur once during a one hundred year period.
"development" means
a) the construction of a building on, over or under land;
b) a change in the use or intensity of use of a building or land;
c) the removal of soil or vegetation from land; and
d) the deposit or stockpiling of soil or material on land and the
excavation of land.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
50
"land subject to erosion" means land with eroded soils or that is likely to be eroded or
become unstable within a 50-year period due to the action of water, wind, or other force of
nature.
"land subject to flooding" means land that
a) is inundated by floods up to and including the design flood;
b) has a known history of flooding; or
c) experiences flooding during a flood event of a magnitude specified by
the Province in areas protected by flood control works.
"livestock operation" means a permanent or semi-permanent facility or non-grazing area
where at least 10 animal units of livestock are kept or raised either indoors or outdoors, and
includes all associated manure collection facilities, but does not include an auction mart.
"owner", in relation to property, means a person who is the owner of a freehold estate in
the property, and includes
a) a person who is an owner with another person as joint tenant or
tenant in common of a freehold estate;
b) a person who is the registered owner of a unit under The
Condominium Act; and
c) a real owner, as defined in subsection 1(1) of The Municipal
Assessment Act.
"parcel of land" means the aggregate of all land described in any manner in a certificate of
title.
"prime agricultural land" means the following land:
a) land composed of mineral soil determined to be of dryland
Agricultural Capability Class 1, 2 or 3;
b) a land unit of one quarter section or more, or a river lot, in which 60%
or more of the land is dryland Agricultural Capability Class 1, 2 or 3;
c) land composed of organic soil determined to be of dryland
Agricultural Capability Class O1, O2, or O3;
d) land determined to be of Irrigation Suitability Class 1A, 1B, 2A or 2B.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton | Development Plan 51
"riparian" means land on the banks of or near a water body that, due to the influence of
water, is capable of naturally supporting an ecosystem that is distinct from the ecosystem of
the adjacent upland areas.
"rural residential" means a non-farm, single family residential development with a larger lot
size and that is located outside a settlement centre.
"settlement centre" means an incorporated city, town or village, and includes a settled area
that has
a) 25 or more permanent residences;
b) a mix of commercial and community services; and
c) a historic basis or place name.
"subdivision " means the division of land by an instrument, including
a) a plan of subdivision, conveyance, deed, mortgage or grant; or
b) an agreement granting or extending a use of or right in land, directly or
indirectly or by an entitlement to renewal, for a period of 21 years or more;
but not including a lease respecting only floor space in a building.
Municipality of Boissevain-Morton| Development Plan
52
6
DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAPS
PART SIX presents land use maps showing the location of the designated policy areas
described in Part Three of this Development Plan and maps showing development
restrictions. The maps include:
1. Development Restrictions -- Reference Map 1
2. Development Restrictions -- Reference Map 2
3. Policy Area Map - Rural - Map One
4. Policy Area Map - Urban - Map Two
5. Policy Area Map - Rural - Map Three
6. Policy Area Map - Rural - Map Four
7. Policy Area Map - Rural - Map Five
8. Policy Area Map - Rural - Map Six