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CITY OF PRINCE ALBERT
BYLAW NO. 21 OF 2015
Disclaimer:
This consolidation is not an Official Copy of the Bylaw. Amendments
have been incorporated solely for research convenience purposes
only. Original Bylaw and amendments are available from the City
Clerk's Office and must be consulted for purposes of interpretation
and application of the law.
The Official Community Plan
BYLAW NO. 21 OF 2015
Including the Following Amendments:
AMENDMENTS
Bylaw No. 12 of 2016
Bylaw No. 27 of 2016
Bylaw No. 2 of 2020
Bylaw No. 6 of 2021
DATE PASSED
April 25, 2016
(Approved by Minister July 14, 2016)
July 18, 2016
(Approved by Minister August 25, 2016)
April 6, 2020
(Approved by Minister July 6, 2020)
April 12, 2021
(Approved by Minister June 11, 2021)
OFFICE CONSOLIDATION
SCHEDULE A
KISTAHPINANIHK
2035
CITY OF PRINCE ALBERT OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
1.0
SECTION ONE: OVERVIEW
1.1
Role of the Prince Albert Official Community Plan
1.2
Basis and Purpose of the Plan
1.3
Policy Context
1.4
Preparation of the Plan
1.5
Overview of the Public Participation Process
1.6
Overview of the Content of the Plan
1.6.1 Decision Making, Sustainability and Strategic Planning
1.6.2 Land Use
1.6.3 Transportation and Infrastructure
1.6.4 Parks and Recreation
1.6.5 Environment
1.6.6 Social Environment and Culture
1.6.7 Public Safety
1.6.8 Economy
1.6.9 Implementation and Indicators
2.0
SECTION TWO: CONTEXT AND OUTCOMES
2.1
Historical Context
2.2
Growth Projections and Trends
2.3
Opportunities and Challenges
3.0
SECTION THREE: HORIZONS
3.1
Overview
3.2
Vision and Strategic Plan
3.3
Development Hubs
3.4
Neighborhoods
3.5
Design Standards and Illustrations
4.0
SECTION FOUR: DECISION MAKING
4.1
Overview and Strategies
4.2
City, Region and Agencies
4.3
Partners - Roles and Responsibilities
5.0
SECTION FIVE: SUSTAINABILITY
5.1
Overview
5.2
Smart Growth
5.3
Sustainability and Stewardship
5.4
Goals and Policies
6.0
SECTION SIX: LAND USE
6.1
Background
6.2
Urban Service Area
6.3
Policies
-
General Land Use Policies
6.3..1 Integrated Land Use
6.3..2 Amenities and Affordable Housing
6.3..3 Neighbourhoods
6.3..4 Heritage and History
6.4
Residential Land Use
-
Access to Housing
-
General Residential Land Use
6.4..1 Country Residential
6.4..2 Low Density Residential
6.4..3 Medium Density Residential
6.4..4 High Density Residential
6.5
Commercial Land Use
-
General Commercial Land Use
-
Downtown Mixed Use
-
Neighbourhood Mixed Use
-
Highway Commercial
-
Arterial Commercial
-
Light Industrial
-
Medium Industrial
-
Heavy Industrial
-
Airport Industrial
6.6
Public and Institutional
-
Institutional
-
Institutional Campus
-
Public Utilities
6.7
Parks and Environmental
-
Parks, Trails and Open Space
-
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
6.8
Urban Expansion Areas and Future Growth
-
Urban Expansion Residential
-
Urban Expansion Neighbourhood Commercial Mixed Use
-
Urban Expansion Highway Commercial
-
Urban Expansion Light and Medium Industrial
-
Future Growth
6.9
Downtown Revitalization
-
Overview
-
Downtown Mixed Use
6.10
Scenic Corridors
-
Purpose
-
Designation
-
Area
-
Background
-
Policies
6.11
Riverfront Revitalization
-
Purpose
-
Designation
-
Area
-
Background
-
Policies
6.12
Urban Reserves
7.0
SECTION SEVEN: TRANSPORTATION
7.1
Overview
7.2
Highway and Truck Routes
7.3
Arterial Street Network
7.4
Public Transit
7.5
Active Transportation
7.6
Walkways
7.7
Parking
7.8
Railway Relocation
7.9
Prince Albert Municipal Airport
8.0
SECTION EIGHT: MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND SERVICES/INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1
Overview
8.2
Water
8.3
Wastewater
8.4
Storm Water Management
9.0
SECTION NINE: PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL AREAS
9.1
Overview
9.2
Parks and Recreation Facilities
9.3
Open Spaces
9.4
The Pêhonân Parkway and the River Valley
10.0
SECTION TEN: ENVIRONMENT
10.1
Natural and Environmentally Sensitive Areas
-
North Saskatchewan River
-
Wetlands
-
Provincial Forest
-
First Nations and Metis Sites
10.2
Overview of Environmentally and Archaeologically Sensitive Areas
10.3
Protection of Forests, Rivers, Watershed and Environmentally Sensitive Water Bodies
10.4
Urban Forests
10.5
Historic and Archaeological Site Protection
10.6
Plant and Animal Species - Native, Rare and Endangered
10.7
Contaminated Sites (Brownfields), Other Contaminants and Waste Management
10.8
Environmental Protection Methodologies and Practice
10.9
Flood Plain Risk Areas
11.0
SECTION 11: HEALTHY ECONOMY
11.1
Overview
11.2
Economic Development
11.3
Urban Renewal and Redevelopment
11.4
Downtown Prince Albert
11.5
Airport Industrial Hub
11.6
Business/Research Parks
11.7
Social Environment
-
Overview
-
Education
11.7.2.1
Education Hubs
11.7.3 Health
11.7.3.1
Health Hub as a Priority Area
11.7.4 Inclusive Communities
12.0
SECTION 12: PUBLIC SAFETY
12.1
Police
12.2
Fire
-
Risk Factors - Residential
-
Risk Factors - Commercial
-
Risk Factors - Road and Rail
-
Risk Factors - Water
-
Risk Factors - Industrial
-
Risk Factors - Dangerous Goods
-
Risk Factors -Air
-
Frequency of Calls and Response Times
-
The Prince Albert Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan
12.2..1
Firefighting and Prevention
12.2..2
Emergency Response
12.3
Emergency Services
13.0
SECTION 13: CULTURE
13.1
Heritage
13.2
Arts, Culture and Tourism
14.0
SECTION 14: FINANCE
14.1
Background
15.0
SECTION 15: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
15.1
Overview
15.2
People and Decision Making (Council)
15.3
Administration (City Manager, Corporate Services and the City Clerk)
15.4
Economic Development (Economic Development Division in Planning and Development
Services)
15.5
Finance
15.6
Parks, Recreation and Culture (Community Services)
15.7
Engineering and Public Works
15.8
Planning and Development Services
15.9
Public Safety
16.0
SECTION 16: SCHEDULES
16.1
Maps
-
Land Use and Service Area 1
-
Land Use and Service Area 2
-
Urban Service Area 1
-
Urban Service Area 2
-
Transportation
-
Transit
-
Trails
-
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
-
Flood Plain
-
Parks and Recreation
-
Water
-
Sanitary Sewer
-
Storm Sewer
-
Fiber
-
Heritage
-
Police - service zones
-
Fire
-
Emergency Services
-
Health
-
Economic
17.0
SECTION 17: APPENDICES
17.1
Glossary
17.2
Sustainability Checklist
17.3
Illustrative Plans
-
Riverfront
-
Downtown
-
Scenic Corridor
17.4
Storm Water Management
17.5
Complete Street Design and Cross Sections
17.6
Community Indicators
17.7
Development Permits - Architectural Controls - Direct Control Districts - Advisory
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In 2006, the City of Prince Albert embarked on community engagement to help fashion an Official
Community Plan (OCP) that was relevant and tested by stakeholders and the public. Special
thanks goes to the Development Plan Advisory Committee (2009) for providing leadership,
support and input into the Plan. Those members are listed below. In 2015, City Council initiated
a land use advisory group to form land use guidelines and data.
Land Use Advisory Group (2015):
Councillor Tweidt
Councillor Atkinson
Gord Broda
Broda Construction
Dan Yungwirth
Miller Construction/Home Builder's Association
Nykol Miller
City of Prince Albert - Public Works
Jeff Da Silva
City of Prince Albert - Public Works
Kim Johnson
City of Prince Albert - Chief Building Official
Jayne Remenda
City of Prince Albert - Economic Development Manager
Leanne Fyrk
City of Prince Albert - Property Coordinator II
Development Plan Advisory Committee (2009):
Andrew Douglas
First Nations (Prince Albert Grand Council)
Barb Gustafson
Former City of Prince Albert Councillor (2003 - 2006)
Barry Robertson
Métis (Local 269)
Dale Mcfee
City of Prince Albert (Chief of Police)
Daryl Bodnaryk
Saskatchewan Environment
Don Shindelka
Chamber of Commerce
Duane Braaten
Builders/Real Estate/Developers
Fred Matheson
City of Prince Albert Council
George Meyer
School Board Trustee
Hugh Ritchie
Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Joan Corneil
City of Prince Albert (Director Economic Development and Planning)
Keith Frame
First Nations (Prince Albert Grand Council)
Linda Nosbush
City of Prince Albert (Social Development Manager)
Scott Lipsit
Environment (Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and
Technology)
Shawn Williams
City of Prince Albert Council
Wes Moore
Moore Architecture Consulting Group Ltd.
City Council:
Mayor Greg Dionne
Councillor Charlene Miller - Ward 1
Councillor Rick Orr - Ward 2
Councillor Lee Atkinson - Ward 3
Councillor Don Cody - Ward 4
Councillor Tim Scharkowski - Ward 5
Councillor Martin Ring - Ward 6
Councillor Mark D.Tweidt - Ward 7
Councillor Ted Zurakowski - Ward 8
2
Staff:
Tammy Vermette
City of Prince Albert - Secretary, Planning & Development Services
Jayne Remenda
City of Prince Albert - Economic Development Manager
Heather Greier
City of Prince Albert - Economic Development Coordinator
Leanne Fryk
City of Prince Albert - Property Coordinator II
Kim Johnson
City of Prince Albert - Chief Building Official
Craig Guidinger
City of Prince Albert - Planning Manager
Lars Ketilson
City of Prince Albert - Planner
Kristina Grant
City of Prince Albert - Planner
Janna Morgan
City of Prince Albert - Planning Technician
John J.Guenther
City of Prince Albert - Director of Planning & Development Services
Brent Zlukosky
City of Prince Albert - Economic Development Coordinator
Daria McDonald
City of Prince Albert - Planner
Rachel Cheke
City of Prince Albert - Planner
Yves Richard
City of Prince Albert - Planning Manager
Jennifer Cardiff
City of Prince Albert - Planner
The 2009 Plan became constrained by a number of factors including the Flood Plain Statement
of Provincial Interest. In 2015, Administration chose to test the viability of the 2009 Plan by
updating important implementation objectives through a needs analysis that suggests future
annual cycles of renewal of each element (e.g. Land Use) until the Official Community Plan (OCP)
fully integrates all elements comprehensively.
The 2015 exercise began with interviews of Directors and decision makers with City Departments,
agencies, non-government organizations, and other interested parties. The Implementation
section identifies their roles, planning linkages with this Plan and the resultant needs and gaps
that direct future evolution of the Plan.
Further Strategic and Master Planning work initiated by the community and City Council will
continue to inform this Plan and bring ongoing relevance to its goals, policies, work programs and
indicators. Early updates to the following plans will raise this Plan's profile and connectivity with
all community enterprise:
1. 2015 - Liquid Waste Master Plan, Water Master Plan, and
2. 2016 - Transportation Master Plan, Land Use Master Plan update, Storm Water Master
Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and a Solid Waste Master Plan.
3
SECTION ONE:
OVERVIEW
1.1
ROLE OF THE PRINCE ALBERT OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN
The Prince Albert Official Community Plan, known as "Kistapinanihk-2035", Cree for the "Meeting
Place", is a comprehensive policy framework that contains goals, policies and objectives guiding
the growth and development of the City of Prince Albert. "Kistapinanihk-2035" reflects the vision
of the residents of Prince Albert. Although its main purpose is to guide the physical development
of the city, "Kistapinanihk-2035" is also a community-wide initiative that is inclusive of social,
economic and environmental factors; not only is it visionary, but it is also strategic and long-term
and links to the City Strategic Plan, other strategic documents and initiate major work programs
including indicators, that can migrate into financial and performance plans.
Each City Department will need to consider the implementation of this Plan within the context of
their long-term budgets. Monitoring and reporting will play an important role in the implementation
of the Plan (refer to the Implementation section for proposed next steps).
1.2
BASIS AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Official Community Plan has been established in accordance with the provisions of The
Planning and Development Act, 2007 and previously adopted by City Council as bylaw. The Plan
provides the comprehensive policy framework to guide the physical, environmental, economic,
social and cultural development of the City as defined in Section 31 of the Act.
1.3
POLICY CONTEXT
Kistapinanihk-2035 supports the objectives of the City's Strategic Plan and integrates various
other City plans such as the Prince Albert Downtown Strategic Plan (2003), West Hill Master Plan
(1999), Highway Commercial Land Use Study (2001), 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley
Park (2004), Prince Albert Economic and Demographic Profile (2006), Prince Albert South
Highway Corridor Concept Plans and Commercial/Industrial Feasibility Study (2007), and the
Draft Prince Albert Area Transportation Planning Study (2007). The Plan comprehensively
addresses land use, the health of the environment, the vitality of the economy and the health and
wellbeing of the community.
1.4
PREPARATION OF THE PLAN
The Plan was developed through a strategic planning process that involved City Council,
committees, The Development Plan Advisory Committee, City staff, interested agencies and
community partners, and the public. A series of open houses, surveys, interviews and roundtables
brought the OCP to the public and interest groups to garner feedback. City Council recognizes
that early and ongoing public participation grounds the Plan and helps embed neighborhood
identity. In 2006, an Advisory Committee, representing diverse interest groups in the City
provided input into the Plan. The Advisory Committee met over a period of three years to review
the process, develop the public consultation strategy, formulate vision statements, craft goals and
objectives and ensure that a broad cross-section of issues and perspectives from a range of
social, economic, environmental and cultural sectors were considered. The 2015 exercise
included:
4
1.
Interviews with decision makers;
2.
Sought direction from City Council regarding Plan content and public engagement;
3.
Built an Administrative team to source important elements (e.g. parks, environment, public
safety, sustainability, and mapping)
4.
Updated Flood Plain goals and policies; and
5.
Established a timetable for City Council consideration and adoption.
1.5
OVERVIEW OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS
Between 2006 and 2009, Administration with the Advisory Committee conducted several
stakeholder consultation meetings with various groups ranging from developers, housing
partners, community clubs, education partners, environment, corrections, business partners,
health region, non-profit organizations, and tourism. In all, twenty (20) stakeholder groups
provided their views and input on future directions for the City.
The public participation process allowed the City to gain an understanding of how residents feel
about their city now, and how they would like to see it evolve in the future. The public participation
provided appropriate opportunities for public education, involvement, input and discussion.
The main medium used for this process was the Workbook and accompanied Response Form.
The package provided an introduction to the city planning process, outlined many important
issues, and provided an open-ended survey form around which respondents could frame their
ideas and comments. Over 500 Workbook and Response Form packages were mailed out to
interested participants.
The 2015 exercise brought many other strategic plans into this Plan, forming implementation
strategies to deal with gaps and future updates. Two open houses and formal referral to all
agencies and interest groups sourced feedback to calibrate Plan objectives and strategies.
1.6
OVERVIEW OF THE CONTENT OF THE PLAN
The overall goal of the Plan is to achieve a sustainable community - where development takes
place in an orderly, efficient and logical manner and shapes the long term health of the community
across all aspects of urban planning. This Plan, as envisioned, guides and balances finances, the
economy, the environment and social needs. The Plan emphasizes the neighbourhood as a
building block of the city. Another policy thrust of the Plan is the concept of Development Hubs
and Nodes, whereby complimentary sectors are concentrated in specific areas to create
synergies and to take advantage of each other's proximity. The Plan policy areas are:
5
1. Context and Outcomes;
2. Horizons;
3. Decision Making;
4. Sustainability;
5. Land Use;
6. Transportation;
7. Infrastructure;
8. Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas;
9. Environment;
10. Healthy Economy and Social Environment;
11. Public Safety;
12. Culture;
13. Finance; and
14. Implementation Strategies.
1.6.1 DECISION MAKING, SUSTAINABILITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
The Plan maps current Council decision making through committees, boards, ad hoc
groups, community clubs, and Council meeting formats - executive and formal sessions.
The Plan is built around neighborhood engagement and decision making, always
searching for effective ways of bringing a broad based discussion into the public realm.
One of the Strategic Plan's core values seeks accountability and transparency. With
guidance from City Council, Administration established a staff managed policy group to
garner feedback on all policies and procedures.
The current mapping of decision making identifies various gaps. Quality decision making
will always arise from sustainable and strategic plan objectives, casting a light that
strengthens community dialogue and sense of place.
The implementation matrices catalogue the form and shape of interaction for each
element, requesting different and more effective ways of achieving a strategy.
The city is known as the regional hub of northern Saskatchewan. It is strategically located
as the Gateway to the North and is a Meeting Place between the grasslands and the
northern boreal forest. It is a regional center known for the following industries:
-
mining;
-
manufacturing and processing;
-
forestry;
-
tourism; and
-
retail/commerce for the north and surrounding areas.
These activities bring economic and social benefits to our city, but they create challenges
- providing adequate infrastructure, housing and transportation. Development and
expansion of the city must take place in coordination with plans for growth and
development in adjacent municipalities.
6
Direction from this Plan facilitates the integration with and coordination of the many other
plans of different regional stakeholders. This section identifies areas for future residential,
commercial/industrial expansion, not only to allow the City to target its efforts, but also so
that the surrounding regional stakeholders will be aware of future plans for the city by
using mutual but regional growth strategies.
Goals and objectives of this section seek to:
1. Foster a relationship of trust and cooperation with regional stakeholders - First Nations,
rural municipalities, and Federal and Provincial governments;
2. Reiterate the City's role as a major landowner with the goal of managing growth;
3. Identify plans for future residential expansion in Crescent Acres, West Hill, and north
of the North Saskatchewan River;
4. Consider expansion of city boundaries only when supported by financially sound
service extensions;
5. Consider extension of services beyond city boundaries only when accompanied by an
mutual growth plan that considers the cost of services; and
6. Identify plans for future commercial/industrial expansion for Highway 2 and 3 South,
Highway 2 North, 15th Street East and Highway 55 East.
1.6.2 LAND USE
The Plan anticipates future housing needs arising from changes in demographic structure
and includes goals and objectives that strengthen and support a variety of housing types
and styles. A housing forum paralleled Plan formulation and informed these policies.
Administration acknowledged the need to update land use and reference zoning transition
goals and policies. The City recognizes the need to steward quality development and
future policy work around land assembly and marketing which will unfold and update this
Plan.
An updated land use map now articulates the future shape of the city by beginning to focus
growth and constrain the extension of City core services. Interested developers should be
able to capture a vision between transportation, parks, land use and zoning to see how
development can unfold sustainably.
The focus on compact centers combines with residential infill policies sustaining long-term
residential growth. Of particular importance, the residential land use section focuses
neighborhoods in existing areas - downtown, West Hill, and along scenic corridors while
providing for rural residential north of the river. The Sustainability section describes key
goals that brings all Plan elements together and echoes the following:
1. Promote a compact and adaptable urban form with variety of housing choices;
2. Encourage innovative housing forms that fit into the neighbourhood, and contribute
positively to the community;
3. Develops master plan frameworks for the Downtown, riverfront, scenic corridors and
neighborhood nodes;
7
4. Balance planned development with market demands, reducing conflict and integrating
livability and community standards that privilege open and gridded streets, and quality
building form; and
5. Revitalize and redevelop as necessary the older areas of the city (particularly those
areas in need).
1.6.3 TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Diverse mobility including bikes, pedestrian, river ways, equestrian, public transit, or
shuttle, gives the community access options to services, work, and recreation without
dependence on the single occupant vehicle. Important facets of sustainability, land use
and transportation work to build noise and dust buffers, reduce community anxiety,
balance density, heighten opportunity for open space, instill natural experiences and
preserve environmental values.
Thriving democracies depend on the equality of transportation so we can interact
constructively and freely. Neighborhood safety depends on open yards and walkways,
well lit and watched spaces. As all politics is local so all good urban environments spring
from integrated space. This Plan explores complete streets (bikes, pedestrians, managed
lighting, recreation, trees and landscaping, and open building form), reducing speed,
increasing options for moving around, and demonstrates examples of private and public
space working together.
Policies in this section:
1. Continues the hierarchy of streets that are open, non-gated, and gridded but
interesting and complete;
2. Promotes alternative street layouts and cross sections to create a pedestrian friendly
community;
3. Promotes a pedestrian friendly environment and alternative modes of transportation;
4. Encourages the use of safe trails and connections in new neighbourhoods following
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and cost
effective to maintain; and
5. Establishes a foundation of sound planning for the Prince Albert Municipal Airport area.
The Plan emphasizes safe, efficient and effective management of water, wastewater,
storm water and solid waste services. The policies promote timely and cost effective
upgrading and construction of municipal services. One priority reinforces development
levies and servicing fees as fundamental to cost effective municipal development. The
City's role ensures a steady supply of pre-serviced land to manage growth and land use.
Policies in this section:
1. Invest in and ensure that infrastructure and services are provided in a logical, cost
effective and innovative manner;
2. Protects the quality of water;
3. Ensures safe and adequate wastewater and storm water management;
4. Invests in new and existing infrastructure;
8
5. Fairly distributes the costs incurred for supplying infrastructure through development
levies and servicing fees;
6. Establishes reasonable prices and conditions of sale for City owned land; and
7. Levels of service, urban growth and service areas structure land use decisions and
implicate the value of land. The land use map in concert with infrastructure now
references these opportunities and points to future bylaws and policies that support
robust and predictable development patterns.
1.6.4 PARKS AND RECREATION
This Plan recognizes the importance of protecting the city's natural and environmentally
sensitive areas (e.g. forests and river valley and wetlands), gauging the cumulative
impacts of development (hard surface, air quality, contamination, noise, excessive lighting,
and reduced habitats) which will not only maintain the health of the environment but also
contribute to quality of life for residents. The Pêhonân Parkway and the River Valley Park
are important parts of the city's natural environment.
Policies in this section promote a healthy environment by:
1. Supporting a network of accessible parks, open spaces and trails to meet the needs
of residents;
2. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment;
3. Supplying a balanced system of active (playfields and playgrounds) and passive open
spaces (e.g. parks) that contribute to leisure time activities and conserves the natural
environment within the city; and
4. Mapping trails and mobility linkages to shopping, parks, and work; beginning to specify
park types, site layouts, qualities, and balance.
1.6.5 ENVIRONMENT
Citizen collaboration in processes that encompass the air, land and water builds resiliency
within the community and encourages care and stewardship in its citizens. Goals and
policies support reducing cumulative impacts, leveraging land value through brownfield
partnerships, recognizing and protecting threatened habitat, improving natural spaces
within all settings, encouraging stewardship, and improving partnerships between all
aspects of sustainable ventures. Mapping begins to recognize sensitive areas and guide
protection methodology.
1.6.6 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE
The strategy for a healthy social environment is to ensure that social aspects of individual
and neighbourhood health and wellbeing contribute toward the health and safety of the
city. The Plan recognizes that sound functioning social milieu contributes to the good
(independent and interdependent) health, behaviour and capacity. This Plan champions
these values and realizes that the private, professional and volunteer sectors must work
together to build the personal and social capital necessary for citizen wellbeing. Moreover,
it validates the intimate relationship between the social, cultural, environmental and
9
economic dimensions. Finally, it acknowledges that large differences within the community
decrease the health, well-being and competency of all. In other words, the members of
the community are interdependent and what happens to one affects all. To facilitate
capacity within the community, the concept of hubs, particularly educational hubs and
health hubs outlined in the Social section, utilize social, cultural and economic goals.
Policies in this section acknowledge:
1. The potential for schools to contribute to the social, cultural and recreational fabric of
the community;
2. The role of education and training in providing access to employment;
3. The role of health services and facilities in promoting a vital community;
4. The need for barrier-free accessibility to facilities and services;
5. The role of police, fire and emergency medical services in promoting the health and
safety of all residents;
6. The role of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles in
planning for a safe, healthy and livable city; and
7. The importance of municipal government's role in developing and promoting policies
that stimulate social cohesion and collective capacity in the community.
1.6.7 PUBLIC SAFETY
Public safety needs to not only recognize the crucial role of first responders in our society,
but the integral role played in protecting all environments. Prevention and proactive
engagement always leverage personal responsibility and accentuate hope and
achievement. Police, fire and emergency services work at the street and corporate level
to expand citizen capacity and protect the vulnerable.
Performance objectives such as fire response times and crime reduction targets set
benchmarks for safe standards tuned to each neighborhood, and then support sound
financial planning for the city. Policies recognize the importance of a safely built
environment to reduce the incidence of fire, crime and accidents. And as incidences
occur, the community builds capacity to respond and then support, nurture and care for
its citizens.
1.6.8 ECONOMY
A healthy economy not only provides residents with access to employment and income
but creates an environment in which business and industry thrive. To achieve a balanced
economy, it is important to assume a proactive, multi-dimensional approach. This Plan
acknowledges that the physical and social environments within a community are related
to its health. Forestry, the resource industry, government and the service industry are
some traditional economic drivers in the area. However, arts, culture, tourism, information
technology and manufacturing can add a degree of diversification to the economic base.
Policies in the Plan emphasize one of Prince Albert's advantages, the Downtown, as an
amenity that can enhance and support an overall economic strategy. Urban renewal and
10
redevelopment projects contribute to the employment base as well as help create a more
vibrant atmosphere. This Plan also addresses the concept of an Airport Industrial Hub as
well as the idea of business/research parks as a way of clustering activity.
A 2015 economic forum or summit will further strengthen and edit the policies in this
section:
1. Support the development and implementation of a long-term economic strategies such
as the Prince Albert and Area Regional Development Strategic Plan, 2005;
2. Support the existing business community while promoting new businesses;
3. Maintain the city's position as the Northern Saskatchewan Regional Trading Centre
by strengthening its role as the regional, commercial, cultural, educational, and
regional health center; and
4. Promote co-operative relationships and partnerships with surrounding rural
municipalities and First Nations to promote economic development.
1.6.9 IMPLEMENTATION AND INDICATORS
The Official Community Plan guides decision making through an integrated approach
articulating work programs and indicators from the goals and policies. The OCP
acknowledges that many of the goals in this Plan impact the budget. The bridge between
a long range plan and annual budgeting comes through City Council and community
deliberations, project lists, work programs and regular reference to this Plan.
The implementation strategies will continue to apply the Plan and point toward important
updates. Focus groups using indicators with regular reporting can articulate the health of
the community and gauge the effectiveness of the Plan. Other planning tools such as the
Zoning Bylaw, concept plans, and subdivision plans, capital and operating budgets,
taxation, incentives, and committees will always continue to embolden the Plan.
In this section, policies:
1. Address the various planning implementation tools available;
2. Emphasize the importance of sustainable sources of funding for the plan;
3. Promote public participation and group decision making as important to the planning
process; and
4. Acknowledge the importance of gathering community indicators through annual
monitoring and reporting.
11
SECTION TWO:
CONTEXT AND OUTCOMES
2.1
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
This Official Community Plan is being undertaken at a time of optimism regarding the future. Good
planning is essential to ensure that growth and development takes place in a rational manner with
a view to securing the health and wellbeing of the community of Prince Albert.
Prince Albert began as a missionary settlement, which later became a trade centre for the Hudson
Bay Company. In 1904, Prince Albert was incorporated as a city. Prince Albert has many desirable
features - its river and natural areas, its location as a gateway to the north, as well as its resource
and agricultural industries. Prince Albert combines the benefits of both small town and urban
living. The city is also close to many lakes and recreational opportunities, contributing to its high
quality of life. All these features have influenced its growth and development.
The history of the city shows a period of time in which the provision of municipal and community
services did not keep pace with the population growth. This shortfall is due to the failure of the
LaColle Falls hydroelectric project. The legacy of debt from this failure impeded the provision of
civic improvements for many years. However, the last several decades have seen many
improvements in community and municipal facilities, in street paving, in housing, in recreational
facilities and in other areas. Such progress serves as a reminder that much still remains to be
done.
Prior to the 1980s, the development of the city had been influenced by policies, many of them
informal, which had been derived from a variety of sources. The 1967 Prince Albert Development
Plan (although never officially adopted), established the land use patterns for the city. Subsequent
studies were also undertaken such as the Prince Albert Transportation Study (1977) and the
Development Guidelines for Downtown Prince Albert (1981).
In 1982, City Council adopted the 1982 Municipal Development Plan by Bylaw No. 50 of 1982,
which came into force on November 23, 1982 and enacted a Background Statement, a Policy
Plan, a Zoning Bylaw and a Capital Works Program. The Plan also contained a Conceptual Land
Use Plan to direct growth until the Target Year of 50,000 people.
City Council later updated and adopted the 1987 Policy Plan by Bylaw No. 2 of 1987. The 1987
Policy Plan outlines policies on general development, concept plans (i.e. local area plans),
residential, commercial, industrial, parks and recreation land use as well as policies regarding the
servicing and sale of City lands, utilities, transportation, urban renewal and redevelopment, airport
and contract zoning.
With a population of approximately 36,000, the City of Prince Albert is the third largest municipal
center in the Province of Saskatchewan. Prince Albert experiences a seasonal influx in
population from northern and surrounding communities, particularly in the warmer months of
the year. Prince Albert is also a regional provider of health and education, providing services
to approximately 150,000 people in surrounding towns and First Nation communities.
Prince Albert is rich in aboriginal culture with approximately 35% of its citizens being of
aboriginal decent. Also impacting its cultural richness over recent years, there has been an influx
of citizens through immigration and interprovincial migration.
12
As illustrated in Schedule 16.1.16, the Prince Albert Police Service divides the city into 5 primary
zones. These zones assist in computer aided dispatching, hotspot mapping and statistical
analysis.
2.2
GROWTH PROJECTIONS AND TRENDS
According to the 2006 census data produced by Statistics Canada, the population of Prince Albert
in 2006 was just under 34,200 which makes the city the third largest in Saskatchewan. Although
Saskatchewan Health Covered Health population data suggested otherwise, with its population
count at 40,140 for the same year. According to The Prince Albert Economic and Demographic
Profile (2006) prepared by Sask Trends Monitor, in the 1980s the population of the city grew
strongly - census records suggest annual growth rates of 1% per year. In the mid 1990s,
population growth in the city slowed to near zero as population in the surrounding area grew.
According to the Covered Health population from 1990 to 2005, the average annual increase in
population for Prince Albert was 0.7% per year. However, most of the increase occurred in the
mid 1990s.
There is indication that the rate of population growth in Prince Albert will change in response to
many other factors. A study conducted by Crosby Hanna & Associates on the Prince Albert South
Highway Corridor Concept Plans and Commercial/Industrial Feasibility Study noted key
development opportunities that could trigger growth for the city including: future growth of the
northern economy of Saskatchewan (e.g. uranium), potential regional developments including
diamond and ethanol, a young and skilled labour supply to meet the demand of local and outside
markets as well as the continuing strong role of Prince Albert as a centre of health/education and
retail/service activities for a large trading area. Prince Albert serves a trading area of
approximately 150,000 people in addition to its local population.
2.3
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
With its growing aboriginal population, Prince Albert is in a position to capitalize upon any demand
for employment that may arise as a result of industries and companies locating into the city. The
Prince Albert Economic and Demographic Profile (2006) shows that in 2001, 13.5% of the
Saskatchewan population reported an aboriginal identity - 8.7% a First Nations identity only, 4.5%
a Métis identity only, and the remaining 0.3% either another aboriginal identity, or a combination.
The study also reported that this proportion is much higher in Prince Albert, where 30% of the
total, up from 27% in 1996, is aboriginal.
The profile compared the age distribution of Prince Albert residents from 1991 to 2001. The trend
shows that in 2001, the Prince Albert Census Agglomeration (CA) had the highest proportion of
residents under 15 years of age among Saskatchewan's largest eight cities.
Several demographic factors and characteristics of the city all point to opportunities. Some of
these factors and characteristics include the city's:
-
Size as the third largest city in the province;
-
Proximity to mineral and forestry resources;
-
Large aboriginal population, and
-
High proportion of children and youth.
13
Nevertheless, there still remain challenges to the City. For example, the City should start to
diversify its economic base to grow economically.
In meeting opportunities and challenges attributed to growth, the City strives to make the most of
development that is already built. As part of its mandate, the City works with citizens, community
and business groups to sustain our neighbourhoods and business areas. The City supports repair,
upgrade and renewal of infrastructure and services.
The City makes the most efficient use of infrastructure by promoting infill development in existing
neighbourhoods and business areas and accommodates intensification of land uses along
transportation corridors and existing services. The City promotes investment in commercial and
residential development in the Downtown and promotes it as a hub for social, economic and
cultural activities. The City anticipates changes in business operations that may be required to
meet changing business conditions.
To facilitate long-term planning, the City designates residential, commercial and industrial land to
prepare for projected development in each sector for the next 20 years (see Schedules 16.1.1
and 16.1.2). Development will proceed in accordance with our ability to provide municipal services
and infrastructure based on the values of citizens expressed in the long-term vision for the city.
14
SECTION THREE:
HORIZONS
3.1
OVERVIEW
To be representative of the community, a Plan needs to reflect the broad based values of all
stakeholders. A vision is an important part of growth management and it should be built upon the
diverse values of the community. Growth management concerns the rate, form, location and type
of growth in a community. It can also be used in response to or in anticipation of growth. The
vision for this Plan recognizes that economic development needs to be linked with socio-cultural
and environmental development. The challenge of growth management is in mitigating any
potential negative impacts of growth.
3.2
VISION AND STRATEGIC PLAN
The City adopted a Strategic Plan in 2014 with:
Core value statements;
A vision and mission statement;
Operational themes; and
Strategic goals.
The City Strategic Plan guides the values in the Official Community Plan in terms of pace and
priority. The OCP fashions the character of the built, social and economic environment -
demonstrating open and integrated development, administrative and elected relationships, City
and community engagement and decision making, social structures and support, and
preservation and enhancement of the environment. Smart growth policy statements align with the
Strategic Plan elements.
3.3
DEVELOPMENT HUBS
A hub is a centre of activity through which traffic, services and/or communication is routed. It is a
central area that connects multiple sectors in a single network. Improvements in one sector will
reinforce improvements in others. The overall goal of development hubs is to promote and
encourage interaction and specialization of activities within each hub by way of zoning, land uses
and policies.
Five different types of development hubs have been identified for development efforts in Prince
Albert over the next several decades. The hubs are mainly based on geographic locations and
proximity to existing infrastructures and services. They include:
-
the Health Hub (hospital);
-
the Airport Industrial Hub;
-
the New Residential Hub (Crescent Acres, West Hill and north of the river);
-
the Residential Redevelopment Hub (West Flat); and
-
the Educational Hub (Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Downtown areas).
15
The Health Hub has been identified as the area around the Victoria Hospital. The city has the
opportunity to become a center of excellence for the health region. The area around the hospital
would be an ideal location to locate health services. A partnership between the health region and
First Nations would be beneficial.
The Airport Industrial Hub has been identified as the area around the Prince Albert Municipal
Airport. The industrial land base south of the river is limited without additional expansion. There
are potentially many industrial opportunities for the area surrounding the Prince Albert Municipal
Airport and it could be redeveloped. Boundaries for intensification of development must be
established in concert with the rural municipality. Buffer areas to mitigate noise and odors must
be considered.
The Crescent Acres to the southeast of the city has been identified as a New Residential Hub for
single and multiple dwelling units. The Crescent Acres Neighbourhood Plan addresses land use
and density for the remaining undeveloped land within the Crescent Acres area. Another New
Residential Hub is that of the West Hill area. The West Hill Master Plan, 1999 sets out the
framework for the area and proposes several neighbourhoods for residential development, which
provide for a range of housing types. Locating residential land use surrounding the Health Hub
embraces a wellness approach to development. Yet another long-term New Residential Hub has
been identified for north of the river, which could be opened up for residential development. An
increase in population north of the river would eventually offset the servicing costs. However, this
development needs to be sensitive to the surrounding forested and park area. As well, it should
be emphasized that proposed development to the north of the river is on the long-term horizon
only.
The Residential Redevelopment Hub will focus on West Flat. Directing development to this area
should lower overall infrastructure costs in the city. It will also help drive social and economic
development in the community.
Lastly, the Educational Hubs will focus on Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Downtown areas. A
core concept of this Plan is to proactively develop the identified hubs as centers of economic,
socio-cultural and physical excellence.
Another type of hub is on a neighbourhood scale. Citizens of Prince Albert desire a strong
community with strong neighbourhoods and support services that enable their families to thrive.
This type of hub is referred to in the Draft#1: Community Services Master Plan, 2007 prepared
for the City by Randall Conrad and Associates. These neighbourhood hubs are intended to focus
on the delivery of social support and some services at a neighbourhood scale. The goal is to
nurture these hubs to provide a center where recreation, social support and volunteer needs can
be met.
3.4
NEIGHBOURHOODS
The design of a neighbourhood can create a built environment that contributes to sustainable and
inclusive communities. To maintain the value of public and private investment already made in
existing areas, neighbourhoods should be capable of renewal. In a simple definition, a sustainable
community affords its residents the opportunity to live, work and play, today and in the future. It
provides them with the opportunity to meet their diverse needs both in the present and in the
future. A sustainable community is also a safe and inclusive community - one that is well-planned
and offers equality of services for all.
16
For this reason, the built environment will be designed in such a way that communities are active,
inclusive and safe, environmentally sensitive, well connected, thriving with services accessible to
all. It is hoped that the policies in this Plan will help create and maintain a high quality of life in all
neighbourhoods of the city. A balance needs to be struck between the needs of neighbourhoods
and the city as a whole. These policies will be implemented through concept plans, the Zoning
Bylaw, and the subdivision and development processes.
While preparing and reviewing concept plans, subdivision plans, and Zoning Bylaw amendments,
the following criteria must be considered:
-
housing options;
-
sustainability;
-
efficient and effective use of servicing and infrastructure; and
-
access to transportation, housing, employment, recreation and amenities.
The neighbourhood concept is based on the residential neighbourhood unit - sufficient in size to
support an elementary school, small scale commercial space and has a geographical identity
defined by topography and streets. In a neighbourhood unit, the elementary school, shopping,
parkland and recreation facilities focus identity. The interior street system slows down traffic to
reduce the traffic risk, provide for multiple unit housing, neighbourhood shopping outlets and
community facilities within the neighbourhood. Decreases in family size drives the need to
recalibrate neighbourhood size.
3.5
DESIGN STANDARDS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Two basic street patterns are evident in Prince Albert. Those areas developed prior to 1960 exhibit
a rigid grid system superimposed on long narrow river lots fronting the river. Residential
developments since 1960 have tended to follow a more curvilinear street pattern, as exemplified
by the Crescent Heights, Carlton Park and Crescent Acres subdivisions with cul-de-sacs and
curved streets. The trend today is to design neighbourhoods with the needs of pedestrians,
cyclists and transit in mind for health, social and environmental reasons. Complete streets and
walkable neighborhoods encourage a mix of land uses such as housing, parks, schools and
neighbourhood shopping center.
This Plan will begin to illustrate street layouts, cross sections and visualizations that characterize
neighborhood principles, as outlined in the Land Use section (reference Appendix 17.3).
17
SECTION FOUR:
DECISION MAKING
4.1
OVERVIEW AND STRATEGIES
The City adopted a Communications Strategy (CS) in 2011 and instilled a number of guiding
principles. The OCP needs to reinforce the democratic ideal embedded in City Council's decision
making and actively search for creative and effective ways that negotiate all the elements in the
Plan.
Early and ongoing public engagement breathes relevance into actions. Decision making structure
is expressed through:
-
Committees - standing, task oriented, advisory, and delegated;
-
Commissions - e.g. police;
-
Community groups - community clubs and neighborhood groups; and
-
Agencies and referral groups - regional planning commissions; government ministries,
non-governmental groups, and non-profits.
Decision making considers the guiding elements of smart growth and uses initiative to find and
source out options for constructive engagement including:
-
Media - social, print, web, newsletters, reports, on-line access and mailings;
-
Face-to-face - open houses, presentations, door-to-door, committees, forums and round
tables; and
-
Formal - public hearings, City Council and commission meetings.
4.2
CITY, REGION AND AGENCIES
The quality of decision making depends on adaptively responding to changing circumstances,
but, more importantly, consistently and reliably scaffolding ideas from all groups especially the
underserved. Administration must "buy-in" to Council policies and strategies and regularly interact
to reinforce consistency. The following goals and policies guide the actions in implementation and
help reinforce the political impetus in community planning:
Goal:
Educate and inform employees about City programs, issues and initiatives.
Policies:
i.
Establish a communications committee and orientation program considering regular
communication to all staff including those off-site;
ii.
Make information about corporate priorities and initiatives easy to access through online
databases and frequently asked questions;
iii.
Promote and leverage existing internal online database of general inquiries/frequently
asked questions for employees to find answers;
iv.
Increase employees' knowledge of departmental functions across the organization;
v.
Provide relevant resources and additional information/links to program information;
18
vi.
Involve employees in decision making through teams, networks and questionnaires;
vii.
Improve the organization's ability to anticipate and respond to issues;
viii.
Develop an issues management protocol to effectively identify, monitor and respond to
issues; and
ix.
Foster a cultural shift to embody an "oneness" between employees and management.
Goal:
Develop a public engagement strategy to guide the public consultation process and create
consistency across the organization.
Policies:
i.
Ensure compliance with The Uniform Building and Accessibilities Standards Act;
ii.
Consult and engage in diverse locations and ways;
iii.
Create informal opportunities for feedback;
iv.
Explore best practices in public engagement;
v.
Identify new and alternative opportunities for public engagement that are accessible and
convenient to the public;
vi.
Leverage website and social media to promote opportunities for input including specific
apps;
vii.
Increase the public's trust that the City genuinely wants input and will take various points
of view into consideration;
viii.
Create a "How to get involved" section on the website that lists public engagement
opportunities;
ix.
Establish communication channels with local organizations to reach a multitude of
stakeholders in a targeted and cost-efficient approach (e.g. neighbourhood groups,
libraries, Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District, universities,
Saskatchewan Polytechnic);
x.
Conduct a pilot project with a local organization to establish and test an approach where
the organization provides City information to its members on behalf of the City and solicits
feedback; and
xi.
Have stakeholder groups host public events and opportunities for people to talk to City
employees to learn more about City initiatives and issues.
Goal:
Improve the quality of the City of Prince Albert's key stakeholder relationships.
Policies:
i.
Enhance the City's media relations strategy;
ii.
Provide more information on critical or complex issues through media packages, media
briefings, and more face-to-face time with key reporters;
iii.
Consistently identify newsworthy stories and present them in a way that's compelling;
19
iv.
Ensure inquiries from the media are given a high priority and responded to as quickly and
efficiently as possible;
v.
Balance the use of traditional consultation methods (e.g. public meetings, surveys) and
emerging methods (e.g. online forums) to best suit the situation;
vi.
Develop a social media strategy;
vii.
Establish stronger ties with neighbourhood groups, boards and committees, and coalitions
(e.g. community centres, community clubs, libraries, youth advisory committee, etc.);
viii.
Work with stakeholder groups to host public events at which City employees and
Councillors can address City issues;
ix.
Explore the possibility of leveraging existing advisory committees (or groups with a similar
structure) to help identify key issues;
x.
Continue to implement the City Strategic Plan and ensure that the customer service
standards are compliant with The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act;
xi.
Provide appropriate customer service training and resources for employees;
xii.
Make the public aware of the City's customer service standards, including timelines for
responding to inquiries, mail, and email;
xiii.
Make regular stakeholders research a cornerstone of City activities and regularly
endeavour to understand what's important to residents;
xiv.
Conduct citizen satisfaction survey every two years;
xv.
Increase use of research and public opinion polls in municipal decision-making;
xvi.
Consider the formation of focus groups to annually report on community indicators; and
xvii.
Increase communication skills and enhance the communications capacity of the
organization as a whole.
Goal:
Increase stakeholders' awareness of City programs and initiatives.
Policies:
i.
Enhance the City's media relations strategy. Ensure that City news is covered by local
media and increase accurate media coverage of City services and initiatives;
ii.
Continue to rely on the City's advertising program to convey important information to
residents;
iii.
Review existing advertising policies and update them to reflect changing circumstances;
iv.
Continue to write and produce high impact ads;
v.
Make City information and opportunities for input more accessible;
vi.
Explore the possibility of establishing one-stop information stations throughout the
community;
vii.
Create an inventory of languages spoken by employees. Leverage the translation
capabilities of City employees to affordably and informally provide information in
languages other than English;
20
viii.
Develop a high level "Get to know Prince Albert" document which includes core service
information. Work with cultural groups to translate and distribute the document to new
Prince Albert residents who may not have access to the Internet or speak English;
ix.
Participate in speaking engagements and public outreach;
x.
Build on existing school outreach programs (local government week, engineers in the
classroom, water conservation programs, land use transportation, and parks and
recreation);
xi.
Continue to host public outreach events and open houses, especially for long range
planning projects like the Official Community Plan;
xii.
Revamp the City's website. Focus on presenting information as one voice rather than as
information from various departments. Whenever possible, build in opportunities for users
to provide feedback on issues and services of the day;
xiii.
Continue to support the City of Prince Albert's brand management program and promise;
xiv.
Be consistent with branding internal and external documents and promotional materials;
xv.
Develop and roll out sign guidelines so that all City signage is consistently designed and
branded; and
xvi.
Execute final phase of rebranding process (City fleet, equipment and signs).
21
4.3
PARTNERS - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Figure 1 explains the current referral relationships with City Council and recommends that
important gaps be evaluated for improved decision making and engagement, as noted above and
in the notes section of the figure.
Figure 1 - Community Decision Making
22
SECTION FIVE:
SUSTAINABILITY
5.1
OVERVIEW
Comprehensive plans like the OCP echo the City Strategic Plan core value statements:
-
"Generating opportunities" (entrepreneurial);
-
"Meaningful regional partnerships (an ideal in comprehensive planning - plan in context)
(partnerships);
-
"Long term planning and best practices" (innovative); and
-
"Accessible and relevant criteria" (accountable and transparent).
The relationship between strategic planning, master plans, studies, and indicators are expressed
in Figure 2:
Figure 2 - Planning relationships:
23
These values connect to the OCP throughout the plan, and emerge as fundamental
implementation strategies.
-
Vision - "Prince Albert will be an innovative, welcoming, diverse, and healthy City of
opportunity." (reference OCP vision below)
-
Mission - "The City of Prince Albert enhances quality of life through excellence in service."
-
Core Values
-
Entrepreneurial (land use, economic, and decision making) - We will leverage our
expertise to create wealth generating opportunities benefiting our community.
-
Partnerships (decision making, social and cultural) - We will use our expertise and
infrastructure to create meaningful community and regional partnerships.
-
Innovative (all elements) - Through long-term planning and best practices solutions, we
will provide efficient and effective service today and an environment for tomorrow that
fosters long-term investment in our City.
-
Accountable and Transparent (decision making, infrastructure, and implementation) - We
will make decisions based on clear and proactive criteria and we will provide information
that is relevant, accessible, timely and accurate.
Administration carries out the will of Council through the operational themes underpinning the
quality and quantity of service delivery:
-
Collaborative - Working collaboratively to provide a fuller understanding of the impact of
operations and projects throughout each department and with partners.
-
Sustainable - Working to ensure all facets of City operations and projects are sustainable;
operating with efficiency, mitigating risk, and utilizing transparent and realistic costing.
-
Compassionate - Understanding that the services we provide are valued and understanding
the needs and challenges of the end user and working to make their experience positive.
-
Exceptional - Recognizing that our people have great qualities and positivity; instilling quality,
creativity, and a drive to make things right.
Secondarily, Council charges Administration with goals to reinforce practice and direction. The
Strategic Goals strengthen the fabric of the OCP elements and can be referenced to the element
as noted for the Core Values:
-
Fiscal Management and Accountability - The City strives to align priorities and initiatives to
the corporate strategies and deliver municipal services in cost-effective ways.
-
Active and Caring Community - The City strives to provide high quality services to meet the
dynamic needs and expectations of our citizens.
-
Corporate Sustainability - The City recognizes that a well-functioning organization needs to
be clear on the roles and functions of Administration and Council, understand the core
principles and behaviors of good governance, and commit to continue improvement in
governance and organization.
24
-
Sustainable Growth - The City will anticipate, encourage and prepare for the growth and be
responsive to the needs of our community.
-
Infrastructure - The City will create infrastructure that supports growth while planning for
continuous improvement.
5.2
SMART GROWTH
Prince Albert Official Community Plan Vision
"Prince Albert will be a sustainable, diverse and balanced community that recognizes the link
between sustainable economic, environmental and social development and places a high priority
on the quality of life for its residents."
The following interrelated statements and values were developed to express those sets of
principles which collectively establish the qualitative framework of this Plan. Smart Growth
principles form fundamental schools of best practice and frame this Plan.
Prince Albert will be:
-
A regional hub of Saskatchewan known for its innovation and diverse employment, retail and
service opportunities;
-
An inclusive, safe and diverse community rich in culture that has a lot to offer and that is proud
of its heritage;
-
A community where all sectors collaborate and use the strengths within the community to
ensure a sustainable social, economic and physical environment;
-
A community of variety and opportunities (e.g. commercial, education and training,
recreational, transit, health and housing) accessible to all;
-
A City of quality urban form, with the river and downtown as the foci;
-
A City that integrates long-term planning into our everyday decision-making process and
makes investments today with the future in mind;
-
A growing community that assumes stewardship for its natural environment, that respects the
natural environment, and that acknowledges the role that the natural environment has in
promoting a high quality of life for the residents of Prince Albert;
-
A City with a responsible ethical government that makes good decisions, which benefit
citizens;
-
A City that supports diverse socio-economic development; and
-
A community of informed citizens able to participate in the planning process.
5.3
SUSTAINABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP
This Plan assumes a holistic approach speaking to collaboration and building relationships within
complex and challenging environments. The health of a City depends upon its natural
environment, linked to the economy and the built environment, but supports the social
infrastructure of the City.
25
Sustainability and stewardship are cornerstone values of the Plan. Stewardship is the concept of
shared responsibility and requires commitment from all residents in a community. This is a theme
that is integrated throughout the goals and objectives of the Plan.
Land stewardship and protection involves accepting the personal responsibility for caring for our
land, air and water and sustaining the natural processes on which life depends. Stewards of the
land will want to recycle, limit energy use, conserve water, use best management practices and
participate in programs that conserve and restore wild species and their habitats.
Stewardship and protection of our natural and environmentally sensitive areas will improve our
air and water quality and protect important natural features and wildlife habitat.
Sustainability involves meeting the needs of current and future generations by integrating
environmental stewardship, and economic and social development. A sustainable community is
one where the natural environment is conserved by reducing waste, preventing pollution,
promoting efficiency and local economic development, and leading to an improved quality of life.
Sustainable stewardship underpins this Plan and requires commitment from the community. This
theme shapes the objectives and policies of the Plan. Land protection and enhancement means
accepting personal responsibility for caring for our land, air and water by sustaining the natural
processes on which life depends.
Embracing recycling programs, limited energy use, water conservation, best management
practices and program participation that conserves and restores wildlife and their habitats is
imperative in sustaining a healthy and vibrant community.
The City is committed to building complete neighborhoods that are dynamic and unique but that
respond to change. Complete neighborhoods are places where residents can enjoy their specific
choice of lifestyle - housing options, employment, services, retail, transportation options,
educational and recreational facilities and programs.
Different land use decisions characterize each neighborhood and quality decision making requires
active and long range planning and public participation. A sustainable community preserves the
natural environment and nurtures and cares for its citizens.
The Smart Growth principles challenge traditional land use (e.g. sprawl, divisional zoning or gated
communities) practice:
-
Create a range of mixed and compatible land uses;
-
Create diverse housing opportunities;
-
Create well designed, compact and walkable neighborhoods;
-
Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration;
-
Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place and unique
neighborhood identity;
-
Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective;
-
Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas;
-
Provide a variety of transportation choices;
26
-
Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities;
-
Take advantage of compact building design; and
-
Utilize smarter and cheaper infrastructure and green buildings.
5.4
GOALS AND POLICIES
This Plan recognizes the following goals and policies in building a community with a sustainable
quality of life.
Goal:
All development should conserve and manage energy, land, and natural resources.
Policies:
x.
Enhance and further develop the City recycling program to become a model for
neighboring communities;
xi.
Develop an incentive-based but voluntary checklist (see Appendix 17.2) and possible
scoring methodology that gauges the "green" quality of developments for all land use
actions including rezoning, development permits and OCP amendments; and
xii.
Integrate Smart Growth principles into all OCP elements.
Goal:
Promote development patterns that support safe, effective, and multi-modal transportation
options, including auto, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit; reducing single occupant vehicle
dependency.
Policies:
i.
Provide a mixture of land uses that promote walkability and compact building form, and
complete street design and construction;
ii.
Establish measurable sustainability objectives based on smart growth, supporting the
City's Strategic Plan and the long term needs of the community;
iii.
Develop proactive plans with groups to conserve land and infrastructure, increase
transportation efficiencies (transportation demand management), and encourage City
incentives such as funding and models of "green" projects and operations;
iv.
Formulate parking strategies that reduce the need for on-site parking; and
v.
Evaluate and suggest improved parking options, including temporarily removing parking.
27
Goal:
Establish the City as a model energy steward using all "green best practises" in its own operations.
Policies:
i.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City operations through anti-idling policies and
alternative fuel use;
ii.
Streamline Public Works operations and centralize where justified;
iii.
All new construction and major renovations to City properties should achieve a LEED gold
standard or equivalent; and
iv.
Accelerate energy efficiency through meaningful community consultation that supports the
development of low impact alternative and renewable energy sources having:
-
minimal impacts on natural ecosystems;
-
minimal impacts on community water supplies;
-
minimal impacts on recreational amenities; and
-
limited visual impacts from infrastructure and transmission lines.
Goal:
Develop smart growth land use decisions while fairly distributing community services.
Policies:
i.
Formulate smart growth regulations, policies and principles that specifically reduce
impacts through land use, zoning, transportation, parks and recreation, energy use, and
other elements of the OCP; and
ii.
Facilitate partnerships with interested community groups, rural municipalities and other
agencies to foster sustainability, measure impacts and formulate implementation
strategies.
Goal:
Establish the efficient use of land, infrastructure and other resources in accommodating growth
and change.
Policies:
i.
Develop funding mechanisms to offset costs of implementing sustainability initiatives;
ii.
Develop a buildable lands analysis to adequately articulate balanced land use;
iii.
Establish the City as a steward of land assembly and development, adequately sourcing
diverse land opportunities, and creating partnerships and advocating smart growth
principles.
28
Goal:
Enhance and embed community safety and green practices in neighborhood design and
construction.
Policies:
Develop programs that promote sustainable living. These could include:
i.
Develop "green" demonstration projects through proactive planning and visualization;
ii.
Support innovative infrastructure including "green" strategies such as rain gardens, storm
water filtration systems, silt fences, and other best management practices;
iii.
Incorporate CPTED principles into land use decisions considering:
a.
Natural Surveillance - putting eyes on the street and making a place unattractive
for potential illegitimate behavior. Street design, landscaping, lighting and site and
neighbourhood design all influence the potential for natural surveillance;
b.
Access Control - controlling who goes in and out of a neighbourhood, park, or
building and creating a sense of ownership for legitimate users by focusing on
formal and informal entry and exit points;
c.
Conflicting User - different user groups may conflict. Carefully consider compatible
land uses and activities that minimize potential conflicts between groups;
d.
Activity Support - fill an area with legitimate users by facilitating or directly
scheduling activities or events so potential offenses can be reduced. Underused
places and facilities can encourage criminal activity;
e.
Crime Generators - activity nodes that may generate crime. The location of some
land uses (residential, parks and open space) is critical to ensuring an activity does
not increase the opportunities for crime to occur or reduce users' and residents'
perceptions of their safety in the area;
f.
Land Use Mix - diversity in land use reduces crime opportunities. Separating land
uses from each other creates isolation and segregation;
g.
Movement Predictors - force people, especially pedestrians and cyclists, along a
particular route or path without providing obvious alternative escape routes or
strategies for safety. Make a clear but pleasant separation between the public and
private space. Remove the porous nature of some movement patters by reducing
points of access to two. Potential attackers can predict where persons will end up
once they are on a certain path; and
h.
Displacement - critical to understand how crime may move in time or space and
what the impact may be;
iv.
Consider energy efficiency and emission reduction in all development decision making
through collaborative permitting and policies; and
v.
Foster educational programs to model best practices and engage builders, developers,
businesses, educational practitioners and entrepreneurs.
29
Goal:
Encourage convenient access to work, recreation, parks and open space and natural areas.
Policies:
i.
Integrate live and work opportunities where appropriate into development;
ii.
Allow for employment opportunities within or adjacent to neighbourhood hubs and new
neighbourhoods;
iii.
Improve the trail network for multi-modal uses and for recreation and commuting; and
iv.
Support and expand transit services to all places of employment especially service sector
retail outlets.
Goal:
Embrace collaborative planning processes that involve all stakeholders (landowners,
Administration, school boards, community associations, utilities and other external agencies).
Policies:
i.
Provide meeting and engagement opportunities that highlight demonstration projects,
visualization and conceptual designs. Venues should include public meetings, design
charrettes, technical workshops and virtual opportunities; and
ii.
Meet with stakeholders to update strategic and comprehensive plans and mutually report
on successes and failures.
Goal:
Ensure that redevelopment is established in neighbourhoods and supports the health and livability
of our citizens.
Policies:
i.
Support neighborhood revitalization, redevelopment and residential infill that contributes
to the livability and adaptability of established neighborhoods;
ii.
Accompany residential density increases with enhancements to public spaces, open
spaces and amenities;
iii.
Optimize the use of existing infrastructure in association with increased density;
iv.
Identify large infill redevelopment projects to assist in long term community building; and
vi.
Collaborate with school boards in support of long term redevelopment efforts
30
Goal
Develop and implement design guidelines for new neighborhoods.
Policies:
i.
Establish focal points or unique identifiers within each neighborhood;
ii.
Provide a mixture of residential, commercial and institutional uses;
iii.
Establish formal and informal public and open spaces;
iv.
Achieve higher density mixed-use development near town centers or established transit
routes; and
v.
Establish land use patterns which provide flexibility for future redevelopment.
31
SECTION SIX:
LAND USE
6.1
BACKGROUND
The City of Prince Albert covers more than 7,227.6 hectares with several established
neighbourhoods and a downtown area.
Prince Albert has a mix of low-density single-family land uses, a structured but challenged
downtown, with an established main street along Central Avenue.
Neighbourhood commercial services are well distributed, though not strategically located
throughout the city, servicing most, but not all neighbourhoods with predominantly car-oriented
commercial services.
More recent forms of automobile-oriented land uses have grown around the major highways
(Highway 2, Highway 11, Highway 3 and Highway 302/15th Street East). Highway 2 is the main
route through Prince Albert and creates a significant disconnect between west and east ends of
the City.
Rail use in the city is declining and several rail routes have been abandoned in recent years. The
railway lines act as another significant disconnect between north and south Prince Albert east of
Highway 2. Heavy and medium industrial land uses are located towards the outer municipal
boundaries, while light industrial is found both on the perimeter and close to downtown.
One of the most significant features is the North Saskatchewan River valley and river park system.
City-wide and neighbourhood parks and schools are well distributed throughout Prince Albert
serving most neighbourhoods.
The City of Prince Albert is bordered by the Rural Municipality of Buckland (north of the River)
and the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert (south of the River). The surrounding land is relatively
sparsely developed rural residential, farmland, forest, and sloughs/wetlands. Several long-range
plans have focused on municipal expansion, predominantly to the south, and the development of
a ring road along Prince Albert's eastern border.
The population of Prince Albert is changing and growing more diverse, which may influence
housing needs (see the Prince Albert Economic and Demographic Profile, 2006 for more details
on demographics). In addition, the City must respond to increased demands for housing by the
work for new industries emerging in and around Prince Albert. According to the Profile, Prince
Albert is "younger" than most urban centres in Saskatchewan. Among the largest eight major
urban centres in the province, the Prince Albert Census Agglomeration (CA) in 2001 had:
-
the highest proportion of children;
-
an average number of young and middle-aged adults; and
-
relatively few seniors.
In addition to its "young" population, relative to other urban centres in Saskatchewan, Prince
Albert has the second highest proportion of lone parent families (p. 29). The Profile also showed
that a variety of factors lead to smaller households (as measured by the number of people, not
the physical size). These include:
32
-
lower fertility (fewer births per woman);
-
the departure of older children of "baby boomer" couples;
-
more lone parents; and
-
more widows and widowers.
An implication is that the number of dwellings increased from 1996 to 2001 even as the population
declined. In any of the future population scenarios (decline, constant, growth), a declining number
of persons per household will lead to an increase in the number of households in the city. These
households could be accommodated in alternative types of dwellings suited to the diverse housing
needs in either new or existing areas.
Considering the high proportion of people that live below the low income cut-off (LICO), the need
for social and affordable housing is critical. Adequate housing can stabilize neighbourhoods and
enable the community to wrap services around individuals and families who require them.
Constant mobility destabilizes neighbourhoods and then these neighbourhoods are vulnerable to
the influences of domestic violence, crime, gangs and substance abuse.
Prince Albert functions as both the gateway to the north and to the south. For this reason, it is a
regional hub for a range of services in health, education, social services and justice and as such
has need for transitional and supportive housing. Notwithstanding the recent expansion in
emergency shelter beds, there will be a need to monitor the need in this area as well. As a
community, Prince Albert wants to stimulate independence of its citizens but realizes that some
will require support to function optimally. It is a goal of this Plan to create the context where all
citizens can have safe, secure, affordable housing that meets their needs.
The form and density of housing will be determined by a combination of prevailing market
conditions along with policies of this Plan, development standards in the Zoning Bylaw as well as
through public consultation. It is important that developments be well-designed and compatible
with existing development.
Meeting the housing needs of the future generations will require flexibility in meeting market
demand and accommodating other changing demographic and economic conditions. Areas with
a range of housing types are generally more stable in the face of neighbourhood change. Limiting
the range of housing types may force some members of a neighbourhood to move. This could
include seniors, for example, who often require a particular type of home suited to their specific
needs.
The ability of the marketplace to provide affordable housing is an important part of quality of life
and helps attract new businesses and industries to the city. The City can influence cost and supply
of housing by supporting the private development sector in providing affordable housing and by
facilitating the approval process with respect to regulations and permits.
Goals:
i.
Promote a well-designed compact community by following smart growth principles;
ii.
Encourage compatible uses along the city boundaries, consistent with City, Rural
Municipality and Provincial ministries;
iii.
Integrate compatible land uses within the city through specified study and action plans;
iv.
Preserve the unique residential character of neighbourhoods and the downtown;
33
v.
Preserve our history and heritage;
vi.
Maintain views of the river valley by stepping down building height towards the river;
vii.
Provide neighbourhood mixed use nodes that incorporate the 500 metre (10 minute walk)
buffer as a standard for distances between nodes;
viii.
Link parks with trails throughout the city and preserve natural features as a way to identify
potential greenspace in new neighbourhoods;
ix.
Remove the existing freight railway line through the city and convert the railway lands to
a park/pathway system that is supported and surrounded by a neighbourhood mixed use
land use;
x.
Promote walkable neighbourhood mixed use rather than neighbourhood commercial land
uses;
xi.
Within automobile-oriented commercial land uses, bring buildings closer to the public
streets and place parking in the middle of the development to create a more complete
streetscape;
xii.
Within automobile-oriented commercial land uses, ensure that walking and cycling are
encouraged by creating paths and sidewalks along major corridors that connect to other
neighbourhoods throughout the city;
xiii.
Improve streetscaping along Highway 2, 15th Street, Marquis Road, and 6th Avenue East
to include coordinated street trees, lighting, signage, sidewalks and trails;
xiv.
Limit development in environmentally sensitive areas through specific land use actions
(e.g. conservancy, transfer of development rights and trusts);
xv.
Increase and improve pedestrian connections to the rivers;
xvi.
Maintain and enhance streetscaping standards, and develop a compact, sustainable,
diverse, adaptable, mixed use built form that encourages walkability and supports
multi-modal transportation;
xvii.
Integrate all elements of the OCP to ensure they are complimentary and where competing
are suitably integrated (e.g. riparian buffer width averaging, trails in riparian areas);
xviii.
Maintain and enhance the local sense of place and identity by integrating natural systems
and developing neighbourhood context based design solutions that minimize independent
parcels that do not reflect the overall neighbourhood character. Use illustrative plans as
guides to development;
xix.
Increase land use resilience by allowing and encouraging local food production, local
materials and services use, and protection of the local and regional agricultural lands;
xx.
Identify strategic locations for landmarks that aid wayfinding throughout the city; and
xxi.
Consider urban livestock provisions in residential land use areas.
34
6.2
URBAN SERVICE AREA
The urban service area in Prince Albert is located primarily south of the North Saskatchewan
River to the southern, western and eastern municipal boundaries. Though the West Hill and
Crescent Acres neighbourhood are still being developed, the expectation is that these areas will
have full municipal services once they are built.
The residential and industrial area north of the North Saskatchewan River has access to
community water but not community sewer. The exception is the airport, which has water and
sewage connections. The northeast corner of Prince Albert has no municipal services.
Municipal service extension is challenged by natural features. Extension of services north of the
North Saskatchewan River is limited by the river. Service extension to the south is challenged by
a significant slope south of the current municipal boundary and the numerous sloughs. Future city
expansion to the south may focus on limited levels of service.
There are three levels of service within Prince Albert:
-
Service Level 1 - This area is serviced by municipal water, sewer and paved and gridded
roads, including all utilities - gas, power, cable and fiber.
-
Service Level 2 - This area is serviced by municipal water. It has no municipal sewer
connection and/or may be serviced by paved or unpaved roads with most utilities but may not
include cable or fiber.
-
Service Level 3 - This area has no municipal services. It would be serviced by unpaved roads.
Consistent with smart growth principles, preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and
critical environmental areas, and contain City infrastructure within the city with established Urban
Service Area-Service Level 1 Boundary.
6.3
POLICIES
i.
Establish the City's Urban Service Area in accordance with the delineation indicated in
16.1.3 and 16.1.4 (Levels of Service map) to prevent urban sprawl and promote a compact
community;
ii.
Establish a future growth area that preserves rural types of development and encourages
them to locate around existing road networks so that these areas can easily link in to future
service extensions as the city grows;
iii.
Strengthen and direct development towards existing neighbourhoods by permitting
intensified land uses and infill development within the Urban Service Area supported by
existing water and sanitary sewer services;
iv.
Consider the future highway ring road when locating future growth areas;
v.
Consider future commercial and industrial expansion areas outside of the city's
boundaries that may only have access to Level 2 municipal services;
vi.
Encourage less intensive land uses which do not require community sewer services
outside the Urban Service Area;
vii.
Work co-operatively with the rural municipalities and provincial agencies to implement the
regional plan for fringe area development in the vicinity of the City of Prince Albert
35
boundary which addresses City service extensions (level of service), failing water and
septic systems, traffic, environmental values, housing and land use; and
viii.
Manage community water and/or sanitary sewer services outside the Urban Service Area
Service Level 1 consistent with historical precedent and agreements and future urban
growth strategies, as determined by City Council.
6.3.1 GENERAL LAND USE POLICIES
The following policies reflect the complex nature of land use planning in Prince Albert.
These sub-strategies will help guide and coordinate future land use decisions.
6.3.1.1
INTEGRATED LAND USE
-
Implement the land use designations in Schedule 16.1.1 and 16.1.2 (Land
Use maps) to facilitate the social, environmental and economic priorities of
the community and allow for uses described in each respective land use
designation;
-
Ensure all buildings incorporate good urban design and smart growth
principles;
-
Encourage new development and redevelopment to be mixed use projects
incorporating complementary uses in a single development (i.e. consider
combining more than one of the following uses: residential, commercial,
light industrial, recreation, open space, or institutional uses);
-
Complement the aesthetic qualities, character, image and established uses
of areas when designing the size, shape and character of new
Smart Growth Principles
- Create range of housing opportunities and choices
- Create walkable neighborhoods
- Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
- Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective
- Mix compatible land uses
- Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical
environmental areas
- Provide a variety of transportation choices
- Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
- Take advantage of compact building design
36
development, and consider development bylaws to guide and help
visualize future growth within all areas of the City;
-
Promote an open community where subdivision approvals restrict private
gated developments;
-
Incorporate safety in land use and the built environment through a Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Program;
-
Encourage building design that facilitates "eyes on the street" and crime
prevention through environmental design principles (e.g. balconies,
porches, large opening windows, a small street-frontage, etc.);
-
Encourage all community and commercial planning processes to include
an 'age-friendly' component;
-
Encourage development that directs work towards existing communities
(infill), and creates a compact, diverse, adaptable, mixed use built form;
-
Develop context-based land, subdivision, site, landscaping, and building
design standards that integrate ecological systems and enhance a local
sense of place and identity. These should be included in bylaw and policy
updates;
-
Identify developable lands to minimize slope and soil stability intensity and
identifies Brownfield development to ensure appropriate land uses;
-
Make adaptable and accessible designs mandatory in all public areas of
the city by considering wheelchair friendly street standards and mobility for
all residents including snowfall restrictions; and
-
Consider direct control districts for the downtown, scenic corridors,
riverfront, multi-family and industrial and commercial areas (see Appendix
17.7).
6.3.1.2
AMENITIES AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
-
Utilize 'zoning for amenities and affordable housing' or 'phased
development agreements' to include affordable non-market housing as an
integral component in residential development;
-
Promote the use of a wide variety of housing options that encourage
affordability such as secondary residential suites in all residential zones;
-
Develop parking bonusing through a comprehensive parking strategy that
considers infill development, multi-modal transportation options and below
grade or integrated parkades, including criteria listed on the next page for
density bonusing;
-
Consider, on a site specific basis, bonus density up to the maximum bonus
density (A) set out in Table 3: 'Provisions for Various Densities of
Residential Development' if development meets the following criteria:
-
affordable non-market housing is provided in accordance with
Inclusionary Zoning Principles - continuous, safe pedestrian
walkways currently link the site to the downtown core or the
37
developer agrees to provide continuous, safe pedestrian walkways
to the downtown;
-
the site meets all criteria in the City's Residential Policies;
-
the site has adequate emergency ingress and egress;
-
the site is not designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area
(Schedule 16.1.8);
-
the proposed development does not cause traffic safety impacts;
-
the development meets an acceptable development permit
checklist score (see Appendix 17.2);
-
the proposed development does not diminish the heritage value of
the area; and
-
the proposed development is well integrated into the existing
neighbourhood;
-
Provide the maximum bonus density (B) set out in Table 3: 'Provisions for
Various Densities of Residential Development' (see next page) to sites:
-
within a 15-minute walk (750 metres) to the Downtown Commercial
(C1);
-
along Highway 2/2nd Avenue West, 6th Avenue East, 15th Street
East, and Marquis Road corridors;
-
within 500 metres of the health or educational hubs;
-
within 300 metres of an elementary school; and
-
within 500 metres of a designated commercial or neighbourhood
commercial centre.
-
Consider additional bonus density for sites in close proximity to other
amenities such as schools, grocery stores and transit;
-
Consider, on a site specific basis, additional bonus density up to the
maximum bonus density (B) set out in Table 3: 'Provisions for Various
Densities of Residential Development' if development includes any of the
following additional amenities:
-
the proposed development includes underground or below building
parking for 75% or more of the required parking stalls;
-
the proposed development has a mean unit size for market and
non-market units of 92.9 square metres (1,000 square feet) or less;
-
the proposed development is certified to Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards or equivalent;
-
the proposed development contains more than 25% of all
residential units as residential units for rent;
38
-
the developer dedicates community amenity space to public use,
such as community gardens, playgrounds, trails and other
recreational areas; and
-
the developer enhances public cultural or recreational physical
amenities;
-
The developer guarantees to restore and designate heritage property;
-
Allow density or parking bonusing for any property designated Central
Business District for mixed use developments with a residential
component; and
-
Permit conversion of previously occupied residential buildings to strata lots
consistent with a defined policy.
Table 3
PROVISIONS FOR VARIOUS DENSITIES OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
Density
of
Residential
Development
Types
of
Residential Use
Maximum
Density
Minimum Parcel Size
With Community
Water and Sewer
With
Community
Water and On-
Site Sewer b
Rural
Residential
Single-Family
Dwelling
N/Aa
0.4 ha
0.4 ha
Low
Density
Residential
Single-Family
Dwelling
Two
Family
Dwelling
N/A
N/A
275 m2c
500 m2
930 m2
1,700 m2
Medium
Density
Residential
Single
&
Two
Family Dwelling
Multiple
Family
Dwellings including
triplexes,
fourplexes,
townhouses
&
rowhouses
N/A
30 per ha
See Above
1,000 m2d
See Above
1,400 m2d
Apartment
Density
Residential
Multiple
Family
Dwellings,
including
fourplexes,
townhouses
and
rowhouses
30 per ha
See Above
See Above
39
Density
of
Residential
Development
Types
of
Residential Use
Maximum
Density
Minimum Parcel Size
With Community
Water and Sewer
With
Community
Water and On-
Site Sewer b
Apartment-style
multiple
family
dwellings
60 per ha
1,000 m2
N/A
a)
N/A - Not Applicable
b)
Parcel sizes where on-site sewer required may be larger subject to the requirement of the provincial Ministry Health; also applies
where water supply is on-site
c)
Minimum parcel size may reduced to 408 m2 with special low density zoning designation
d)
Multiple family dwellings containing five or more dwelling units must have a parcel area of not less than 240 m2 per dwelling unit
6.3.1.3
NEIGHBOURHOODS
-
Promote a mix of uses in each neighbourhood so that each is complete
with a range of residential densities, amenities, parks and commercial
uses;
-
Preserve the social character of residential neighbourhoods and cultivate
strong focal points in the preparation for secondary neighborhood plans;
-
Permit development that is consistent with secondary neighborhood plans;
-
Permit infill developments that are integrated into the surrounding
neighbourhood;
-
Enhance the existing historic character of Prince Albert's neighbourhoods;
-
Develop a local commercial/mixed use area for each central
neighbourhood to provide a better diversity of commercial services and
building types, increase walkability, reduce car use - minimizing on-site
parking, and encourage local employment;
-
Develop parks, recreation and culture focal points and connectivity to
enhance public space throughout each of the communities; and
-
Encourage the maintenance of a healthy wildlife population by landscape
design in every neighbourhood.
40
6.3.1.4
HERITAGE AND HISTORY
-
Encourage retention of heritage features throughout the community (see
Schedule 16.1.15);
-
Take a proactive and visionary approach toward the preservation of
heritage features;
-
Interpret heritage to include a broad spectrum of features including
buildings, monuments, natural areas, landmarks, neighbourhoods and
signage;
-
Coordinate a public safety risk analysis and prescribe funding options;
-
Support and encourage heritage and historic revitalization and
enhancement initiatives;
-
Reference Prince Albert's heritage and history in the planning and design
of public places;
-
Utilize a variety of tools to protect and enhance heritage buildings including
identifying possible heritage conservation areas, density and parking
bonuses and tax incentives;
-
Investigate mechanisms to encourage protection and conservation of
heritage buildings through special heritage zoning districts;
-
Document all heritage features valued by the community; and
-
Support education initiatives to raise awareness of documented heritage
features and of heritage programs.
6.4
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
6.4.1 ACCESS TO HOUSING
Public sector (social) and non-profit housing is provided for those whose housing needs
cannot adequately be met in the private marketplace. It is anticipated that the need for
some segments of the population in Prince Albert will continue. According to the Prince
Albert Economic and Demographic Profile (2006), a large proportion of individuals have
incomes below the Low Income Cut-off, commonly referred to as the "poverty line". This
may influence the need for social and a range of affordable housing in the city.
Given the financial constraints of the environment within which social housing is provided,
collaborative approaches must be employed. This can be in the form of partnerships
between the public, non- profit and private sectors.
Planning and zoning for a broad range of housing types in urban areas can facilitate the
provision of social housing. Improved construction technology, better materials and
creative design, and new approaches to housing construction exist which ensure a variety
of feasible and aesthetically pleasing options for the provision of housing.
41
Supportive housing forms and tenures, such as private and public care homes, senior's
housing, residential care homes, child day care centres, shelters and other forms of
supportive housing should be facilitated in all areas of the City. The Zoning Bylaw contains
the development standards under which these uses may be established.
According to the Economic and Demographic Profile, compared with other major urban
centres in Saskatchewan, Prince Albert has a relatively high proportion of households that
are rented. Rental suites provide a housing alternative that increases the supply of rental
accommodation while only modestly increasing the housing density within a
neighbourhood and without affecting the built form. Rental suites are self-contained living
quarters within a single-unit residential dwelling with the provision of an eating area and
sanitary facilities. They are often located in basement or ground level areas of the dwelling.
Rental suites can be an important component of increasing housing affordability in a
community for both the renter of the suite and the owner of the principal dwelling. They
make efficient use of existing housing and infrastructure in low density neighbourhoods
and provide housing at a relatively low cost to groups such as students and singles.
Issues such as parking for the occupants of the rental suite can sometimes become
contentious within an existing neighbourhood but can be overcome by zoning provisions
to require an additional parking space.
6.4.2 GENERAL RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Residential Lands - Residential development located within the urban service area
covering a wide spectrum of urban forms and densities including detached houses, semi-
detached houses, row housing and apartments.
Country Residential Lands - Low density residential development consisting of detached
houses on larger parcels, generally without City services and/or adjacent to non-
developed land.
Policies:
i.
Encourage consultation between the proponents of supportive housing and the
surrounding community to seek an acceptable balance between all interests;
ii.
Give due consideration to actively participate in social housing projects by
assisting with funding, tax exemptions, or partnerships with other levels of
government and agencies in the community;
iii.
Encourage the distribution of a range of housing types throughout the
neighbourhood to foster a more varied social composition;
iv.
Where possible, work with other levels of government and organizations to
facilitate housing initiatives;
v.
Support initiatives to develop student housing;
vi.
Support initiatives to develop a housing database to help people access regulated
rental properties;
42
vii.
Encourage the provision of an adequate supply of rental accommodation in
compliance with the Zoning Bylaw;
viii.
Apply General Residential Policies to lands designated as Residential on Schedule
16.1.1 and 16.1.2;
ix.
Provide lands for rural, low, medium and high density residential development to
ensure that there is adequate housing to meet the City's Projected Housing
Demand for the next 5 years in a manner that promotes a compact community;
x.
Limit residential growth to the densities provided in Table 3 and revise as
secondary/neighbourhood plans are adopted;
xi.
Require that all multiple family developments are properly integrated within
surrounding neighbourhoods by adding architectural controls to all multi-family
buildings or zones;
xii.
Proposed multi-family density residential development must meet the following
criteria:
-
be carefully integrated within or adjacent to the residential neighbourhood;
-
be adequately buffered to provide separation from adjacent single family
residences;
-
be of an architectural style, façade type and colour that complements the
existing and future development within the residential neighbourhood;
-
be served by adequate off-street parking;
-
be located adjacent to and with direct access to the municipal roadway
system to minimize infiltration of high volumes of traffic through low density
residential developments;
-
be served by community water and sanitary sewer collection systems; and
-
be able to provide sufficient usable open space on-site;
xiii.
Encourage legal secondary suites both within primary buildings and as accessory
uses in residential areas provided their presence does not detract from the quality
of life of nearby residents;
xiv.
Require permits for live/work home occupations which include an occupational,
retail or service component that manage impacts on the surrounding
neighbourhood from parking, noise and other activities;
xv.
Allow home occupations with low land use impact elements in all residential areas;
xvi.
Encourage mixed uses in lands designated Downtown Commercial and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use;
xvii.
Encourage new medium and high density residential development in all
neighbourhoods when the following criteria is met:
-
development area is free of environmentally sensitive or environmentally
hazardous areas, unless impacts are mitigated;
-
City services are provided or planned;
-
integrated into existing neighbourhood;
43
-
proximity to major collectors or arterial roads to reduce traffic impacts on
local roads and facilitate alternative transportation options; and
-
contributes to meeting the City's Projected Housing Demand with a range
of housing options that meet the needs of a wide variety of residents;
xviii.
Encourage green building practices; and
xix.
Support hobby farms in areas designated Country Residential and urban livestock
managed through the development permit process and comprehensive guidelines.
6.4.2.1
COUNTRY RESIDENTIAL
Country residential land use allows for ultra, low density residential homes in areas
with limited municipal services (Level III) within the city. The purpose of this land
use is to allow for larger lot residential developments in areas where there are
environmental or infrastructure challenges. Issues such as steep slopes, large
stands of forest, areas within a non-dyked floodplain area or areas with limited
municipal services (sewer, water, storm water, paved roads) shall be considered
when allocating a country residential land use.
The land use may include acreages and large undeveloped parcels of land on the
periphery of residential areas. Landscaping should be predominantly natural or
agricultural with the preservation of natural and cultural landscapes as a priority.
This land use supports wildlife in moderate to large contiguous wildlife habitat
areas, corridors and ecosystems with some human interaction and landscape
fragmentation.
6.4.2.2
LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
Low density residential land use allows for single and two family residential
development in areas with full municipal services (Level 3). The purpose of this
land use is to allow for single-family and duplex residential development in new
and established neighbourhoods throughout the city. The land use is a more
defined residential form and representative of a neighbourhood with buildings
organized around an interior network of streets and parks.
Home occupations and accessory buildings are allowed. Landscaping is natural
and setbacks are small to relatively deep. Some areas may be more dense than
others, especially near collector and arterial roads and outside of environmentally
sensitive areas.
Services such as sewer and a graded road network may not be in place but are
anticipated.
44
This area provides small wildlife habitat areas and corridors with a high level of
human interaction and habitat fragmentation. This area connects the natural
landscape around the city, with the more managed landscape within the city. This
landscape has the highest per capita impact on the natural landscape.
Landscaping and gardens can have a positive contribution to the diversity of
smaller species including birds and insects.
6.4.2.3
MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
Medium density residential land use allows for medium density multi-family
residential development in areas with full municipal services (Level I). The purpose
of this land use is to allow for townhouses, and a range of walk-up building types
in new and established neighbourhoods throughout the City. This land use should
be arranged around higher traffic collector roads and neighbourhood mixed use
nodes in each neighbourhood. This higher density form of housing supports
walking, cycling, transit and local business by concentrating density around major
routes and neighbourhood nodes.
Home occupations and accessory buildings are allowed. Landscaping is a mix of
natural and formal and setbacks are small to moderate in depth. Wider sidewalks,
street trees and lighting fixtures enhance the public streetscape.
This area should have a high level of human interaction and support smaller and
more localized habitat areas. This landscape has a smaller per capita impact on
the natural landscape than the low density land use does, in a more adaptable and
dense form, with a mix of tightly spaced single-family, multi-family housing and
walk-up apartments. Landscaping, urban forests, and gardens can have a positive
contribution to the diversity of smaller species including birds and insects.
6.4.2.4
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
High density residential land use allows for high density residential development
in areas adjacent to the downtown and arterial commercial area. The purpose of
this land use is to allow for multi-storey residential apartments and walk-up
residential near the downtown core. This high density form of housing supports
walking, cycling and transit in the downtown but provides more living spaces to
animate the downtown core over a wider number of hours.
Home occupations and accessory buildings are not permitted. Landscaping is
more formal and setbacks are minimal. This area should have a tight network of
well-defined shared streets that encourage walkability, with wide sidewalks, street
furniture, lighting fixtures, steady street tree planting and buildings set close to the
sidewalks.
This area should support smaller, and more localized habitat areas and have a
higher human presence that minimizes potential wildlife conflict. This landscape
has the smallest per capita impact on the natural landscape but is the densest form
of development. Green roofs, low impact development, and landscaping can help
45
integrate natural systems into the heart of the City and have a positive contribution
to the diversity of smaller species including birds and insects.
6.5
COMMERCIAL LAND USE
6.5.1 GENERAL COMMERCIAL LAND USE
Downtown Mixed Use - The primary retail and business centre for the city. It is the core
of the community and encourages a mix of uses so that the community can live, work and
play downtown. Street level development is encouraged to be retail or high traffic
businesses and offices and residential are encouraged on the upper levels of buildings.
Neighbourhood Mixed Use - Limited, small scale retail development intended to service
the needs of the surrounding neighbourhood, which may include residential components
above the ground floor.
Highway and Arterial Commercial Use - The Highway and Arterial Commercial Use
provides for the orderly development of automobile dependent accommodation and
services for residents, tourists, and transient motorists along Highway 2, Highway 3,
Highway 11 and Highway 302 corridor. These areas are intended to provide for the
convenient, controlled access parking, without increasing traffic burdens upon the
adjacent streets and highways. This use is designated primarily at the commercial
corridors of the city, with the intention of making the city more attractive as a tourist
destination while providing needed commercial activity.
Light & Medium Industrial Use - Limited industrial development typically oriented
towards warehousing, storage and distribution, light manufacturing of raw materials,
ancillary office uses or similar activities.
Heavy Industrial Use - Industrial development including manufacturing facilities,
sawmills, forestry activities, rail yards or hydroelectric generation facilities. Heavy
industrial includes the processing of raw materials.
Airport Industrial - Facilities directly dependent on the airport site including storage of
aircraft, fuel storage and dispensing activities and associated offices.
Policies:
Commercial
-
Apply General Commercial Policies to lands designated as Commercial on
Schedule 16.1.1 and 16.1.2;
-
Maintain the Downtown Commercial Area as the primary commercial center;
-
Encourage hotels and associated tourist uses in the Downtown, Highway and
Arterial Commercial areas;
-
Adequately buffer low density residential developments from commercial uses
through rezoning and landscaping;
46
-
Ensure commercial development are located and operated in ways that are
compatible with the community's social fabric, high quality of life and environment;
-
Encourage Neighbourhood Mixed Use where needed in each neighbourhood
within the Urban Service Area;
-
Allow Neighbourhood Mixed Use development in areas that are:
-
neighbourhood focal points;
-
easily accessible for pedestrians;
-
of an appropriate size and scale to service short-term needs without
competing with the Downtown Commercial District; and
-
taking into consideration proximity to other neighbourhood facilities and
amenities, site treatment, architectural style and impacts on adjacent
residential areas;
-
Encourage mixed uses in lands designated Downtown Commercial District and
Neighbourhood Mixed Use;
-
Encourage pedestrian scale design;
-
Require that all commercial development is of high quality by including all
commercial buildings or zones within Development Permit Areas with architectural
controls;
-
Encourage mixed use buildings with commercial development at street level and
high density residential development on upper floors;
-
Encourage the development of further public offices and amenities in the area
designated Downtown Commercial District;
-
Encourage existing and new commercial uses to keep noise, dust and other effects
to neighbouring properties to a minimum; and
-
Permit conversion of previously occupied commercial and industrial buildings to
strata lots consistent with a defined policy.
Industrial
-
Apply General Industrial Policies to lands designated as Industrial on Schedule
16.1.1 and 16.1.2;
-
Encourage existing and new industrial uses to minimize impacts from noise,
environmental, traffic and other activities on non-industrial land uses;
-
Ensure industrial development complies fully with air quality, waste disposal and
other environmental standards set by senior government;
-
Encourage clean and environmentally friendly industries;
-
Require paving of parking areas while encouraging the use of "green" storm water
infiltration infrastructure and permeable paving; and
-
Require screening from non-industrial land uses to minimize impacts to
neighbouring properties.
47
6.5.2 DOWNTOWN MIXED USE
Downtown mixed use allows for high density residential and office space with ground floor
or multi-storey commercial. The purpose of this land use is to allow for small scale
(typically locally owned) businesses to provide the main local commercial services to the
entire city. The combination of office and residential space above the ground floor is
intended to bring more people downtown and safely animate the area 24 hours a day.
The downtown mixed use area consists of higher density mixed use buildings that
accommodate commercial and residential units. It has a tight network of streets with wide
sidewalks, street furniture, lighting fixtures, steady street tree planting and buildings set
close to the sidewalks.
This area has a high level of habitat fragmentation and human presence that minimizes
potential wildlife conflict. This landscape has the smallest per capita impact on the natural
landscape. Green roofs and landscaping should have a positive contribution to the
diversity of smaller species including birds and insects. Natural wildlife diversity gives way
to places and spaces that create and enhance cultural diversity.
6.5.3 NEIGHBOURHOOD MIXED USE
The neighbourhood mixed use land use consists of moderate density residential corner
lot and mixed use development with a mixed use commercial component located on the
ground floor. The purpose of this land use is to provide walkable and bikeable
neighbourhood commercial services (within a 500 metre radius or a 10 minute walk).
Setbacks and landscaping are variable, wider sidewalks, street trees and lighting fixtures
increase walkability by enhancing the public streetscape.
This area should have a high level of human interaction and support smaller, and more
localized habitat areas. This landscape has a smaller per capita impact on the natural
landscape than the Duplex General Urban Land Use does, in a more adaptable and dense
form, with a mix of tightly spaced single-family, multi-family housing, apartments and
mixed use commercial services. Landscaping, urban forests and gardens can have a
positive contribution to the diversity of smaller species including birds and insects.
6.5.4 HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
The highway commercial use allows for the orderly development of automobile dependent
accommodation and services for residents, tourists and transient motorists along the 15th
Street corridor. The purpose is to provide for regional retail and service commercial
services with convenient, controlled access parking and without increasing traffic burdens
upon the adjacent streets and highways. This use is designated primarily at the major
commercial corridors of the city with the intention of making the city more attractive as a
tourist destination while providing needed commercial activity.
Streetscaping is reflective of a "Grand Avenue" with tree-lined streets, banner street lights
and easily accessible commercial services that front onto 15th Street. Roads are wide but
48
should accommodate multi-modal transportation with sidewalk and trail networks along
the front of buildings and act as the mid-city trail network connecting east and west Prince
Albert and connect through to the perimeter Rotary Trail network.
This area has a high level of habitat fragmentation. Green roofs, more compact
development and landscaping of parking areas and lots should have a positive
contribution to the diversity of smaller species including birds and insects. Providing
connections across the highway corridor for larger species will help reduce wildlife conflict
issues and enhance habitat connections for local species.
6.5.5 ARTERIAL COMMERCIAL
The arterial commercial use allows for the orderly development of automobile dependent
services for residents, tourists and transient motorists along the Highway 2 corridor. The
purpose is to provide for the convenient, controlled access parking without increasing
traffic burdens upon the adjacent streets and highways. This use is designated primarily
at the major commercial corridors of the city with the intention of making the city more
attractive as a tourist destination while providing needed commercial activity.
Streetscaping is reflective of a "Grand Avenue" with tree-lined streets, banner street lights,
and easily accessible commercial services that front on to Highway 2. Roads are wide but
should accommodate multi-modal transportation with sidewalk and trail networks along
the front of buildings and connect to the perimeter Rotary Trail network.
This area has a high level of habitat fragmentation. Green roofs, more compact
development and landscaping of parking areas and lots should have a positive
contribution to the diversity of smaller species including birds and insects. Providing
connections across the highway corridor for larger species will help reduce wildlife conflict
issues and enhance habitat connections for local species.
6.5.6 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
The light industrial land use allows for the accommodation of vehicular oriented
commercial uses of low intensity, and for commercial uses requiring large areas for
storage and handling of materials, goods and equipment. This area has limited industrial
development typically oriented towards warehousing, storage and distribution, light
manufacturing of raw materials, ancillary office uses and similar activities. Guiding
development of these areas will ensure a high quality of liveability for surrounding
residents, and a better built form.
Streetscaping is reflective of a "boulevard" with tree-lined streets, organized street lighting
and easily accessible commercial services that front on to the arterial or collector road.
Roads are moderately wide but should accommodate multi-modal transportation with
sidewalk and trail networks along the front of buildings and connect through the area if
located in or near an established neighbourhood or commercial area.
This area has a moderate level of habitat fragmentation. Large portions of undeveloped
lots and storage areas present opportunities to contribute to the diversity of smaller
species, including birds and insects, by improving landscaping.
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6.5.7 MEDIUM INDUSTRIAL
The medium industrial land use allows for the accommodation of vehicular oriented
commercial uses of medium intensity, and for commercial uses requiring large areas for
storage and handling of materials, goods and equipment. This area has medium industrial
development typically oriented towards manufacturing, processing, finishing and
packaging of raw materials, recycling facilities, ancillary office uses and similar activities.
Where medium industrial is near existing residential or commercial neighbourhoods, the
perimeter will be bordered by light industrial to buffer between the more intense medium
industrial uses.
Streetscaping is reflective of a "boulevard" with tree-lined streets, organized street lighting
and easily accessible commercial services that front on to the arterial or collector road.
Roads are moderately wide but should accommodate safe multi-modal transportation
corridors.
This area has a high/moderate level of habitat fragmentation. Large portions of
undeveloped lots and storage areas present opportunities to contribute to the diversity of
smaller species, including birds and insects, by improving landscaping.
6.5.8 HEAVY INDUSTRIAL
The heavy industrial land use allows for the accommodation of high intensity industrial
uses. This area has heavy industrial development typically oriented towards
manufacturing, processing, finishing and packaging of raw materials, recycling facilities,
rail yards, forestry activities, ancillary office uses and similar activities. Heavy industrial
land uses should be placed far from residential uses as noise, dust and other nuisances
associated with heavy industrial can negatively affect neighbourhoods and residents.
Streetscaping is reflective of a "boulevard" with tree-lined streets, organized street lighting
and easily accessible commercial services that front on to the arterial or collector road.
Roads are moderately wide but should accommodate safe multi-modal transportation
corridors.
This area has a high/moderate level of habitat fragmentation. Large portions of
undeveloped lots and storage areas present opportunities to contribute to the diversity of
smaller species, including birds and insects, by improving landscaping.
50
6.5.9 AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL
The airport industrial land use allows for industrial activities associated with the Prince
Albert Municipal Airport. The purpose of this land use is to allow for airport activities and
locate associated and dependent businesses close to the airport. The area may
accommodate a mix of commercial and industrial uses that complement the Prince Albert
Municipal Airport. The uses must be consistent with airport flightpath requirements.
6.6
PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL
Public and Institutional - Includes schools, community care facilities, hospitals, government
offices and facilities, churches and other publicly used buildings or properties.
Policies:
i.
Apply General Public and Institutional Policies to lands designated as Public and
Institutional on Schedule 16.1.1 and 16.1.2;
ii.
Encourage new government offices and post-secondary educational activities to seek
locations close to the Downtown Commercial and Educational Campus Districts;
iii.
Encourage public and institutional uses to be located where they will best service the
needs of area residents and in a manner which is well-integrated with the surrounding
neighbourhood;
iv.
Support the expansion of health facilities to meet the changing needs of the community;
v.
Consider large community care facilities as defined under provincial legislation on sites:
-
suitable for the intended use;
-
compatible with adjacent land uses and form and character of
neighbourhood;
-
adequate water supply and sewage disposal;
-
accessible to city road system;
-
able to accommodate on-site parking; and
-
accessible to amenities required by patrons (parks, clinics, shopping and
similar amenities);
vi.
Allow churches in any area designated Residential, Institutional or Downtown Commercial
District;
vii.
Expand the Field House Recreation Area; and
viii.
Create better walking, cycling and transit connections to city wide institutional/public
areas.
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6.6.1 INSTITUTIONAL
Institutional land use allows for the use of land for publicly oriented facilities for use by
residents and members of the public. Institutional uses allow for schools, community
centres, community care centres, government offices and facilities, churches and
detention facilities.
Institutional uses should be located throughout the City of Prince Albert, primarily along
collector roads. These areas compliment neighbourhood mixed use nodes and should
follow similar principles that relate to walkability (within 500 metre or a 10 minute walk)
from most areas of each neighbourhood. Well-connected and safe pathways and
sidewalks are key linkages to these areas.
Larger Institutional uses (city wide) are typically more car-oriented and should be located
along a major arterial to allow for vehicular access and visibility. However, transit and well-
connected and safe pathways and sidewalks should be a strong part of the multi-modal
transportation network that links these areas to their immediate neighbourhoods and the
city as a whole.
6.6.2 INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS
Institutional campus land uses allow for large institutional facilities. Institutional campus
uses allow for universities, colleges, hospitals and research parks. These uses can have
many related buildings placed closely together, combined with parks, limited service
commercial, trails and transportation links.
Institutional campus uses (city wide) are typically more car oriented and should be located
along a major arterial to allow for vehicular access and visibility. However, transit and well
connected and safe pathways and sidewalks should be a strong part of the multi-modal
transportation network that links these areas to their immediate neighbourhoods and the
city as a whole.
6.6.3 PUBLIC UTILITIES
Public utilities land use allows for government owned facilities needed to provide
necessary city services. Public utilities include water and waste water treatment plants,
electrical substations, power or heating plants, solid waste disposal.
6.7
PARKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
Parks, Trails and Open Space - Includes all public parks and trails. These areas are dedicated
to open space or public facilities such as playgrounds, ball fields and golf courses.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas - Includes regionally, provincially, or federally significant
habitat, riparian areas, floodplains, large stands of native species (forest, grassland, shrubland,
etc.) and steep slopes.
52
Parks, Trails and Open Space
Policies:
i.
Apply Parks and Trails Policies to lands designated as Parks and Trails on Schedule
16.1.1 and 16.1.2;
ii.
Develop a system of parks and public spaces linked by trails and pedestrian walkways
and bike paths to serve the needs of local residents and visitors to the community
consistent with a master parks plan;
iii.
Complete the Rotary Trail system to create continuous loop trail around the City of Prince
Albert;
iv.
Create inner city parks and trails connections through the city to create north/south and
east/west connections through the middle of the city. These connections should link up
with the surrounding Rotary Trail;
v.
Complete a loop trail to the Little Red River Park;
vi.
If the ring road is completed, consider adding a pedestrian connection to better connect
the Little Red River Park with the area south of the North Saskatchewan River;
vii.
Provide a variety of park types and recreational opportunities that integrate the city with
surrounding landscape and public nodes;
viii.
Provide park and recreational facilities in each neighbourhood;
ix.
Require parkland dedication at time of subdivision consistent with the Master Parks Plan;
x.
Ensure trails and trail linkages are not negatively impacted by new development;
xi.
Encourage joint use of park and recreation facilities at school sites by the public;
xii.
Consider improvements to existing park facilities prior to developing new parks; and
xiii.
Create a trail system along the proposed dyke system on the southern waterfront of the
North Saskatchewan River.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Policies:
i.
Protect all regionally, provincially, and federally significant habitat;
ii.
Do not permit any human development into areas deemed locally, provincially or federally
recognized environmentally sensitive areas (this includes removing existing and
prohibiting new trails);
iii.
Establish a 30 metre riparian area buffer around all rivers, creeks and significant
waterbodies;
iv.
Do not permit built structures within a riparian area buffer or floodplain;
v.
Protect all large stands of existing native landscape (forest, grassland, shrubland, etc.);
vi.
Protect existing sloughs/wetlands in new development by incorporating stormwater
management design in new neighbourhoods;
vii.
Require a development permit approval for all development on slopes over 10%; and
53
viii.
Do not permit development on slopes over 25%.
6.7.1 PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
Parks and open space land use allows for recreational opportunities within the city. Parks
may be large, serving the whole city, medium sized community parks, or small
neighbourhood parks and playgrounds. Walking and cycling connections should be the
primary method of transportation with public transit servicing city wide parks. Parks are
more formal recreational areas, such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, skate parks,
etc. Open spaces are less formal areas such as open fields, walking and cycling paths,
etc.
6.7.2 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Environmentally sensitive land use is intended to protect areas of significant
environmental importance. These areas are to be preserved for either environmental or
safety reasons. ESAs should be kept in as natural a state as possible with limited
constructed features allowed in these areas. Permitted features include paved and
unpaved trails, and interpretive materials. Archaeologically sensitive sites form the
backbone of undisturbed sites and need to be recognized in any future development
intrusions.
Maintaining the natural landscape and species is a key goal in this land use area. Steep
slopes are considered to be greater than 25% slope and moderate slopes are considered
to be between 10-25%.
6.8
URBAN EXPANSION AREAS AND FUTURE GROWTH
Urban Expansion Areas - includes areas of vacant or low density lands, generally on large lots,
which are outside of the urban service area, suitable for future municipal expansion and
development which have suggested land uses associated with them and levels of service that
permit extensions of services (refer to the Infrastructure section-Section 8).
Future Growth Areas - includes areas vacant or low density lands, generally on large lots, which
are outside of the urban service area, suitable for future municipal expansion and development
consistent with general residential land uses, suitably buffered from other uses.
Future Growth
Policies:
i.
Apply Future Growth Policies to lands designated as Future Growth on Schedule 16.1.1
and 16.1.2;
ii.
Promote infill developments with mixed uses and a range of housing options in a scale
that is compatible with the neighbourhood;
iii.
Work with the rural municipalities to develop future growth areas outside of the City of
Prince Albert's municipal boundaries;
54
iv.
Ensure future growth is consistent with the strategies for the urban service area levels of
service;
v.
Encourage public participation in determining the best use of future growth areas;
vi.
Incorporate smart growth principles in site development; and
vii.
Assign other land use designations as development potential is confirmed.
6.8.1 URBAN EXPANSION RESIDENTIAL
Urban expansion residential land use allows for the future residential expansion outside
of current municipal boundaries. Urban expansion residential can include both low density
and medium density residential land uses.
6.8.2 URBAN EXPANSION NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL MIXED USE
Urban expansion neighbourhood mixed use allows for the future neighbourhood mixed
use/node expansion outside of current municipal boundaries. Urban expansion
neighbourhood mixed use will consist of neighbourhood mixed use land uses.
6.8.3 URBAN EXPANSION HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL
Urban expansion highway commercial use allows for the future highway commercial
expansion outside of current municipal boundaries. Urban expansion highway commercial
will consist of highway commercial use land uses.
6.8.4 URBAN EXPANSION LIGHT AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIAL
Urban expansion light and medium industrial use allows for the future industrial expansion
outside of current municipal boundaries. Urban expansion neighbourhood mixed use will
consist of light and medium industrial land uses.
6.8.5 FUTURE GROWTH
Future growth areas consist of vacant or underdeveloped lands inside or outside of city
boundaries, generally on large lots, which hold potential for development within an area
that is fairly consistent with the existing development pattern. This designation includes
infill development supported by available City services. The City wishes to reserve
designation of the land until a secondary plan or a development proposal incorporates the
full potential of the site.
55
6.9
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
6.9.1 OVERVIEW
The Downtown is defined as the area bounded on the north by the North Saskatchewan
River, on the west by the westerly block face of 2nd Avenue West, on the south by the
south block face of 15th Street West and on the east by 2nd Avenue East. The surrounding
neighbourhoods include: Midtown, West Flat, West Hill and East Hill.
The key element for the Downtown to continue as a prominent retail and commercial
location is the need to create more of a "twenty-four hour" presence. Substantially
increasing the residential base within Downtown and positioning it as a product different
from competing retail centres could achieve this goal. The residential stock could include
upper floor, loft style units. Vacant or underutilized properties and buildings represent
potentially viable untapped resources for revitalization and redevelopment, as well as
prime opportunities to expand and diversify the housing stock.
Prince Albert residents have identified a number of objectives for the Downtown as a
whole, many of which are complementary. For example, the enhancement of the public
environment supports the attainment of other objectives for the Downtown, such as
increasing the residential population, and encouraging greater cultural, commercial and
retail activity. As well, "theming" of the Downtown was considered to be of importance to
residents as well.
Encouraging infill housing in the Downtown is a major goal that has implications for the
social and economic function of the city. Downtown housing provides the critical mass or
customer base needed to support strong local retail and commercial activities that would
in turn attract more people to the Downtown. Establishment of a strong residential
population base can also increase the safety of Downtown streets and public spaces by
providing more "eyes on the street". Ground level units would remain residential as per
the Downtown Strategic Plan, 2003.
The concentration and accessibility of Downtown amenities, and the freedom from
house and yard maintenance, offers a unique quality of life attractive to singles, families
without young children, seniors, empty nesters and others who may not want the
responsibilities of a single-unit dwelling or home ownership. Many Downtown advocates
in North America have projected a continued demand for senior housing projects in urban
centres as the "baby-boom" generation approaches retirement and transitions in the
"empty nester" category. Senior housing developments in the Downtown are already
benefiting from this.
In order for the Downtown to retain its identity as a consumer attraction, future
development should endeavor to reinforce, conserve and enhance the Downtown as a
retail, financial, professional and personal service centre in Prince Albert. In addition to
containing niche markets, specialty shops, and a myriad of services, the Downtown should
also accommodate larger anchor stores and entertainment facilities. Such development
would complement higher density residential and government buildings that would result
in greater use of the Downtown. The intent is to ensure the survival, upgrade and
enhancement of the Downtown as a main economic centre of the city.
56
The city has been fortunate to have many anchors in the Downtown including government
buildings such as City Hall, the Provincial Court House, the Forestry Centre, the E.A.
Rawlinson Centre, major banking institutions, a library, the Museum, the Art Centre and
many multi-use office buildings (e.g. the McIntosh Building and the Gateway Mall) that
provide the critical mass to attract additional commercial investment in the Downtown.
Meeting this challenge requires City officials, developers, and businesses to explore
creative options in terms of land assembly, marketing, redevelopment and strategic mixed
use initiatives.
Public investment in civic buildings, including historic structures, can also be a vital factor
in the revitalization and redevelopment of the Downtown. The placement of public and
civic buildings demonstrates the government's development priorities and sends a
message to developers, investors and the rest of the community that the Downtown is a
desirable investment opportunity. Drawing inspiration from the past through development
of a themed approach to Downtown planning will further create a vibrant investment
opportunity. To date, the City has continued to support the downtown by concentrating
essential government services in the Downtown and through its Downtown Business
Improvement District Association (PADIDA), several ongoing revitalization efforts are
taking place. Not only does the placement of public buildings determine the residents'
accessibility to such services, but it serves to increase the critical mass of the Downtown
area and also acts as a catalyst for further economic development.
6.9.2 DOWNTOWN MIXED USE
Downtown mixed use allows for high density residential and office space with ground floor
or multi-storey commercial. The purpose of this land use is to allow for small scale
(typically locally owned) businesses to provide the main local commercial services to the
entire city. The combination of office and residential space above the ground floor is
intended to bring more people downtown and safely animate the area 24 hours a day.
The downtown mixed use area consists of higher density mixed use buildings that
accommodate commercial and residential units. It has a tight network of streets, with wide
sidewalks, street furniture, lighting fixtures, steady street tree planting and buildings set
close to the sidewalks.
This area has a high level of habitat fragmentation and human presence that minimizes
potential wildlife conflict. This landscape has the smallest per capita impact on the natural
landscape. Green roofs and landscaping should have a positive contribution to the
diversity of smaller species including birds and insects. Natural wildlife diversity gives way
to places and spaces that create and enhance cultural diversity.
Goal:
Maintain the Downtown as a centre of city and regional economic activities - retail,
financial, administrative, cultural and commercial. Future development in the Downtown
shall reinforce, conserve and enhance this function. Other land uses such as high density
residential or government buildings, which complement the function of the area and which
result in greater use of the Downtown area, shall be encouraged.
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Policies:
i.
Promote mixed uses in the Downtown including office, retail, hotels, housing,
culture, entertainment and recreation.
Goal:
Continue to control horizontal expansion of the Downtown while its redevelopment at
higher densities is encouraged (where applicable). The purpose of the goal is to
concentrate commercial development in a defined area and to protect established
neighbourhoods such as Midtown and West Flat from commercial encroachment.
Policies:
i.
Ensure expansion of the Downtown into the residential area to the east of the
Downtown is limited and undue encroachment is prevented. Expansion of the
Downtown may proceed in an orderly and contiguous manner as far as 2nd
Avenue East.
ii.
Improve 13th Street East as a connector between the Downtown and the
Cornerstone Mall with minimal impact on the residential area; and
iii.
Improve transit connectivity between the Downtown and the Cornerstone Mall.
Goal:
Ensure the continued development of a vibrant and active Downtown with unique and
attractive residential districts and diverse entertainment, recreation and cultural
opportunities.
Policies:
i.
Address issues such as streetscape improvements, vehicle and pedestrian
circulation, and renovation, redevelopment/conservation of older structures
where appropriate in the Downtown;
ii.
Develop urban design guidelines appropriate to the Downtown environment with
respect to the location, function, scale and exterior finishing of new buildings to
ensure that they are compatible with existing development; and
iii.
Support active and vital riverfront development that would enhance the Downtown,
reinforce the historical significance of the riverfront, and acts as a catalyst for
resident and tourist attractions.
Goal:
Enhance and improve the role of Central Avenue as Prince Albert's Main Street.
Policies:
i.
Reinforce the historic significance of Central Avenue and adjacent corridors
through the encouragement of the preservation of older and historic buildings;
58
ii.
Revitalize Central Avenue by promoting continuous complementary retail and
service uses at ground floor level and conversion of upper floor spaces to housing
and other uses; and
iii.
Promote diversity of uses such as theatres, restaurants and pubs that would
animate the Downtown without unduly interfering with the residential use after
normal working hours.
Goal:
Reinforce the role of City Hall, the Arts Centre and the Forestry Centre as the
Downtown's civic centre.
Policies:
i.
Improve the public environment and accessibility by concentrating civic buildings,
offices and public spaces to provide a civic focal point for the Downtown;
ii.
Ensure attractive pedestrian linkages through streetscape improvements along
11th Street West (Civic Esplanade) to connect City Hall, the Arts Centre and the
Forestry Centre to the E.A. Rawlinson Centre and the Provincial Courthouse; and
iii.
Create special lighting for City Hall, the Arts Centre and the Forestry Centre to
highlight their architecture and provide safe, ambient lighting for pedestrians.
Goal:
Continue to promote the Downtown as a potential tourism destination area and
accommodate future tourism development opportunities.
Policies:
i.
Support historic preservation and tourism efforts such as events and activities that
showcase local history of Prince Albert and Aboriginal people with guided or self-
guided tours of Downtown's historic buildings and sites in the Downtown; and
ii.
Encourage a highly animated, mixed use district focusing on the North
Saskatchewan riverfront, historic River Street and the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.
Goal:
Enhance pedestrian and vehicular environment on 2nd Avenue West and address the
importance of this corridor as a major entranceway into the heart of the city.
Policies:
i.
Identify and recognize the importance of hard and soft landscape features within
the pedestrian environment that would provide a more memorable and distinct
Downtown experience; and
ii.
Identify and provide measures to improve public safety, including street and
pedestrian lighting, accessibility ramps and clearly defined pedestrian crosswalks.
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Goal:
Promote housing development in the Downtown.
Policies:
i.
Support a variety of housing choices for a range of ages and income groups;
ii.
Encourage mixed use development where appropriate that integrates residential,
retail, service businesses, and institutions needed by Downtown residents; and
iii.
Support infilling of vacant or underutilized land where feasible and consistent with
the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw.
Goal:
Promote a business friendly environment that fosters a diverse and strong local
economy that supports existing businesses and promotes new business. Successful
Downtown development requires the involvement of many private, public and non-profit
groups and individuals, who foster and build community support for achieving the vision.
Policies:
i.
Encourage business associations to participate in the revitalization strategies and
additional investment in the Downtown; and
ii.
Review the existing Zoning Bylaw with the intention of facilitating the
development review process of applications in the Downtown. Reduce the number
of discretionary uses while establishing clear standards and guidelines for
development that would fit within the Downtown.
Goal:
Implement recommendations regarding parking from the Downtown Strategic Plan, 2003.
Policies:
i.
Restrict the development of parking lots and parking lot access to side streets off
Central Avenue; and
ii.
Review the parking meter supply and rates in the Downtown on a regular basis
with a view to meeting Downtown parking demands.
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6.10
SCENIC CORRIDORS
6.10.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the scenic corridor designation is to guide development along the major
access routes into the City of Prince Albert and to ensure that they create a sense of arrival
and present an attractive, desirable travel corridor to the downtown.
6.10.2 DESIGNATION
Direct control districts can be designated under Section 63 of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007 (see Appendix 17.7).
6.10.3 AREA
The Scenic Corridors apply to Highway 2/11 and 2nd Avenue West, entering the city from
the south and north, Highway 3/6th Avenue East, entering the city from the south, and
Highway 302/15th Street entering the city from the east and west.
6.10.4 BACKGROUND
Highways 2 and 11 merge south of Prince Albert and eventually become 2nd Avenue West
through the city before continuing north as Highway 2. This is the main travel corridor into
Prince Albert and brings numerous people every year right past the downtown core. Prince
Albert is seen as the gateway to northern Saskatchewan, with many of the most heavily
travelled highways from the north running directly into Prince Albert via Highway 2. This
means that the Highway 2 corridor is the most visible and memorable experience for the
travelling public. It also means that Highway 2/2nd Avenue West should be the primary and
first scenic corridor to implement improved streetscaping, as it will have the biggest
impact.
Highway 3/6th Avenue East is another important scenic corridor that enters the city from
the southeast. This corridor brings visitors and travelers from Regina and beyond directly
to the Cornerstone shopping area. For travelers looking to continue north, 6th Avenue East
connects with 15th Street East, which passes directly by the downtown core to 2nd Street
West/Highway 2. Enhancing 6th Avenue East could bring increased visitors downtown by
drawing people in through the Midtown neighbourhood.
The other important scenic corridor in Prince Albert is the Highway 302/15th Street corridor
that enters the city primarily from the east, but does continue through the city to the west.
15th Street East is where the Cornerstone shopping area is located. With room to expand
and wide relatively unwalkable streets, the implementation of scenic corridors along this
route would help improve the look and experience for many travelers along this corridor,
as well as make the area more walkable, bikeable and enjoyable for residents.
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6.10.5 POLICIES
All works within the area shall require a development permit. All development permits shall
comply with the following policies:
i.
Parking areas should not be located at the front of buildings. Underground parking
and parking/service areas at the rear of buildings are strongly encouraged;
ii.
Buildings should, at minimum, front onto the arterial road rather than towards the
interior of the lot. Buildings may front onto both arterial roads and parking areas.
Blank facades are not permitted along public roadways;
iii.
If buildings are placed along the front of a lot along the street, additional buildings
may be located at the back and sides of the lot with parking located between
buildings, but screened from the arterial roadway and surrounding neighbourhood;
iv.
Development should minimize impacts to surrounding land uses, particularly
existing single family residences. Use of shielded lighting, fencing, building
orientation, underground parking, building variation, open space and other
mechanisms is encouraged to maximize privacy and minimize adverse impacts;
v.
Sidewalks and/or pathways should be located between the front building façade
and the arterial road with wide right-of-ways. On narrower roads (2nd Avenue West,
6th Avenue East) bike lands are encouraged along roadways with sufficient
protection from traffic through boulevards, trees, or elevated lanes with bollards,
etc.;
vi.
Parking areas and service areas should be screened and landscaped.
Consideration should be given to ease pedestrian access as well as vehicular
access when designing parking areas;
vii.
Reducing asphalt and concrete is encouraged to reduce the urban heat island
effect and reduce the effect on storm water runoff. Green roofs, permeable paving
and landscaping of parking lots are encouraged;
viii.
Soft landscaping (trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers) are encouraged and
should be of species compatible with Prince Albert's climate conditions, existing
City maintained landscaping and the character of the existing features of the
streetscape in order to reinforce continuity of character;
ix.
Recycling and garbage bins should be screened from view;
x.
Storm water runoff should be treated on site; and
xi.
Given that these are high traffic areas for the travelling public, consider the needs
of the travelling public and include spaces that would make a memorable stop.
These would include places to walk pets, places to picnic or eat lunch, and places
for children to play safely. Having these areas designed into the scenic corridors
makes it more likely for people to stop and continue to stop in Prince Albert if they
know there are places where they can easily and safely meet their needs while on
the road.
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6.11
RIVERFRONT REVITALIZATION
6.11.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of the riverfront revitalization designation is to guide development along the
riverfront and encourage increased public use of the riverfront parks and trails system,
increase safety within the parks, and create an attractive tourist destination.
6.11.2 DESIGNATION
Direct control districts can be designated under Section 63 of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007 (see Appendix 17.7).
6.11.3 AREA
The riverfront revitalization applies to the West Flat, Downtown, Midtown and East Flat
neighbourhoods with a particular focus on the properties fronting onto the river and those
within close proximity (1 to 4 blocks) from the riverfront parks.
6.11.4 BACKGROUND
The riverfront park and trail system is one of Prince Albert's greatest assets. However, it
is underused and often seen as an unsafe place. There is noticeable drug use and other
illegal activities occurring in the park, particularly after business hours.
The entire park and some of the surrounding neighbourhoods are within both the 100 and
500 year floodplains. Dyking the riverbank would protect neighbourhoods from flooding
and create opportunities to create a new riverfront pathway along the top of the dyke.
However, a 2 metre dyke would cut off sightlines of the river.
Currently, the park is connected by the Rotary Trail, which, when completed, will create a
continuous loop trail around Prince Albert. However, there are very few other trail
connections to the park system, therefore, the entire parks system is either fed at the west
or eastern edge, or it requires driving and parking close to the park and its facilities.
Land use strategies can help to increase the level of safety, tastefully increase density
and the variety of uses along the riverfront to promote increased "eyes on the street",
incorporate CPTED principles, and encourage increased use of the parks system
throughout the day.
Some key principles to help improve the riverfront parks system include:
-
Provide more "eyes on the street";
-
Create destinations (commercial, recreational, cultural, etc.) along the riverfront to
encourage more people to use the parks system;
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-
Link the riverfront parks and trails to other trail systems to allow for shorter loop
trips to encourage more people to use the park without having to commit to a long
loop; and
-
Create a sense of public space rather than having areas feel like private space.
6.11.5 POLICIES
i.
All works within the area shall require a development permit. All development
permits shall comply with the following policies:
ii.
Create a well-designed, well-lit pathway along the riverfront with the construction
of dykes for flood safety;
iii.
Encourage medium density development to front onto the riverfront to provide
more "eyes on the street" and create a more continuous wall of façade to help
frame the park boundaries;
iv.
Allow for neighbourhood mixed use development such as restaurants, pubs and
coffee shops with residential on upper floors to provide another destination and
amenity for parks and trail users;
v.
Encourage public and cultural facilities to be located along the riverfront;
vi.
Diversify the parks uses by implementing the 20 Year Master Plan for the River
Valley Park;
vii.
Diversify the park by creating different types of parks throughout the whole system.
For instance, a formal public space, paved with benches, trees, lighting and a small
commercial component or a senior's exercise area, will attract different types of
users than doing more of the same.
viii.
Create more bicycle routes along arterials throughout the city to provide more
north-south connections to the park; and
ix.
Do not allow high-rise apartments to front along the riverfront and create a "sense
of private ownership", but rather step buildings down towards the river with taller
buildings being located 3 or 4 blocks back from the riverfront.
6.12
URBAN RESERVES
First Nations purchase land in Prince Albert to create new reserves or add to existing reserves
through two processes: the Federal Government's additions to Reserves Policy for specific claims
(which began in the 1970s) and the Canada-Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE)
Framework Agreement for TLE claims (signed in 1992).
It will be important for future city strategic planning to build and strengthen relationships and
explore partnership opportunities with the Aboriginal community.
Before an urban reserve is created, the City signs municipal services, land use compatibility and
protocol agreements. The City's agreements with First Nations provide for all municipal services
(police, fire, snow removal, water/sewer) in exchange for a fee-for-service. The fee-for-service is
64
calculated in the same way as property taxes and is equal to the amount that would be billed for
municipal and library taxes.
First Nations enter into separate agreements with the school boards for the education portion of
the standard property tax levy. First Nations ensure through their bylaws and leases that urban
reserves have the same compatible land use, zoning standards, building standards and business
regulations as those on surrounding properties.
Goal:
Assist First Nations with the land development process and offer services and information
regarding City planning and land development.
Policies:
i.
Create a First Nations Urban Reserve Communication Strategy;
ii.
Continue to improve and create partnerships with existing organizations;
iii.
Ensure compatible and robust land use patterns consistent with neighborhoods and
services; and
iv.
Mutually plan internal and external infrastructure to ensure consistency with smart growth,
and economic initiatives.
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SECTION SEVEN: TRANSPORTATION
7.1
OVERVIEW
A transportation system involves means of moving people and products around. This includes
road, rail, air, water and active transportation (pedestrian, cycling, etc.). To become a regional
hub of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert must work to integrate its transportation system with that of
the region. On a local scale, Prince Albert's transportation system should be safe, effective,
efficient and equitable for its citizens. A transportation system supports the economy and
contributes to quality of life in both the social and environmental aspects.
Goal:
Promote a land use pattern that will enhance the safety, efficiency, effectiveness and equitability
of the transportation system.
Policies:
i.
Coordinate land use and transportation planning and consider the costs of transportation
infrastructure in development decisions;
ii.
Aim for an appropriate mix of housing, employment and transportation land use that
enhances the efficiency, effectiveness and equitability of the transportation system;
iii.
Encourage a compact form to create the critical mass necessary for alternative forms of
transportation and to reduce the need for extensions to the transportation system;
iv.
Work with appropriate senior levels of government departments to manage access control
along urban connectors to improve safety for both urban traffic and highway bound traffic;
v.
Integrate alternative forms of transportation with private vehicle use into new
neighbourhood designs and site plans;
vi.
Wherever the need for new transportation corridors or river crossings are demonstrated,
carefully consider the timing and cost through appropriate studies in coordination with
other levels of government; and
vii.
Ensure good connections to the regional transportation network to attract industrial and
commercial development that would be supportive of the rail system.
7.2
HIGHWAY AND TRUCK ROUTES
Prince Albert is located at the centre of four provincial highways - Highway 2 north and south,
and Highway 3 west and southeast. The City is known as the "Gateway to the North," mainly
because it acts as a service centre to Northern Saskatchewan. Prince Albert has several "urban
connectors", which are roads that connect municipal roads to provincial highways. These include
6th Avenue East, 2nd Avenue West, Marquis Road, 28th Street East and West, and 15th Street East
and West. Access management control is an important aspect of urban connectors because it
helps ensure safety and efficiency. Access management control is the practice of ensuring
transportation safety, speed and capacity while allowing access to development. It could involve
limiting intersections and driveways or using medians to control turning.
66
Heavy traffic in residential and institutional areas should be prevented. This can and is
accomplished through a truck route system established by the municipal traffic bylaw. It can also
be accomplished through design features such as the use of median strips.
Goal:
Heavy traffic in residential and institutional areas should be prevented.
Policies:
i.
Ensure heavy traffic in residential and institutional areas is prevented through municipal
bylaw and through design features such as the use of median strips; and
ii.
Ensure access management control along urban highway connectors to improve safety
for both urban traffic and highway bound traffic.
7.3
ARTERIAL STREET NETWORK
Currently, the city's arterial street network is based on a hierarchy of arterials, collectors and local
streets. The objective of the street network is to accommodate all traffic movements within the
city as well as traffic utilizing major access and through routes. The arterial street network was
defined in the 1977 Prince Albert Transportation Plan to accommodate traffic generated by the
anticipated land use development to the Target Year. The network was developed based on a
target year population of 50,000. It is recognized that the Prince Albert Transportation Plan should
be updated and a 50-Year Transportation Plan is intended and will take place in 2016.
In preparation, The Saskatchewan Department of Highways and Transportation in cooperation
with the City of Prince Albert, the R.M. of Buckland and the R.M. of Prince Albert, conducted a
study called the Prince Albert Area Transportation Planning Study, 2008. The study allows for the
strategic planning of improvements to the transportation system as well as for the planning of
future growth areas within and adjacent to the city. The study examined future roadway alignment
requirements and infrastructure improvements.
The study found that the 2nd Avenue West, 6th Avenue East and 15th Street corridors have
experienced significant growth primarily because of the Cornerstone development. Consequently,
intersections along this corridor are operating at near capacity levels and improvements are
considered necessary. There are also more trucks traveling through the city and truck safety,
dangerous goods movement and economic development should be considered in forming the 50-
Year Transportation Plan. There seems to be no consensus with respect to a new river crossing.
However, there is a preference for a crossing to be east of the Diefenbaker Bridge.
The study also revealed that without transportation network improvements, the 50-year forecast
transport volumes are expected to cause unacceptable intersection delays and congestion along
key corridors.
To date, construction and upgrading of the arterial and collector network to serve the southwest
residential expansion area has begun. The West Hill Master Plan, 1999 outlined a long-term
roadway network compatible with the City of Prince Albert's 2008 Transportation Plan.
The West Hill Master Plan, 1999 shows the transportation network planned for the West Hill area.
The major arterial network will comprise of the following:
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1.
the upgrading of 28th Street West to 10th Avenue West and its extension to 16th Avenue
West;
2.
the extension of Marquis Road West to 16th Avenue West;
3.
the extension of 16th Avenue West from the CN rail line to the south limit of the Plan area;
and
4.
the existing 10th Avenue West to 28th Street West.
The major collector network will comprise of the following elements:
1.
the extension of 10th Avenue West from 28th Street West to Marquis Road West;
2.
the extension of 28th Street West and Marquis Road West from 16th Avenue West to 24th
Avenue West to the west limit of the Plan area; and
3.
the development of 24th Avenue West from 28th Street West south to the south limit of the
Plan area.
The major arterial/collector network will form a grid pattern at a spacing of 700 metres to 1000
metres.
Goal:
Facilitate traffic movements within the city as well as traffic utilizing major access and through
routes through strategic transportation planning.
Policies:
i.
Continue to develop and update, when necessary or on a regular basis, the hierarchical
street network to facilitate orderly and safe movement of traffic through and within the city;
ii.
Work with senior levels of government to align the regional and local transportation
network;
iii.
Update the City's Transportation Plan:
a.
Review arterial/collector system with special attention to reviewing Central
Avenue's role in the system; and
b.
Develop design standards for the arterial street network;
iv.
Ensure street layout of future development areas are integrated with existing city street
networks;
v.
Explore the introduction of the elements of the "fused grid" concept during the
development of concept plans;
vi.
Ensure ongoing monitoring of traffic volumes and operations along 2nd Avenue West and
6th Avenue East to maintain functionality of key roadways as recommended in the Prince
Albert Area Transportation Planning Study, 2008; and
vii.
Consider the requirement of traffic impact studies for future residential, commercial, and
industrial development as recommended in the Prince Albert Area Transportation
Planning Study, 2008.
7.4
PUBLIC TRANSIT
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Public transit can enhance the efficiency of a transportation system by taking more cars off the
road. Public transit may also help reduce air emissions contributing to a more sustainable city.
Transit also plays an important role in the city's economy by moving people between home, work
and other service needs. The City should strategically focus on areas where there is potential to
attract new ridership to public transit, namely, to, from, and within the Downtown, along major
arterials, in and around hub areas, and to and from major areas of employment, education, health
care and shopping would be beneficial.
Public transit is important for providing people with transportation choices. Public transit also helps
to fulfill social equity goals by increasing mobility for transportation - disadvantaged people such
as the physically challenged, elderly, youth and students and low-income groups.
The current public transit system operates on a "loop-shuttle" system, utilizing 6 routes, which
was one of the recommendations of the 1977 Prince Albert Transportation Study. These routes
provide more service to all areas of the city and include those areas that were not covered
previously. The system is reviewed on an annual basis to determine the performance of the
routes.
Goal:
The City shall promote its public transit system as a sustainable form of transportation that
provides choice.
Policies:
i.
Market the City's public transit system through media advertising to encourage use of
public transit. Advertising might include hours of operation, fare, routes, etc.;
ii.
Extend the transit route areas where demand is present;
iii.
Review the performance of the public transit system periodically with a view toward
ensuring that routes and services are commensurate with demand by:
a.
taking passenger boarding counts at each stop on each route to assess the need
for each stop and the need for others;
b.
reviewing customer and bus driver complaints;
c.
Seek assistance from senior levels of government wherever possible; and
d.
Continue to support special needs and seniors transit.
7.5
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Active transportation is any form of human powered transportation, whether it be walking, cycling,
inline skating, skateboarding, etc. Several important issues can be addressed by using active
transportation more often:
-
our health and safety;
-
the health of our environment; and
-
the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.
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With six in ten Canadians not physically active enough to achieve the full health benefits,
sedentary living is a significant issue today. Transportation is having a dramatic impact on the
environment. The City has made steps towards achieving a healthier lifestyle with the
development of the Rotary Trail. There are some factors that are within the City's control when it
comes to air pollution, which include:
-
automobile use;
-
pattern and intensity of land use;
-
access to transit; and
-
pedestrian/cycling environments.
The City can try to reduce greenhouse gases by facilitating mobility choice and using land wisely.
If active transportation is encouraged and taken into consideration in the city's development, the
City will be able to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases it produces as people choose to
leave their vehicles at home. Active transportation is good for the health of the planet, city,
neighbourhood and individuals and should therefore take an important role in the city's
development.
Goal:
Ensure a neighbourhood design that provides a layout amenable to active transportation.
Policies:
i.
Ensure street layouts that combine the benefits of the grid and curvilinear system to create
a pedestrian friendly environment in new and existing neighbourhoods;
ii.
Support and employ traffic calming principles such as crosswalks in the design of
neighbourhood streets to ensure that interior street systems are designed to slow traffic
down and reduce the risk of traffic accidents and promote pedestrian safety;
iii.
Support integrated and connected pedestrian street layouts by:
a.
Incorporating "healthy" neighbourhood designs that promote walking, biking,
rollerblading, etc. for health reasons and sociability and reduce negative impacts
on natural environment;
b.
Discouraging the use of lanes in new neighbourhoods except where they are
designed according to CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
principles and are cost effective to maintain; and
c.
Providing sidewalks, lighting, safety measures and street maintenance to existing
communities where pedestrian activity and demand for public transit is highest.
iv.
Encourage walking by including the pedestrian environment as a design element in all
land uses and plans;
v.
Provide complete street design and construction strategies as outlined in Appendix 17.5;
vi.
Ensure active transportation modes are implemented into future development and design
through the construction of green space, pathways, sidewalks and barrier-free walkways;
and
vii.
Encourage neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices (i.e.
appropriate densities, mixed land uses that encourage alternative transportation modes).
70
Goal:
Increase the proportion of people using alternative transportation modes.
Policies:
i.
Ensure the provision of a safe, direct, continuous and barrier-free pedestrian environment
for all existing, expanded and new developments regardless of the type of land use or
intensity of development;
ii.
Facilitate access to active transportation for seniors and the mobility impaired using
measures such as curb cuts, audible traffic signals, etc.; and
iii.
Provide safe convenient pedestrian routes to bus stops and the Downtown.
7.6
WALKWAYS
Goal:
Ensure safe walkways and pathways that are well integrated into the street network to
accommodate and promote non-vehicular modes of transportation to community amenities within
the neighbourhood through the use of walkway linkages. Safe walkways help provide a route for
alternate transportation modes such as biking, walking and rollerblading.
Policies:
i.
Employ CPTED in the design of new walkways, and where applicable, incorporate into
existing walkways to avoid creation of areas hidden from view and isolated spaces, as
well as provide clear sightlines, sufficient lighting and promote natural surveillance;
ii.
Consider collaborating with community initiatives designed to make walkways safe; and
iii.
Promote urban design principles that encourage walkability through ensuring the provision
of functional and attractive pedestrian linkages between adjacent neighbourhoods and the
existing trail systems.
Goal:
Encourage and support the establishment of a safe, convenient and pleasant system of paths
and routes to accommodate active transportation.
Policies:
i.
Ensure the use of traffic calming safety measures such as crosswalks implemented
throughout the City particularly in areas of high traffic volume;
ii.
Integrate the Rotary Trail within the pathway system for cyclists, rollerblading and walking
and support the development and use of multipurpose trails;
iii.
Collaborate with other levels of government and community organizations, which are
working toward promoting alternative transportation modes in the city;
71
iv.
Seek and utilize funding sources such as sustainable communities grants to implement
initiatives and projects; and
v.
Encourage and support safe and convenient bicycling path and routes to accommodate
those for whom cycling is a necessary mode of transport to school, and/or work and to
accommodate recreational cyclists by:
a.
Designating bicycle routes along streets that bear low volumes of vehicular traffic;
b.
Providing lanes for bicycle traffic on existing and new bridges;
c.
Providing separate bicycle paths in park areas and along the boulevards of arterial
and collector streets where feasible, economical and safe; and
d.
Designating sidewalks on one side of a street for bicycle traffic in cases where
there is no inconvenience to pedestrians. Technical matters such as route
selection, signing, surfacing, regulation, lighting and other matters will be under
the purview of the Community Services Department.
7.7
PARKING
Goal:
Ensure that adequate parking facilities are provided throughout the city, including the appropriate
location and design of parking facilities as part of an efficient and functional transportation system.
Policies:
i.
In general, developments shall provide adequate off-street parking. The Zoning Bylaw
shall contain appropriate parking standards for all forms of development including suitable
bonusing and transportation demand management alternatives;
ii.
The Zoning Bylaw shall contain standards addressing the design of parking areas; and
iii.
Required parking spaces shall normally be placed on the same site as the proposed
development.
7.8
RAILWAY RELOCATION
An ultimate rail relocation concept is presented in the Prince Albert Rail Relocation Study, 1976.
Should there ever be funding available and only under appropriate circumstances, the result of
implementing the concept in its entirety would be to remove all rail lines from the developed area
except one possibly required for passenger service, and all rail yards from the developed part of
the city, thus releasing large areas of land for redevelopment, eliminating traffic bottlenecks,
reintegrating residential neighbourhoods and avoiding costly grade separations.
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Because of the costs involved and because of the number of agencies involved, it is anticipated
that relocation would be a long-term project. Consultation would also need to take place with the
interested stakeholders. The 1976 study could be revisited to incorporate any new needs or
demands.
The 1987 Policy Plan contains a policy to establish a multi-modal transportation facility in the
event of rail passenger service being reinstated. The Policy Plan also encouraged the location of
integrated transportation facilities close to Downtown. However, this was not feasible at the time
and has not materialized. It is recognized that reinstatement of rail passenger service is a
possibility. This concept could be updated in light of new needs or demands.
Goal:
In conjunction with the railways, the City shall endeavor to ensure that railway lands are utilized
in a manner that is consistent with the intent of this Plan. In conjunction, the City shall attempt to
reach a consensus respecting the abandonment of redundant or mutually undesirable rail lines
and conversion to a mixed use corridor. Land released through such a consensus shall be
subjected to the provisions of this Plan.
Policies:
i.
Consider updating the Prince Albert Rail Relocation Study.
7.9
PRINCE ALBERT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
The Prince Albert Municipal Airport was operated by the Federal Government until 1996, when
ownership and operation was transferred to the City of Prince Albert. The Federal Ministry of
Transport regulates zoning of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport. In accordance with the Prince
Albert Municipal Airport Zoning Regulations, land uses within the vicinity of the Prince Albert
Municipal Airport must be of a certain height as to be compatible with airport operations.
The Federal Government also determines the critical Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF), within
which the City restricts noise sensitive development. According to the document Aviation Land
Use in the Vicinity of Airports (Transport Canada, 2005), NEFs are available to municipalities
along with Transport Canada's recommended Land Use Tables describing acceptable levels of
noise for various types of land uses in a NEF zone.
Goal:
Protect the land adjacent to the Prince Albert Municipal Airport from any adverse impacts from
operations of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport and protect the operations of the Prince Albert
Municipal Airport from incompatible uses and structures.
Policies:
i.
The City of Prince Albert will ensure that incompatible land uses are not developed in the
vicinity of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport, which could be affected by the Prince Albert
Municipal Airport operations or pose a hazard to the safe operation of the Prince Albert
Municipal Airport. Implementation will be through the Zoning Bylaw, which will define
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specific zones adjacent to the Prince Albert Municipal Airport outlining uses permitted in
these areas according to guidelines established by the Federal Ministry of Transport;
ii.
Prepare a Prince Albert Municipal Airport study that recommends how to implement Prince
Albert Municipal Airport Zoning Regulations through the Zoning Bylaw with a map;
iii.
New principal residential uses shall not take place on land which lies within the critical
Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) contour for current and planned patterns of airport runway
development and operated as determined by the Federal Ministry of Transport. Upon
completion of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport study, the City may consider seeking
assistance from Federal Ministry of Transport to produce an updated NEF contour for the
City of Prince Albert, if deemed necessary, and will work to implement it according to
Transport Canada's Land Use Tables and ratings; and
iv.
Land use in the vicinity of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport shall be of such height as to
be compatible with Prince Albert Municipal Airport operations at present and in the future.
Appropriate uses for Airport Industrial land compatible with anticipated noise levels and
other technical constraints related to the safe and convenient operation of the Prince
Albert Municipal Airport will be supported. Before any major industrial development takes
place in the vicinity of the Prince Albert Municipal Airport, a land use study (e.g. Concept
Plan) shall be conducted addressing the following types of issues (refer to section on
Healthy Economy and Relationships with other Regional Stakeholders for further details):
-
Access;
-
Servicing;
-
Land Use;
-
Noise Levels; and
-
Prince Albert Municipal Airport Zoning Regulations, etc.
Goal:
Facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods by air within the region.
Policies:
i.
Support initiatives to improve transportation linkages between the Prince Albert Municipal
Airport and adjacent regions; and
ii.
Collaborate with all levels of government and industry partners to identify opportunities for
improvements to the Prince Albert Municipal Airport.
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SECTION EIGHT: MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AND SERVICES/INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1
OVERVIEW
Residential, commercial and industrial growth often results in an increased demand for municipal
services and infrastructure. This includes firefighting, police and emergency response; water,
sewer and garbage collection; street construction, repair and cleaning; transit; high speed
internet; and recreation and parks programs and services. As already emphasized in this Plan,
all of the goals in the different sections support each other and should be implemented together
to achieve the overall vision. A key focus of the City of Prince Albert 2007 Strategic Plan is to
"...identify needs, evaluate solutions, and plan long-term sustainable strategies for improved
infrastructure performance at the best available cost with the least environmental impact" and the
2014 City Strategic Plan states, "The City will create infrastructure that supports growth while
planning for continuous improvement".
The provision of infrastructure and services ensures a vibrant and secure community. Municipal
services and infrastructure influence public health and safety through the provision of:
-
safe drinking water;
-
safe roadways and bridge;
-
proper solid and liquid waste disposal and collection; and
-
high speed internet and/or public WiFi.
These programs and facilities are paid for by developers through development levies (section 169
of The Planning and Development Act, 2007) and the taxpayer either through tax dollars or direct
user fees. The City shall continue to find ways to keep those costs reasonable. Regional
cooperation in the delivery of some municipal services has potential to reduce costs and improve
services to residents of the whole region.
All sections in this element will be updated when master plans are considered and adopted for
storm water, sanitary, water, transportation, and high speed internet.
Goal:
Invest in building and maintaining infrastructural facilities/services in a comprehensive,
sustainable and innovative manner. The subdivision and development of land shall not be
permitted without the provision of full services and utilities (public works) except in the Nordale
and Hazeldell areas and as specified otherwise in this Plan. These services shall include:
-
sanitary sewage disposal;
-
water supply; and
-
roadways.
These services may also include:
-
storm water management;
-
electrical power, natural gas, telephone, fiber, and cable television service; and
-
transit service.
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Policies:
i.
Complete an assessment (lifecycle) of the City's infrastructure, which identifies needs,
evaluates solutions, and prioritizes long-term sustainable strategies for improving
infrastructure and performance on existing and future land use;
ii.
Develop a Capital Improvement Plan for expenditures such as roads, highways, water
and sewer facilities and public buildings to be integrated with land use, financial and
corporate business plans;
iii.
Extend infrastructure and services to areas in Prince Albert in an orderly, logical,
efficient and cost effective manner consistent with this Plan;
iv.
Develop cost estimates that include capital and operating needs;
v.
Do not extend services outside the city without an annexation strategy, and do not
annex unless accompanied by a strategy for extending services and allocation costs;
vi.
Pursue when possible innovative technologies that minimize cost and environmental
impacts including "green" technologies like rain gardens, rain water retention, gray
water recycling, non-potable water use for irrigation and storm water discharge organic
filtering;
vii.
Develop a high speed internet system with fiber and local access to WiFi;
viii.
Plan for infrastructure impacts from flood and other disasters through development
and recovery plans; and
ix.
Pursue when possible innovative technologies that minimize cost and environmental
impacts.
8.2
WATER
Saskatchewan and Prince Albert is fortunate to have plenty of fresh water. We rely on water for
everything from drinking to agriculture, industry and recreation. It is important to balance
consumption with supply. Rivers, creeks, sloughs, lakes and groundwater have ecological
functions within the entire region.
Conserving water helps preserve water quality and quantity and reduces costs linked to municipal
pumping and treatment. This increases funding available for infrastructure renewal or
replacement in other areas.
Prince Albert's drinking water comes from the North Saskatchewan River. We get our drinking
water from this source and we discharge our wastewater and storm water into it. However, water
supplies extend beyond our boundaries. The City is part of the North Saskatchewan River
Watershed and it is important to protect our source water in cooperation with other organizations
and government agencies. Prince Albertans receive water treated upstream that should meet
provincial requirements. However, we also have the responsibility to ensure that water flow
downstream meets provincial requirements as well.
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Goal:
Protect the City's water quality and supply.
Policies:
i.
Encourage water conservation through public education and other programs;
ii.
Maintain and upgrade the water treatment plant when necessary;
iii.
Require all developments to pay their share for the provision of water service through
development levies or local improvements;
iv.
Continue to extend water services to developing areas of Prince Albert in an orderly,
logical, efficient, and cost effective manner that is consistent with the Plan;
v.
Continue to maintain the water quality and capacity to meet the needs of Prince Albertan
residents, businesses and industries; and
vi.
Develop water conservation strategies through demand side policies and bylaws.
8.3
WASTEWATER
The J.W. Oliver Pollution Control Centre was constructed in 1972 to provide primary wastewater
treatment for the City of Prince Albert before discharging the water into the North Saskatchewan
River. The Pollution Control Centre was upgraded and operational in 2001 to achieve secondary
treatment. The performance of this plant far exceeds our expectations and easily meets the
Provincial standards for secondary effluent. The Pollution Control Centre has been designed in
such a way that tertiary treatment can be installed when required.
The construction of a new state of the art composting facility is slated to begin construction in the
near future. It will be capable of composting all sludge produced by the J.W. Oliver Pollution
Control Centre. The City manages flow through a sanitary sewer system, which is a conventional
gravity system.
Goal:
The City shall continue to provide wastewater management services and additional sewage
treatment when required by the Provincial Government.
Policies:
i.
Require all developments to pay their share for the provision of sanitary sewer service
through development levies or local improvements;
ii.
Continue to extend sanitary sewer services to developing areas of Prince Albert in an
orderly, logical, efficient, and cost-effective manner and that is consistent with the Plan
and urban service areas; and
iii.
Consider septage recycling, composting and fuel conversion levels of service.
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8.4
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Storm water management involves managing the quantity and quality of storm water runoff. The
quantity and quality of runoff in an urban area is affected by many factors such as the amount of
impervious surfaces (buildings, roads, etc.), erosion, vegetation, etc. It is important to manage
storm water runoff because pollutants in the runoff can adversely affect public health and the
environment (water quality). Storm water management is also important for controlling flooding.
The storm sewer inventory in Prince Albert consists of 103.3 kilometres of storm sewers, 1,226
storm sewer manholes, 1,950 catch basins and 409 combined manholes/catch basins. The storm
channel is the largest storm related infrastructure in the city. The land drainage system in the city
flows northward into the North Saskatchewan River.
The trend in storm water management is to incorporate onsite detention to minimize the
construction of large downstream trunks. A system of storm water management ponds is
proposed in the West Hill Master Plan to take advantage of the natural topography and to remain
within the capacity of the downstream receiving trunk.
Goal:
Manage storm water runoff to protect public health and environment.
Policies:
i.
Pursue innovative designs and best practices for storm water management and ensure
their reasonable incorporation into site plan design. Some examples include:
a.
bio swales;
b.
slope stabilization and erosion control;
c.
constructed wetlands; and
d.
detention/retention ponds;
ii.
Require all developments to pay their share for the provision of storm water services
through offsite levies or local improvements;
iii.
Minimize impervious surface on major developments through the incorporation of
landscaping and the provision of pervious surfaces to minimize runoff and allow for water
infiltration into the ground; and
iv.
Encourage businesses and industries to establish best management practices to provide
control measures for spill control and minimize pollutant discharge (see Appendix 17.4).
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SECTION NINE:
PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL AREAS
9.1
OVERVIEW
Protection of the land base and the ecosystems, such as the river valley, is not only important for
maintaining the health of natural systems but contributes to the quality of life for citizens with
respect to air and water quality. Natural areas within the urban environment offer many benefits
and opportunities to experience and respect the natural world. Natural areas also offer respite
from the pressures and stimulations of urban life as well as provide a variety of educational and
recreational opportunities for the citizens of the community.
9.2
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
The City is fortunate to be situated along the North Saskatchewan River and adjacent to a large
forested area to the north providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities as well as beautiful
scenery.
Parks and recreational facilities play an important role, contributing to the health and wellbeing of
the community. Park space could include areas developed and maintained for active or passive
recreational use, such as public parks, athletic fields, historic and natural areas. Recreational
facilities include arenas, multi-use complexes, and other indoor and outdoor sport facilities.
The City offers a large number of parks and recreational facilities, many of which are considered
the finest in the province. The Community Services Department and various community groups
offer a wide range of programs and activities to individuals of all ages. This ranges from tot lots
and local playgrounds to community and regional parks, natural areas, historical areas,
preservation areas and trail systems. The primary objective of the parks and recreation system is
to provide all residents with readily accessible parks and recreation facilities.
Outdoor recreation facilities include golf courses, recreation community clubs, field tracks (football
field, tennis courts, and soccer pitches), ball diamonds and playgrounds, toboggan hills, downhill
skiing and cross country skiing trails. Some examples of major outdoor recreation facilities in the
city include the Kinsmen Park and its aquatic facilities, and the Little Red River Park and its
summer and winter recreational activities, which includes tobogganing, cross-country skiing and
downhill skiing. The Prime Minister's Park is another example of a major outdoor facility, which
includes track fields, a football field, tennis courts, a soccer pitch, ball diamonds, playgrounds and
an outdoor skateboard and BMX park.
The Alfred Jenkins Field House located in the West Hill fosters the wellbeing of not only the
residents in the immediate area, but the wellness of the community as a whole.
As communities grow, the needs change and existing facilities may require redevelopment or
upgrading. Redevelopment of existing recreation facilities should meet the changing needs of the
community and promote safety and accessibility as primary considerations. In January 2007, the
City contracted Randall Conrad and Associates to develop The City of Prince Albert Community
Services Master Plan. The Master Plan reviewed existing recreational facilities and programs,
established community needs for facilities, prioritized the current upgrades and future
development of recreation facilities for the City.
Goal:
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Promote the health and wellbeing of residents by providing a broad range of parks and
recreational facilities and services for all ages, and consider implementation through a Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Policies:
i.
Collaborate with other levels of government to acquire, develop, and improve existing
parks, trails and recreation facilities;
ii.
Support multi-use parks and recreation facilities that facilitate a wide variety of passive
and active activities (e.g. Kinsmen Park and Little Red River Park);
iii.
Endeavor to retain, conserve and upgrade the Kinsmen Park as a unique and attractive
park with some limited provision for active recreation facilities;
iv.
Encourage cooperation between the City, school boards and community agencies to meet
the recreational needs of the community and maximize the use of parks and recreation
facilities. The cost sharing of facilities and park development between the City and school
boards will be continued wherever feasible and advantageous to all parties and the
community;
v.
Encourage community participation in active living programs through training and support
of volunteers in all aspects of the City's facilities, programs and services;
vi.
The Community Services Department will continue to evaluate parks and recreation
facilities in order to identify deficiencies in the existing system and to meet these
deficiencies;
vii.
Review parks and recreation needs through household surveys, public meetings and other
public input sources;
viii.
Cooperate with community based organizations to promote periodic trails and parks
maintenance that will promote community identity and involvement. For example, the City
could support volunteer groups for periodic trails and parks maintenance. A well
maintained trail and park will encourage use and promote community pride;
ix.
Develop a trails master plan highlighting easy wins, public to private connections
considering CPTED principles, right-of-way acquisition strategies, and economic links;
x.
Examine cross generational recreational activities and place facilities in regional park
locations;
xi.
Evaluate current recreation facilities and update the asset management plan to consider
long-term operation and maintenance costs, prioritization and capital expenditures;
xii.
Develop a capital plan including a list of projects, timetable and cost analysis;
xiii.
Consider a regional parks plan that initiates mutual action plans, funding options, trail
network connections, and events and river use collaboration;
xiv.
Consider the formation of a Parks and Recreation Board/Commission to implement
planning policies, with membership including rural municipalities, school boards and
community agencies;
xv.
Consider sponsorship policies for a range of advertising ventures, including naming rights;
xvi.
Further evaluate revenue streams from development levies, subdivisions and other land
use actions and develop a strategic approach to funding allocations and prioritization;
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xvii.
Examine all facilities for year round usage including the golf course for cross-country
skiing;
xviii.
Classify facilities that considers local, regional, and provincial designations with criteria for
active elements such as skateboarding, batting cage, pump tracks, mountain biking, BMX,
motocross, rafting and road biking; and
xix.
Foster the wellbeing of the community through continued development of the Alfred
Jenkins Field House site in the West Hill area.
Goal:
Ensure facilities are evaluated through operation and maintenance studies, and capital plans
considering cross-generational activities; programs that leverage business partnerships including
tourism; and lifelong learning and educational opportunities.
Policies:
i.
Encourage community participation in active living programs and link trails to recreational
sites;
ii.
Balance facility location with land use, transportation, environment and economic
development;
iii.
Consider recreational needs through social needs and policies; and
iv.
Promote "green" building and maintenance strategies including considering a LEED gold
or equivalent certification for the building and site development.
9.3
OPEN SPACES
Open space for recreational activities makes a community more attractive and desirable as a
place to live physically and socially. Open space includes public and municipal lands dedicated
as permanent open space such as natural or semi-natural areas, city wide and neighbourhood
parks (e.g. Little Red River Park-see Pêhonân Parkway, section 9.4), pathways, school sites and
tot lots. As a whole, the open space system is one of the primary elements, along with the road
network, which give shape to the city and enhances the landscaping and beautification of the city.
Planning for the open space system takes many factors into consideration:
-
local and city wide outdoor recreational and educational needs;
-
protection of environmentally significant areas;
-
representation of diversity of natural and manmade features;
-
provisions of linkages to create a continuous park and parkway/open space system; and
-
availability of public financial resources.
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Provisions will continue to be made in every residential subdivision for open space in the form of
parks, playgrounds and neighbourhood recreational facilities. This will be implemented through
the City's Subdivision Bylaw in conformity with the provisions of The Planning and Development
Act, 2007.
Goal:
Ensure recreational facilities, trails, parks and open spaces are interconnected, safe and
accessible to all members of the community (reference Schedule 16.1.10 Parks and Recreation).
Policies:
i.
Ensure recreational facilities are evenly distributed throughout the city and interconnected;
ii.
Conserve and preserve natural and environmentally sensitive areas, permitting managed
public access (e.g. river boat launch and trail network, but preserving riparian areas);
iii.
Locate future major recreation facilities at key intersections or near a neighbourhood
entrance;
iv.
Ensure design of new parks reflect safety and security of park users;
v.
Consider linear park corridors that incorporate trails, mixed use development and potential
relief channel for river flooding (e.g. along rail corridor);
vi.
Give priority to existing communities where recreational needs are highest when providing
recreational facilities;
vii.
Ensure trails, riverbank, and park areas are upgraded and maintained in accordance with
the recommendations provided through The 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley Park,
2004;
viii.
Community gardens should be identified throughout the city and incorporated into
neighborhoods;
ix.
Continue to ensure the provision of parks, playgrounds and neighbourhood recreational
facilities or payment in lieu of providing municipal reserve. This will be implemented
through the City's Subdivision Bylaw in conformity with the provisions of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007;
x.
Wherever possible encourage the use of green space as buffers between industrial,
commercial, institutional and residential use;
xi.
Provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the amenities of the Downtown and historic
waterfront by encouraging linkages to the riverbank and its trail system from all areas of
the city in accordance with The 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley Park, 2004;
xii.
Encourage neighbourhood pocket parks that serve the needs of residents not within
convenient walking distance of a central neighbourhood park (Kinsmen Park), especially
in the West Flat and Midtown areas where citizens have expressed a desire for more park
space;
xiii.
Identify new and existing areas suitable for linear parks; and
xiv.
Consider developing a linear park (rail to trail) along the railway tracks; and perhaps, a
canal relief system for flooding and year round recreational use (see Railway Relocation
section, Section 7.8).
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9.4
THE PÊHONÂN PARKWAY AND THE RIVER VALLEY
In 2005, The City and The Province signed the Pêhonân Parkway Agreement, the purpose of
which is to provide for the funding, design, development, construction, maintenance and operation
of the Pêhonân Parkway. The Pêhonân Parkway comprises City owned lands along the river,
Little Red River Park, as well as islands, both City and provincially owned, within the length of the
corridor defined on the map, which forms part of the Agreement. Any development within this area
must be consistent with the Pêhonân Parkway Agreement.
As well, in 2004, The 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley was prepared for the City by
Gordon Forsyth and Associates Landscape Architects. The document contains a set of
recommendations and an implementation strategy for the river valley. Trails and pathways along
the river provide recreation opportunities for hiking, biking, walking, jogging and cross-country
skiing for all ages. The City has several trails including the Nature Trail and the Rotary Trail. The
Nature Trail is located on the north riverbank and is 3.5 kilometres long. It starts at the Diefenbaker
Bridge, travels along the riverbank to the east and ends in the Little Red River Park. The Pêhonân
Parkway is linked to the Rotary Trail system.
Goal:
Protect and enhance the Pêhonân Parkway for the enjoyment of present and future generations
while considering the need for the city to expand and keep the river as the main focus.
Policies:
i.
Any development in the Pêhonân Parkway should enhance and complement the natural
and historic features of the area while allowing for low density residential development
west of the Little Red River Park to make efficient use of existing City infrastructure;
ii.
Ensure the riparian ecosystems of the North Saskatchewan River and the Little Red River
Park are protected against any incompatible development;
iii.
The planning and management of the Little Red River Park will be oriented to protecting
and enhancing the natural environment and rehabilitating already disturbed areas while
permitting the development of compatible uses consistent with The 20 Year Master Plan
for the River Valley Park, 2004 and the Pêhonân Parkway Agreement;
iv.
Continue to develop the southern riverbank as a linear park for a variety of uses from
active playing fields to natural areas, linked by a bicycle and pedestrian trail network in
accordance with The 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley Park, 2004 and the
Pêhonân Parkway Agreement;
v.
Integrate the Pêhonân Parkway plan into a Parks Master Plan and consider compatible
land uses such as multi-use trails, orienteering and historical panels, and an eco-friendly
village;
vi.
Consider merging a Parks Board with the Pêhonân Parks Board and leverage Provincial
interest and engagement;
vii.
Recognize the tremendous river asset and integrate with land use planning;
viii.
Develop policies regarding river events, access, celebrations and milestone recognition of
natural and historic features;
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ix.
Provide river buffering strategies for the north bank that protect residential assets, while
preserving habitat and recreation;
x.
Develop a site plan and asset plan for Little Red River Park and incorporate into the Capital
Improvement Plan; and
xi.
Encourage and support a comprehensive and joint approach between the City and the
Province for land use management of the Pêhonân Parkway as an integral part of a larger
potential open space and recreation system.
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SECTION TEN:
ENVIRONMENT
10.1
NATURAL AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
The environment is the third leg of the sustainability tool and emerges as the paramount
bellwether of urban and rural comprehensive planning. Prince Albert's founding and future relies
on resources both in terms of minerals, water, land and air. A robust and vigilant city wisely
stewards and protects environmental values, preserves and conserves important assets and
judiciously passes healthy places for future generations. An environmental feature's map portrays
sensitive areas and challenges citizens to continue to improve and voice these values.
Through land use and other elements, sensitive areas are shown as protected and yet not
excluded from public enjoyment or experience. Maximizing natural protection but capitalizing
development is the capstone of sound comprehensive planning policy.
Protecting significant natural areas conserves resources with ecological, recreational and
aesthetic value. One of the value statements of this Plan is that the city will be a growing
community that respects its natural environment. Therefore, the City will ensure that its forested
areas, the river valley and other natural areas and features are used in a sustainable manner to
ensure their conservation for generations to come. This could be achieved by integrating the
design guidelines and implementation strategy of The 20 Year Master Plan for the River Valley
Park, 2004 into the overall development of the city. This can also be achieved by encouraging
land uses within natural areas that are compatible with the ecological integrity of such areas.
Environmentally and Archaeologically Sensitive Areas and Features include:
-
North Saskatchewan River and River Valley (riparian areas and habitat corridors);
-
Wetlands;
-
Provincial forests and rural/urban interface;
-
Pêhonân Parkway; and
-
Archaeological sites (First Nations and Metis).
10.1.1 NORTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER
The North Saskatchewan River winds through the City of Prince Albert from west to east.
The river fronts onto an urban background along the southern shoreline. Along the
northern shoreline, the river backs onto a primarily natural forested background. The
stewardship and protection of the river valley and forested areas is essential to the quality
of life of our residents. The riverbank has not only an ecological function, but also cultural
and aesthetic/urban design functions, which are all interconnected.
10.1.2 WETLANDS
As the majority of the lands within the city are developed or cultivated, there are not a lot
of natural spaces left. Because of the pot and kettle topography found in Prince Albert and
area, even though the land is cultivated, there is significant "intermittent water".
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Typically, these features are filled in by farmers to plant crops or for development.
Preservation of these "lungs of the earth" sustains the natural features of our environment
and improves the quality of all life.
One champion of wetland conservation is Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). DUC works to
ensure protection of natural wetlands and all aquatic wildlife. Fragmentation of these
natural features reduces the quality of the land. Integrated management practices can
support farming and habitat.
A critical facet of DUC's work educates farmers and developers about the value of natural
wetlands. Recognizing the importance of wetland conservation in the Official Community
Plan merges best practices through land use and open space policies.
10.1.3 PROVINCIAL FOREST
Prince Albert's landscape - earth, sky and water - is incredibly diverse with wetlands, farm
land, forested land and the North Saskatchewan River. On the north side of the river, much
of Prince Albert is forested, with a significant portion of it belonging to the provincial
government. Thus, there are multiple agencies invested in the development and
protection of the forest and neighboring developments.
Forested lands and habitat requires protection and cultivation both to manage devastating
wild fires and maximize the natural experience of all generations. Forging partnerships,
with definitive action plans, helps us mesh with our surroundings and reduce conflict.
Conservation efforts are never successful in isolation, therefore, the goals and policies
contained in the OCP will relate, reflect or respect those of other interested parties.
10.1.4 FIRST NATIONS AND METIS SITES
The preservation of First Nation and Metis historical sites has been limited and accurate
data regarding current locations remains lacking. Development policy needs to recognize
the importance of this cultural heritage and ensure actions are clearly mediated.
Significant development projects should be subject to environmental and archaeological
surveys to reduce the loss of historical sites. The number of parties interested in such
policies is numerous including First Nations, Metis, universities, historical and cultural
societies, museums and the Heritage Conservation Branch. We must work together to
enhance our past and to strengthen our future.
10.2
OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTALLY AND ARCHAEOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
Goal:
Plan for growth and development in harmony with the natural environment (reference
Schedule 16.1.8, Environmentally Sensitive Areas).
Policies:
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i.
Work in partnership with any/all interested parties to identify and protect environmentally
and archaeologically sensitive areas, features, elements and traditions by various
methods including inventorying all locations;
ii.
Require an environmental analysis before the sale, lease or license of City owned lands
including appropriate environmental and archaeological impact assessments;
iii.
Protect and rehabilitate environmentally sensitive lands from the "no-net-loss" perspective
using native species and locally appropriate naturalization methods including xeriscaping;
iv.
Create and maintain a database of invasive or harmful plant and animal species to be
avoided or removed; and
v.
Ensure no invasive or environmentally inappropriate species are introduced within the
municipal boundary or adjacent rural municipalities by reviewing all applications for new
development, redevelopment and monitoring the built environment.
10.3
PROTECTION OF FORESTS, RIVERS, WATERSHED AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE WATER
BODIES
To the North, much of Prince Albert is forested with a significant portion of it belonging to the
provincial government. Given the multitude of uses within the region including residential,
recreational, institutional, transportation, and industry, we must consider the overall function of
the forest and water bodies, and balance it with our development and economic needs. There are
multiple agencies invested in continued development with active forest management and
protection of watershed and riparian areas. Collaboration and cooperation actualize conservation
efforts and ensure consistency of principle and practice.
Goal:
Enhance, promote and protect the North Saskatchewan River, its banks, groundwater sources,
aquifers and adjacent natural bodies of water. Conserve and protect the natural, historical, and
recreational functions and features of the North Saskatchewan River and its riparian areas.
Policies:
i.
Apply best practice principles in Riverbank Development Planning when considering
focused development and ensure impacts are suitably mitigated;
ii.
Establish aquifer protection zones conforming to best practices, and ensure water source
protection is enshrined in regulation and policy;
iii.
Protect the riparian and habitat areas through land use designation, land conservancy and
trusts considering tools like a municipal reserve or environmental reserve;
iv.
Buffer the North Saskatchewan River and Little Red River through natural habitat, storm
water filtering techniques and restoration projects while considering quality development
that enhances land value;
v.
Preserve view corridors, historic values and public access with well managed techniques
such as public recreation, preservation, partnerships and conservation;
vi.
Treat and reuse storm water, managing source contaminants through rain gardens,
retention basins, filtration beds and other best management practices (see Appendices
17.4 and 17.5);
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vii.
Remove cross contamination opportunity be regulating aquifer sources;
viii.
Regulate all classified wetlands with buffering and setbacks through best management
practices;
ix.
Consider buffer width averaging as a tool to protect undeveloped land and leverage land
values; and
x.
Upgrade water and waste water treatment facilities to reduce contaminant sources and
impacts.
Goal:
Ensure the ecological function of forests, rivers, watershed areas, and sensitive water bodies
located in and around the City of Prince Albert are prioritized appropriately. Ensure development
impacts are suitably gauged and mitigated.
Policies:
i.
Incorporate the existing provincial forest master plans into our own parks and urban forest
master plans;
ii. Create high quality, well connected, functioning, natural or naturalized corridors which
enhance local biodiversity and facilitate species movement, migration and longevity;
iii. Develop growth plans and policies that incorporate the value and function of the provincial
forest;
iv. Utilized developed lands within the forested areas to their fullest extent, prior to
subdividing and developing new land;
v. Develop suitable review criteria and establish appropriate review processes, in partnership
with interested parties, for permit applications which fall within the forested areas;
vi. Develop and maintain areas within the forested area as park for recreational use and
enjoyment, which complement and enhance the natural landscape; and
vii. Utilize existing provincial and federal legislation and programs, such as the FireSmart
principles (see Appendix), to create policies and procedures for: (a) the appropriate
development within the forested area, (b) safety and emergency response procedures for
incidents that may occur within the forested area and (c) foster a culture of environmentally
conscious use, growth and stewardship of the forested area.
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10.4
URBAN FORESTS
Protecting the habitat of the urban forest can be critical to the natural element within our urban
system by connecting migration areas, building species resiliency and ecological function,
fostering public recognition - visual and aesthetic value, and improving air and groundwater
quality. Without a strong, healthy urban forest, we will experience habitat fragmentation,
outmigration or additional threat to rare and endangered species, reduced air and water quality,
a diminished visual aesthetic, and a lower quality of life. Our role, through bylaw, policy, procedure
and best practice, is to improve and maintain the City's urban forest system to a standard capable
of meeting or exceeding all these objectives.
Goal:
Develop and maintain, in perpetuity, a strong and healthy urban forest system.
Policies:
i.
Require conservation and best management strategies for trees, shrubs and any
salvageable plantings for new development, infill or intensification projects;
ii.
Maintain and expand a healthy and diverse urban tree canopy to improve air quality,
increase carbon sequestration, reduce heat island effect, and enhance the aesthetic
value;
iii.
Develop an Urban Forest Master Plan, list of preferred tree and planting species and
planting guide, with helpful design and maintenance best management practices,
guidelines and demonstration projects;
iv.
Ensure all plantings are situationally appropriate, non-invasive, easy to maintain and
enhance the overall urban forest;
v.
Require landscaping through the use of landscape plans and landscape agreements in all
zones within the municipal boundary;
vi.
Formulate consistent landscaping plans for public and private space and partner with
private landowners on preservation and enhancement methodologies; and
vii.
Urban forest plans must be consistent with provincial legislation and policies.
10.5
HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE PROTECTION
For the City to enliven its future it must recognize and preserve written, oral and heritage elements
and artifacts. The lack of accurate data hampers identification and protection of First Nation and
Metis historical sites.
Goal:
Identify, protect and preserve historic artifacts, sites and knowledge through all development
actions.
Policies:
i.
Work in partnership with interested parties to identify and protect historically and
archaeologically sensitive areas, features, elements and traditions;
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ii.
Require an archaeological and/or historic analysis of all lands, establishing a database
along with policies and regulation for protection;
iii.
Require environmental or archaeological analysis of land prior to any development action;
iv.
Capitalize Prince Albert's unique past through events, shows, and displays that engage
all citizens, visitors and residents; and
v.
Integrate historic features, artifacts, sites and knowledge into municipal projects and
significant development projects.
10.6
PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES - NATIVE, RARE AND ENDANGERED
Development brings intensity that can lead to habitat fragmentation; therefore, we must consider
the risk and threat to the biodiversity of rare and endangered species. Provincial and federal
legislation must be reflected in local regulations and policies. Adequate training and resources
need to leverage awareness and effectively apply and implement directives. The City will be an
important steward for habitat and species protection.
The following goals and policies outline how Prince Albert can actively work to ensure
environmental values are upheld.
Goal:
Encourage, restore, expand and protect the biodiversity of our plant and animal species including
habitat protection and restoration of all native, rare, threatened or endangered species -
minimizing habitat fragmentation.
Policies:
i.
Require the planting of native or preferred species (xeriscaping) using recycling and native
watering and storm water management;
ii.
Create high quality, well connected, functioning, natural or naturalized corridors enhancing
local biodiversity and facilitate species migration, movement and longevity;
iii.
Maintain and expand a healthy and diverse urban tree canopy to improve air quality,
increase carbon sequestration, reduce heat island effect, and enhance the aesthetic
value;
iv.
Ensure all plantings are situationally appropriate, non-invasive, easy to maintain and
enhance the overall ecology; and
v.
Require conservation and best management strategies for all species in new
development, infill or intensification projects.
10.7
CONTAMINATED SITES (BROWNFIELDS), OTHER CONTAMINANTS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Most cities contain contaminated sites usually located in developed areas with a high level of
urban services. For this reason, opportunities for redevelopment and reclamation should always
form part of comprehensive plans.
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Prince Albert's backbone contains rail yards, once serving a robust freight and passenger link to
the region. This type of historical development and adjacent industry can bring significant
pollutants into the environment.
Goal:
Evaluate and develop land banking and remediation opportunities for all Brownfields lands.
Policies:
i.
Inventory all Brownfields and develop an action plan for uses;
ii.
Conduct Phase 1 or scoping analysis of all Brownfields and prioritize remediation plans
and map locations; and
iii.
Seek funding and grant opportunities with specific development proposals.
Goal:
Develop contaminant management strategies to minimize all impacts.
Policies:
i.
Incorporate reduction, reuse and recycling action plans in City systems to model for other
industries;
ii.
Consider reducing the use of pesticides on all sports fields;
iii.
Develop grass management strategies to promote less cutting especially in sensitive
areas;
iv.
Continue to develop a littering and graffiti program that reduces visual impacts;
v.
Develop educational and information programs in concert with the schools to inform youth
of the social detriment of graffiti and litter;
vi.
Consider corporate sponsorship of fast food restaurants in litter reduction;
vii.
Incorporate best management practices for snow dumping by providing bio-filters and
retention ponds;
viii.
Evaluate the air shed and identify methods of reducing contaminants especially particulate
matter 2.5 microns from wood heat, street sanding operations and untreated dirt or gravel
roads;
ix.
Consider regulation governing light pollution and incorporate dark skies regulations and
policies; and
x.
Evaluate all truck and car routes and merge with land use policy to reduce noise and dust
impacts.
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10.8
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION METHODOLOGIES AND PRACTICE
The City cannot achieve many improvements to the environment without focused research and
development partners. Working with universities and corporate partners, the City can be a model
for "green" technologies including demonstrating low impact development, xeriscape landscape
techniques and energy conservation.
Goal:
Establish best management practices with demonstration projects to manage environmental
impacts and reach out to research partners. Establish greenhouse gas reduction targets that
promote a win-win result.
Policies:
i.
Engage a major university and student partnership evaluating easy wins in all
environmental sectors; and
ii.
Establish a land use checklist and educational program around environmental
stewardship.
10.9
FLOOD PLAIN RISK AREAS
Lands adjacent to rivers are subject to periodic flooding. Development on these lands needs to
be regulated to manage land impacts and protect the safety and wellbeing of citizens.
The Federal Government initiated the Flood Damage Reduction Program (FDRP) in 1975 to
curtail assistance payments, discourage development in flood areas and avoid the need for costly
structural flood control measures. Saskatchewan joined the FDRP in 1977 by signing a general
and combined mapping and studies agreement. Several communities throughout Canada and
Saskatchewan subject to recurrent and severe flooding were mapped to establish their flood risk
areas. Prince Albert, however, was not part of this mapping agreement. Once a flood risk area
is mapped and designated, both governments agreed not to build or support any future flood
vulnerable development in those areas.
The City of Prince Albert has the legal authority and responsibility for land use planning under
The Planning and Development Act, 2007, and is legally responsible for safe and orderly
development through adopted policies and bylaws that mitigate risk.
The Act requires Official Community Plans, Zoning Bylaws, Subdivision Bylaws and Development
Permits to be consistent, in so far as practical, with the Statements of Provincial Interest (SPI).
The SPI prohibits new building construction or additions in the floodway of the 500 year flood
event and requires flood proofing measures for new building construction or additions in the flood
fringe of the 500 year flood event elevation, both in mapping or within the text of this Plan.
The following definitions shall help establish the basis for Flood Risk Regulations in the Zoning
Bylaw and other development bylaws:
Floodway means the portion of the Floodplain adjoining the channel where the waters in the flood
area projected to meet or exceed a depth of one metre or a velocity of one metre per second.
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Flood Fringe means the portion of the Floodplain not lying within the Floodway and where the
waters in the flood area are projected to be less than a depth of one metre or a velocity of one
metre per second.
Floodplain means the area including the Floodway and Flood Fringe covered by water during
the 1:500 year flood event.
Freeboard means the elevation of the 100 or 500 year flood event elevation plus a freeboard of
0.5 metres.
Flood Risk Area means the boundary encompassing the floodway and flood fringe of the 1:100
and 1:500 year flood event as identified on the Flood Risk Area Map (see Schedule 16.1.9).
Goal:
The flood risk areas of the North Saskatchewan River in the City of Prince Albert have been
identified in Schedule 16.1.9. Any development on these lands needs to provide suitable area-
wide or site specific mitigation measures and preclude flood vulnerable development to prevent
injury, loss of life and minimize property damage.
Policies:
i.
Determine the infrastructure and mitigation measures necessary to protect planned or
affected development in flood risk areas;
ii.
The City shall continue to work with the Water Security Agency and the Province to
accurately delineate and update the limits of the Flood Fringe and Floodway of the North
Saskatchewan River in Prince Albert through improved mapping techniques, modeling
and demonstration projects;
iii.
The City shall encourage financial and technical partnerships with senior levels of
governments and the Water Security Agency to undertake periodical review of the limits
of the Flood Risk Area in Prince Albert;
iv.
The Zoning Bylaw and other development bylaws shall identify Flood Risk Areas.
Regulations shall be developed that acceptably reduce impacts on development projects;
v.
The Flood Risk Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw and other development bylaws shall be
classified in three zones: the Flood Fringe of the 500 year flood event, the Floodway of
the 500 year flood event elevation, and the Restricted Floodway of the 100 year flood
event elevation. Schedule 16.1.9 delineates the noted areas;
vi.
No residential, commercial, institutional or industrial development shall be allowed within
the Floodway below the 100 year flood event elevation except for recreational and
agricultural related development in accordance with the Flood Risk Regulations in the
Zoning Bylaw and other development bylaws. Covenants or land title restrictions may be
established to manage non-habitable areas and equipment or storage materials that could
be affected by flooding;
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vii.
Existing development shall be allowed to continue in Flood Risk Area, including regular
maintenance;
viii.
New residential subdivision (expansion of existing neighborhood or new neighborhood)
shall not be allowed within the Flood Risk Area (as identified in the Zoning Bylaw and other
development bylaws) except for infill development where suitable mitigation measures can
be applied;
ix.
New development including development permits, subdivisions, rezoning and building
construction within the Flood Plain is subject to the Flood Risk Regulations in the Zoning
Bylaw, other development bylaws and the National Building Code; and
x.
The City may hire a professional engineer to establish development standards to achieve
consistency in meeting the Flood Risk Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw and other
development bylaws, and the National Building Code. Freeboard reductions may be
considered when a project(s) is evaluated using acceptable engineering standards.
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SECTION ELEVEN:
HEALTHY ECONOMY
11.1
OVERVIEW
A healthy economy leads to increased job opportunities and contributes to the general wellbeing
of a community. A healthy economy is also linked to broader community initiatives such as
Downtown development, heritage, arts, culture and tourism. Redevelopment projects are also
products of a healthy economy and involve reusing land and buildings, contributing to a more
sustainable community. However, a healthy economy also requires an adequate commercial and
industrial land base and proper land use planning is essential in helping to balance the supply
and demand.
11.2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City of Prince Albert is the retail and service centre of northern Saskatchewan. The majority
of services in this region are located in the city, including the Prince Albert Parkland Health
Region, federal government offices and several social services establishments. The health of the
economy has an impact on quality of life. It is important to remember that even though the social,
economic, and environmental dimensions are addressed in separate sections in this document,
they are all interrelated. The goals and objectives in each section should be implemented in
connection with each other. The Plan places value on sustainable economic development that
reflects economic growth, social development and environmental protection.
According to the Prince Albert Economic and Demographic Profile (2006), over the last decade,
Prince Albert's economy became more concentrated and less diversified. Therefore, the City's
policies should aim to diversify the city's economic base to ensure the sustainable long-term
health and vitality of the economy. Strategies that encourage the development of the information
technology industry, tourism, manufacturing and other sectors were actively pursued by the
Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Authority (PAREDA) and the North Central
Enterprise Region (NCER). Industry and investment attraction continues to be an area of focus
for the City of Prince Albert's Economic Development Division.
However, it is important to note that a strong diversified economy alone is not enough to ensure
that all residents in the city have access to meaningful employment and an adequate income.
Appropriate social supports such as education, job/skill training as well as parks, recreation and
cultural opportunities need to be in place to attract and retain a locally skilled labour force and
foster economic growth.
Maintaining a business friendly climate is vital to creating a vibrant economy that allows local
businesses to thrive while attracting new business and industry into the city. An example of the
progress that is being made is the streamlining of the municipal approvals and permits process
through BizPal to make it more convenient and much quicker for new businesses to enter the city.
Goal:
Foster a diversified economy in Prince Albert by supporting efforts to attract and retain suitable
businesses as well as non-traditional and value-added industries to the city. Aim to increase
employment and economic activity in the city and region (reference Schedule 16.1.20).
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Policies:
i.
Ensure a development and business friendly environment to help attract diverse and long-
term economic growth through partnerships between business, government and the
community;
ii.
Encourage development of incentives in collaboration with government and organizations
to attract new industries and business sectors within and beyond the region;
iii.
Cooperate with other agencies and industry in fostering the City's position as the major
supply and service centre for the mining industries and northern region;
iv.
Advocate and support investment initiatives into education, skills training and
entrepreneurship programs to promote a locally skilled labour force while meeting the
expanding needs of businesses and industry;
v.
Continue to pursue attractive community amenities and features conducive to encouraging
a growing economic and employment base and resident labour force through provision of
parks and open spaces, recreation and cultural opportunities, affordable housing options
and other community amenities that bring about a good quality of life;
vi.
Create viable, diverse commercial areas in the city that provide opportunities for working,
shopping and entertainment activities;
vii.
Promote Prince Albert's competitive advantage to existing and new business and targeted
sectors;
viii.
Cooperate with aboriginal groups to encourage and support aboriginal business and
training opportunities, and support aboriginal economic development wherever possible;
ix.
Create internal and external marketing strategies to retain and support existing businesses
and attract new businesses to the city;
x.
Continue to work with the Prince Albert Regional Economic Action Committee, Prince
Albert Chamber of Commerce, Prince Albert Tourism and any other stakeholders in
promoting business and tourism development for Prince Albert;
xi.
Support Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District Association efforts, public and
private sector (education, cultural, business) initiatives to develop, enhance and attract
new businesses to the Downtown;
xii.
Seek ways to reduce land use conflicts between commercial and residential uses through
appropriate guidelines; and
xiii.
Ensure a sufficient reserve of serviceable commercial lands ready for development to
support a healthy, competitive economy.
11.3
URBAN RENEWAL AND REDEVELOPMENT
To help achieve the goal of sustainability, the City shall undertake the renewal and redevelopment
of the built environment when and where appropriate. Our existing building stock could be the
focus of an effort to save energy and conserve resources while drawing inspiration from the past.
Urban renewal and redevelopment applies to functionally obsolete or vacant residential (see
Residential Infill and Development section), commercial, industrial and institutional land and
buildings where existing infrastructure and services are already established. Urban renewal and
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redevelopment involves reusing and/or rehabilitating land and buildings. Examples of this are the
Prince Albert Arts Centre and the Prince Albert Historical Museum.
Goal:
Encourage the redevelopment or rehabilitation of functionally obsolete or vacant residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional land and buildings where economically feasible and where
compatible with prescribed existing land uses.
Policies:
i.
Explore providing property tax incentives to encourage residential and commercial
development Downtown;
ii.
Explore incentives to encourage renovations, upgrades, infill development in the
Downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods such as tax breaks/abatements, incentives,
grants, etc.;
iii.
Consider the following uses for recycling vacant buildings such as closed schools,
churches and other vacant buildings:
-
Community Centre
-
Health Care Services
-
Office/Retail
-
Housing
-
Private Schools;
iv.
When considering the reuse/conversion of vacant buildings ensure issues related to land
use conflicts, potential environmental contamination, parking, National Building Code
requirements, fire safety, etc. can be resolved;
v.
Endeavor to provide opportunities for public input in decisions regarding reuse of vacant
buildings (e.g. through open houses, public hearings, etc.); and
vi.
Ensure that redevelopment maintains and enhances the character of each area.
11.4
DOWNTOWN PRINCE ALBERT
The Downtown is defined as the area bounded on the north by the North Saskatchewan River,
on the west by the westerly block face of 2nd Avenue West, on the south by the south block face
of 15th Street West and on the east by 2nd Avenue East. The surrounding neighbourhoods include:
Hazeldell, Midtown, West Flat, West Hill and East Hill.
The key element for the Downtown to continue as a prominent retail and commercial location is
the need to create more of a "twenty-four hour" presence. Substantially increasing the residential
base within Downtown and positioning it as a product different from competing retail centres could
achieve this goal. The residential stock could include upper floor, loft-style units. Vacant or
underutilized properties and buildings represent potentially viable untapped resources for
revitalization and redevelopment, as well as prime opportunities to expand and diversify the
housing stock.
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Prince Albert residents have identified a number of objectives for the Downtown as a whole, many
of which are complementary. For example, the enhancement of the public environment supports
the attainment of other objectives for the Downtown, such as increasing the residential population,
and encouraging greater cultural, commercial and retail activity. As well, "theming" of the
Downtown was considered to be of importance to residents as well.
Encouraging infill housing in the Downtown is a major goal that has implications for the social and
economic function of the city. Downtown housing provides the critical mass or customer base
needed to support strong local retail and commercial activities that would in turn attract more
people to the Downtown. Establishment of a strong residential population base can also increase
the safety of Downtown streets and public spaces by providing more "eyes on the street". Ground
level units would remain residential as per the Downtown Strategic Plan, 2003.
The concentration and accessibility of Downtown amenities, and the freedom from house and
yard maintenance, offers a unique quality of life attractive to singles, families without young
children, seniors, empty nesters, and others who may not want the responsibilities of a single-unit
dwelling or home ownership. Many Downtown advocates in North America have projected a
continued demand for senior housing projects in urban centres as the "baby-boom" generation
approaches retirement and transitions in the "empty nester" category. Senior housing
developments in the Downtown are already benefiting from this.
In order for the Downtown to retain its identity as a consumer attraction, future development
should endeavor to reinforce, conserve and enhance the Downtown as a retail, financial,
professional and personal service centre in Prince Albert. In addition to containing niche markets,
specialty shops, and a myriad of services, the Downtown should also accommodate larger anchor
stores and entertainment facilities. Such development would complement higher density
residential and government buildings that would result in greater use of the Downtown. The intent
is to ensure the survival, upgrade, and enhancement of the Downtown as a main economic centre
of the city.
The city has been fortunate to have many anchors in the Downtown including government
buildings such as City Hall, the Provincial Court House, the Forestry Centre, the E.A. Rawlinson
Centre, major banking institutions, a library, the museum, the Arts Centre and many multi-use
office buildings (e.g. the McIntosh Building and the Gateway Mall) that provide the critical mass
to attract additional commercial investment in the Downtown. Meeting this challenge requires City
officials, developers, and businesses to explore creative options in terms of land assembly,
marketing, redevelopment, and strategic mixed use initiatives.
Public investment in civic buildings, including historic structures, can also be a vital factor in the
revitalization and redevelopment of the Downtown. The placement of public and civic buildings
demonstrates the government's development priorities, and sends a message to developers,
investors and the rest of the community that the Downtown is a desirable investment opportunity.
Drawing inspiration from the past through development of a themed approach to Downtown
planning, will further create a vibrant investment opportunity. To date, the City has continued to
support the downtown by concentrating essential government services in the Downtown and
through its Downtown Business Improvement District Association (PADIDA), several ongoing
revitalization efforts are taking place. Not only does the placement of public buildings determine
the residents' accessibility to such services, but it serves to increase the critical mass of the
Downtown area and also acts as a catalyst for further economic development.
Goal:
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Maintain the Downtown as a centre of city and regional economic activities - retail, financial,
administrative, cultural and commercial. Future development in the Downtown shall reinforce,
conserve and enhance this function. Other land uses such as high density residential or
government buildings which complement the function of the area and which result in greater use
of the Downtown area shall be encouraged.
Policies:
i.
Promote mixed uses in the Downtown including office, retail, hotels, housing, culture,
entertainment, and recreation.
Goal:
Continue to control horizontal expansion of the Downtown while its redevelopment at higher
densities where applicable is encouraged. The purpose of the goal is to concentrate commercial
development in a defined area and to protect established neighbourhoods such as Midtown and
West Flat from commercial encroachment.
Policies:
i.
Ensure expansion of the Downtown into the residential area to the east of the Downtown
is limited and undue encroachment is prevented. Expansion of the Downtown may
proceed in an orderly and contiguous manner as far as 2nd Avenue East;
ii.
Improve 13th Street East as a connector between the Downtown and the Cornerstone Mall
with minimal impact on the residential area; and
iii.
Improve transit connectivity between the Downtown and the Cornerstone Mall.
Goal:
Ensure the continued development of a vibrant and active Downtown with unique and attractive
residential districts; and diverse entertainment, recreation and cultural opportunities.
Policies:
i.
Address issues such as streetscape improvements, vehicle and pedestrian circulation,
and renovation, redevelopment/conservation of older structures where appropriate in the
Downtown;
ii.
Develop urban design guidelines appropriate to the Downtown environment with respect
to the location, function, scale and exterior finishing of new buildings to ensure that they
are compatible with existing development; and
iii.
Support active and vital riverfront development that would enhance the Downtown,
reinforce the historical significance of the riverfront and acts as a catalyst for resident and
tourist attractions.
Goal:
Enhance and improve the role of Central Avenue as Prince Albert's Main Street.
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Policies:
i.
Reinforce the historic significance of Central Avenue through encouragement of the
preservation of older and historic buildings;
ii.
Revitalize Central Avenue by promoting continuous complementary retail/service uses at
ground floor level and conversion of upper floor spaces to housing and other uses; and
iii.
Promote diversity of uses such as theatres, restaurants and pubs that would animate the
Downtown without unduly interfering with the residential use after normal working hours.
Goal:
Reinforce the role of City Hall, the Arts Centre and the Forestry Centre as the Downtown's civic
centre.
Policies:
i.
Improve the public environment and accessibility by concentrating civic buildings, offices
and public spaces to provide a civic focal point for the Downtown;
ii.
Ensure attractive pedestrian linkages through streetscape improvements along 11th Street
West (civic esplanade) to connect City Hall, the Arts Centre and the Forestry Centre to the
E.A. Rawlinson Centre and the new Courthouse; and
iii.
Create special lighting for City Hall, the Arts Centre and the Forestry Centre to highlight
their architecture and provide safe, ambient lighting for pedestrians.
Goal:
Continue to promote the Downtown as a potential tourism destination area and accommodate
future tourism development opportunities.
Policies:
i.
Support historic preservation and tourism efforts such as events and activities that
showcase local history of Prince Albert and aboriginal people with guided or self-guided
tours of Downtown's historic buildings and sites in the Downtown; and
ii.
Encourage a highly animated, mixed use district focusing on the North Saskatchewan
riverfront, historic River Street and the E.A. Rawlinson Centre.
Goal:
Enhance pedestrian and vehicular environment on 2nd Avenue West and address the importance
of this corridor as a major entranceway into the heart of the city.
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Policies:
i.
Identify and recognize the importance of hard and soft landscape features within the
pedestrian environment that would provide a more memorable and distinct Downtown
experience; and
ii.
Identify and provide measures to improve public safety, including street and pedestrian
lighting, accessibility ramps and clearly defined pedestrian crosswalks.
Goal:
Promote housing development in the Downtown.
Policies:
i.
Support a variety of housing choices for a range of ages and income groups;
ii.
Encourage mixed use development where appropriate that integrates residential, retail,
service businesses, and institutions needed by Downtown residents; and
iii.
Support infilling of vacant or underutilized land where feasible and consistent with the
provisions of the Zoning Bylaw.
Goal:
Promote a business friendly environment that fosters a diverse and strong local economy that
supports existing businesses and promotes new business. Successful Downtown development
requires the involvement of many private, public and non-profit groups and individuals, who foster
and build community support for achieving the vision.
Policies:
i.
Encourage business associations to participate in the revitalization strategies and
additional investment in the Downtown; and
ii.
Review the existing Zoning Bylaw with the intention of facilitating the development review
process of applications in the Downtown. Reduce the number of discretionary uses while
establishing clear standards and guidelines for development that would fit within the
Downtown.
Goal:
Implement recommendations regarding parking from the Downtown Strategic Plan, 2003.
Policies:
i.
Restrict the development of parking lots and parking lot access to side streets off Central
Avenue; and
ii.
Review the parking meter supply and rates in the Downtown on a regular basis with a view
to meeting Downtown parking demands.
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11.5
AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL HUB
The Airport Industrial Hub is identified as the area around the Prince Albert Municipal Airport,
which is located in the northeast corner of the city. The primary land use in the area is industrial.
The Airport Industrial Hub may accommodate a mix of commercial and industrial uses that
complement the Prince Albert Municipal Airport. The hub acts as a gateway to the north and gives
a dynamic and progressive impression of Prince Albert. The area is suitable for businesses that
are seeking an alternative business location in proximity to the Prince Albert Municipal Airport.
The Airport Industrial Hub is planned to be a centre of controlled prestige growth (also refer to the
Transportation section and the Relationships with Decision Making section).
Goal:
Invest in planned infrastructure and servicing for an Airport Industrial Hub within the city.
Policies:
i.
Develop a Concept Plan that includes or is in concert with a servicing and infrastructure
capacity study for an Airport Industrial Hub (also see Transportation section). The Plan
should help develop a unique identity for the Airport Industrial Hub, while encouraging the
clustering and connectivity of freight facilities to support modal connections between
transportation modes in a manner that provides for the expeditious movement of goods
and services;
ii.
Establish boundaries for intensification in concert with the rural municipality;
iii.
Give consideration to buffering to mitigate noise and odors; and
iv.
Maintain and upgrade existing airside and groundside facilities while providing additional
facilities to support growth.
11.6
BUSINESS/RESEARCH PARKS
Business parks are intended to accommodate business and light industrial uses that are seeking
a high quality environment with respect to overall site and building design. Business parks
complement the more traditional forms of industrial development by providing an overall setting
with a prestigious and distinct identity. Business parks may be sufficient in size to form a
comprehensively planned area.
Business parks designation are meant to promote such activities as business service, advanced
technologies, research and development, light manufacturing, prototype development, related
office uses, and compatible industrial activities. Business park uses may be located adjacent to
residential areas because they shall not create land use conflicts related to smoke, noise,
vibration, dust, odour or potential environmental contamination during their normal course of
operations. The physical design of business parks should conform to the guidelines and
provisions of the Zoning Bylaw and subdivision approval process.
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Goal:
Support new business park type development that incorporates clean technology and that
promotes energy efficient and green buildings.
Policies:
i.
Ensure business parks are strategically located with adequate access to transportation,
utilities, and public transit. Proximity to the Airport Industrial Hub, the Educational Hubs
and the Downtown would be desirable for future business parks.
11.7
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
11.7.1 OVERVIEW
The citizens of Prince Albert value a healthy community where everyone can feel safe to
live, learn, play, interact, work and grow. The social environment is important not only on
a citywide scale but a neighbourhood scale. The viability of each of the city's
neighbourhoods is important to the health of the community as a whole. The citizens of
Prince Albert want to enjoy a community that offers education and training, health facilities
and essential services. This Plan acknowledges that education and training play a role in
personal wellbeing and access to employment. Health facilities create a community where
people can live, work and play in healthy ways while fire protection and emergency
medical services are essential in fostering the health and safety of Prince Albertans.
11.7.2 EDUCATION
Schools, particularly elementary schools, are vital components of neighbourhoods. They
make neighbourhoods attractive to families with children and contribute to the social fabric
of the area. Joint use sites that contain schools and playing fields are considered integral
components of the design of a neighbourhood because they provide a focus for the
majority of community activities, provide open space and give identity.
The City will work in conjunction with the school boards (Saskatchewan Rivers School
Division No. 119, Prince Albert Roman Catholic School Division No. 6 and Conseil Des
Ecoles Fransaskoises (Ecole Valois)) and other educational service providers to ensure
that educational facilities are located in close proximity to the population they serve to
minimize dependency on automobiles and to maximize pedestrian access. Mutual support
and partnership can increase funding capacity to provide other programs that the City is
unable to provide. Utilizing resources and ideas of civic and community-based
organizations can also promote community identity and involvement.
There are several institutions in Prince Albert that provide education and training programs
in the city. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Prince Albert Campus offers a range of
technical and applied programs as well as a first year University Arts and Sciences
program. The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research offers
Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP), which is widely
considered successful. The First Nations University of Canada in Prince Albert (FNUC)
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offers undergraduate and graduate degrees within an environment of First Nation culture
and values.
Goal:
Promote a community of educational opportunities equally accessible to all by supporting
initiatives that lead to a well-educated population and the enhancement of the cultural,
economic, and social vitality of the community.
Policies:
i.
Ensure schools are appropriately located with good access to transportation and
in the centre of the areas they serve;
ii.
Encourage post-secondary institutions to locate in the Downtown, the
Saskatchewan Polytechnic area as well as other areas that offer adequate access
to transportation routes and minimize land use conflict;
iii.
Support joint-use of school sites and facilities for both school and community use
to meet the educational, cultural, social and recreation needs of the community;
iv.
Ensure school and institutional sites are of sufficient size to accommodate the
required buildings, structures, recreation areas, transportation needs as well as
student, client, staff and visitor parking and foreseeable expansion;
v.
Work cooperatively with educational providers and stakeholders to address issues
related to school attendance and educational attainment among youth;
vi.
Continue to support and work with all levels of government, school board divisions,
institutions, colleges, and universities to provide basic high quality education and
training to the citizens of Prince Albert; and
vii.
Ensure the provision of high quality public library services that foster the
individual's pursuit of knowledge.
11.7.2.1
EDUCATIONAL HUBS
The Educational Hubs of the city are defined as: 1) the area around Saskatchewan
Polytechnic on 15th Street East, and 2) the area around the Downtown. The
Downtown Educational Hub was identified because it is an ideal location for a
potential concentration of educational institutions such as the Gabriel Dumont
Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research and SUNTEP on 12th Street
East. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Educational Hub was defined because it is
the site of an existing major education facility located on 15th Street East.
The Downtown Educational Hub would help animate the Downtown and create
synergies, which in turn, may support further infrastructure enhancement of the
pedestrian, bicycle and transit transportation network. The Downtown Educational
Hub also provides a centre for business opportunities, which could take advantage
of the proximity of educational facilities. Both the Downtown and Saskatchewan
Polytechnic Educational Hubs would create an attractive place for people to
congregate for cultural, recreational and social purposes, drawing outside visitors
as well as local people.
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Goal:
Identify and develop the Saskatchewan Polytechnic area and the Downtown as
Educational Hubs.
Policies:
i.
Focus, promote and invest in infrastructure maintenance and improvements in
the identified Educational Hub areas (Saskatchewan Polytechnic and
Downtown);
ii. Encourage expansion of or any additional post-secondary educational
institutions to locate in the Downtown and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic areas
to create synergies and to make use of existing infrastructure and facilities; and
iii. Collaborate with stakeholder groups (e.g. post-secondary institutions,
agencies, businesses, etc.) in the development of the Educational Hubs.
11.7.3 HEALTH
The provision of health care facilities in Prince Albert is the responsibility of the Prince
Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR). The City of Prince Albert is the largest
community in the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, with a population of approximately
40,000. The Victoria Hospital is one of several health institutions owned by the Prince
Albert Parkland Health Region. Other health facilities owned by the PAPHR include the
Herb Bassett Home, Pineview Terrace, Victoria Square, Brief and Social Detox Centre
and the Mental Health Villas. Victoria Square is home to the Community Mental Health
program, Dermatology and Cognitive Disabilities program. Also located in Prince Albert
is Mont St. Joseph (an affiliate agency).
Parkland Ambulance Care Ltd., a contracted agency, has two ambulance bases in the
City of Prince Albert from which they serve the city and the Prince Albert Parkland Health
Region.
Goal:
Promote a viable and active community by taking action on the conditions that influence
the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Prince Albert.
Policies:
i.
Support where possible the efforts of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region to
pursue provincial funding for the development and improvement of health care
facilities in Prince Albert;
ii. Consider partnerships with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, all levels of
government, community agencies and other appropriate parties to ensure adequate
provision of services that affords high quality health care services for Prince Albert
residents and neighbouring regions; and
iii. When planning for development ensure all city residents have access to the
necessary health care services and programs and consider the needs of lower income
residents and those who rely on public transportation.
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11.7.3.1
HEALTH HUB AS A PRIORITY AREA
Hospitals and other health care facilities play an important role in an urban and
regional environment. Hospitals contribute to our community by providing
employment opportunities and create a link between the social and economic
aspects of our community. Hospitals have a significant impact with respect to the
following factors:
-
Physical size and aesthetic impact;
-
Traffic generation; and
-
Location of complementary land uses and activities (e.g. medical clinics) that
locate in proximity to it.
The location of hospitals and other health care facilities shall be integrated into
community level and citywide planning as this affects accessibility, particularly for
certain disadvantaged groups.
Based on the regional health care pattern, the Prince Albert Parkland Health
Region operates the Victoria Hospital as a tertiary treatment centre under the
auspices of the Ministry of Health. Service and specialist levels are part of the
tertiary treatment centre.
The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is supportive of initiatives that
encourage healthy lifestyles for the population, including active transportation. The
Region is also supportive of initiatives that assist individuals who have difficulty
with transportation, including physical and financial limitation.
Goal:
Invest in infrastructure and servicing for a Health Hub in the area around the
Victoria Hospital.
Policies:
i.
Develop a Concept Plan, in collaboration with the Prince Albert Parkland
Health Region for the Health Hub that addresses infrastructure and servicing
as well as traffic and transportation;
ii. Support capital improvements and establishment of facilities that provide a
comprehensive range of health care services within the existing hospital area
to meet the needs of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region; and
iii. Support the development of health service facilities around the Victoria
Hospital as these facilities could be generally large in scale, generate
increased traffic, and have high parking requirements and would be best suited
for this area.
11.7.4 INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES
An inclusive community means a place where all people or groups of people have access
to facilities and services. An inclusive community is a place where all people or groups
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feel safe, are mobile, have choices, are protected and are free to participate in community
life.
Barrier-free buildings, sidewalks and public areas allow for the greater movement, safety
and comfort of people with special needs. Considering people with health problems or
disabilities in the design of service provision and facilities can help reduce mobility
limitations and increase ability to access services and facilities.
Goal:
Promote accessibility to the City's services and facilities.
Policies:
i.
Ensure that citizens of all socio-economic levels have access to essential City services
and facilities;
ii. Encourage barrier-free access (e.g. wheelchair accessibility) for the physically
challenged in all new developments, infill projects, and street and sidewalk
construction;
iii. Encourage barrier-free access and proper maintenance of outdoor routes for people
of all ages and abilities;
iv. Encourage barrier-free access to municipal facilities; and
v. Recognize and, to the greatest extent possible, accommodate the unique needs of the
city's various cultural groups.
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SECTION TWELVE: PUBLIC SAFETY
12.1
POLICE
The Strategic Plan for the Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) was adopted by the Prince Albert
Police Board of Commissioners in 2014. The Prince Albert Police Service is the oldest municipal
police service in Saskatchewan, getting its start through bylaw enforcement in 1885 with the
PAPS forming in 1886.
Today, the PAPS employs 133 full time officers and civilian support staff composed of 92 sworn
Police Officers, 6 Bylaw Enforcement Officers and is host to 9 RCMP members who work within
some of the many integrated units. PAPS employs 34 civilian employees. Specialists serve as
SWAT members, Incident Commanders, Crisis Negotiators, Accident Re-constructionists and
Service Instructors for many training disciplines.
Graph depicts PAPS activities for designated years:
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General incident report graph and trends:
Since February 2011, the Police Service has been one (1) of eight (8) participating agencies
in the strategic alliance known as CMPA, the Hub and COR. This collaborative work with our
human service agency partners contributes significantly to positive community outcomes and
plays a major role in hosting delegations from within and outside our province, leading to
widespread recognition of 'the Saskatchewan vision for community safety' across Canada and
beyond.
The Hub basis their operations on "risk prevention" rather than "primary prevention", as the latter
occurs too far upstream often resulting in a reactive response to a negative event. Now, CMPA
proactively deals with cumulative and current risk factors before an incident occurs.
The COR has a full-time team of designated sector specialists from participating agencies,
supported by two analysts, and is a 'think tank' that examines systemic issues within the human
service delivery systems. This is achieved through experience, research, community
engagement and communication. The goal is to provide stakeholders and decision-makers with
multi-agency insight into community trends, identified gaps and promising opportunities for
community wellness and public safety. The COR has currently identified a number of
opportunities and has moved those up line to government through Observation Papers and is
currently leading an Action Project within the community - A Call to Action, The Case for a Prince
Albert and Region Alcohol Strategy.
Community mobilization demonstrates value and impact, supported by the Government of
Saskatchewan and other partners.
The Bylaw Enforcement Unit (MDEU) integrates its work with the PAPS. For example, housing
standards and compliance is a significant community priority.
In 2013, the MBEU focused on a multi-agency Housing Standards Enforcement Team, gaining
voluntary compliance that sometimes includes property demolition. Reducing the number of
unsightly properties promotes neighborhood safety and respect and empowers citizens.
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PAPS delivers services in a number of portfolios including:
-
Uniformed;
-
Criminal Investigations Division (CID);
-
Integrated Street Enforcement Team (ISET);
-
Internet Child Exploitation (ICE);
-
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU);
-
Integrated Intelligence Unit (PAIIU);
-
Canine Teams;
-
Forensic Identification Unit;
-
Bylaw Enforcement Unit;
-
Child Protection Unit (Integrated with Social Services);
-
Prince Albert Community Mobilization (HUB COR Family Safety Unit);
-
Community Services (Includes School Resource Officer);
-
Special Constables (Property Control / Front Office);
-
Police Dispatchers;
-
Police Records Management Comptrollers (Central Records / CPIC);
-
Police Administration;
-
Business Manager (HR/Training/Planning);
-
Information Technology;
-
Victim Services Unit (Long Term Missing Persons);
-
Aboriginal Resource Officer;
-
Court Liaison; and
-
Secondments.
PAPS established a new planning cycle to update the strategic plan through performance
evaluation and key indicators (see the Implementation section).
Goal:
PAPS strives for a regional approach to policing through partnerships and integrated units
(reference Schedule 16.1.16).
Policies:
i.
PAPS continues to serve as a hub for many northern communities linked with Provincial
Government initiatives and programs within the mandate of "building partnerships to
reduce crime";
ii.
Continue with social and jurisdictional partnerships with the RCMP, Correction Services
Canada, and the Ministry of Social Services; and
iii.
Continue to contribute and report to the Community Mobilization Alliance (CMPA) and
engage partners such as the HUB and COR in identifying community trends, gaps and
opportunities for community wellness and public safety.
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Goal:
The Prince Albert Police Service focuses on Employee Development and Wellness.
Policies:
i.
Encourage growth and development in cultural sensitivity;
ii.
Support cross training and revisit scheduling of personnel; and
iii.
Maximize efficiencies and opportunities in employee training including Crime Prevention
through Environmental Design, evidence giving and court procedures, conflict resolution,
customer service, basic crime investigation, stress management, and formal certification.
Goal:
PAPS strives to enhance community safety and neighborhoods.
Policies:
i.
Strengthen neighborhoods;
ii.
Promote clean and slightly neighborhoods that empower citizens;
iii.
In partnership with groups like the Lions Club, continue to delivery community service
programs like shop with a cop (youth engagement); red nose (designated driver); K9 for
kids (working with children in health care facilities); Sask911 (recognition of digital and
electronic communications community benefits); special Olympics; cancer support for
members; camp day (donations from member's volunteer work to the Tim Horton's
children foundation); and quilts for victim services;
iv.
Enhance visibility in neighborhoods and downtown and source partnerships such as
involving students from Gabriel Dumont Institute; and
v.
Consider participation in all land use decisions to advance CPTED principles.
Goal:
PAPS proposes efficiency in management and service delivery.
Policies:
i.
Encourage efficient human resource allocations;
ii.
Support efficient policing including focusing on animal control service delivery; continued
integration and coordination of the various units, and teams;
iii.
Raise the level of service for snow removal through proactive enforcement and education
of parking regulations and policies;
iv.
Assist members of the Prince Albert Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
and Correctional Services Canada in gathering information/intelligence on specific
targets/groups using investigational methods, surveillance techniques and technical
assistance;
v.
Maintain an Integrated Intelligence Unit with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Prince
Albert Police Service, and Correctional Services Canada;
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vi.
Disseminate information and intelligence to the appropriate Agency, Unit, Section, on an
ongoing basis;
vii.
Provide intelligence support to the Criminal Intelligence Service Saskatchewan and
R.C.M.P.; Division Criminal Analytical Section criminal analysts; and
viii.
Communicate effectively internally and externally.
Goal:
PAPS should address the root causes of social disruption.
Policies:
i.
Support alcohol usage reduction strategies including monitoring of permits for events;
and
ii.
Proactively promote problem based resolutions.
12.2
FIRE
The City adopted the Prince Albert Fire and Rescue Services (PAFRS) master plan in 2009. The
plan evaluates a number of risk factors including:
-
The age of the housing and demographics of the older neighborhoods with transient
population leading to increases in fire risk;
-
The northern quadrant - residences built in forested area's increase the risk due to wild
land urban interface fires; and
-
Many departments identify modern light frame house construction as an increased risk in
their pre-fire planning systems.
New construction follows the National Building Code for spatial separations between buildings
and updates have been made to address overhangs and eave venting. Response times in some
areas of the City will need to be addressed through development progresses. The City may
consider mandatory sprinklers in developments beyond the accepted response time.
The Fire Department delivers a number of services including:
1.
Fire protection;
2.
Fire suppression;
3.
Fire prevention and inspections;
4.
Fire investigations;
5.
Educational programs;
6.
Airport fire suppression services;
7.
Rescue operations, including:
a.
Surface water rescue;
b.
Basic rope rescue;
c.
Vehicle extrication;
d.
Structural collapse support operations;
e.
Confined space entry; and
f.
Trench rescue support operations;
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8.
Dangerous goods first response: Operations Level; and
9.
Pre-hospital emergency medical support service.
12.2.1 RISK FACTORS - RESIDENTIAL
Historical scenarios indicate the following residential risk factors:
-
Over a ten year period, 238 residential dwelling fires occurred in the City of
Prince Albert which impacted the community with a $33,986,279 loss, 6 injuries
and 1 death as a result of the fires;
-
During the same time period, the multi-family and apartments fires were 76
fires that accounted for a $1,717,711 loss, 2 injuries and 1 fire death;
-
High life hazards or large fire potential occupancies consist of schools,
hospitals, nursing homes, and high rise buildings, all National Building Code
compliant; and
-
There are even high rises, two senior complexes, four correctional
institutions, and one hospital that provide unique risks.
12.2.2 RISK FACTORS - COMMERCIAL
Most new buildings will be sprinklered while older combustible buildings, especially
those in the downtown core, are not protected for fire spread or sprinklers. Big box
mercantile, and new restaurants and hotels will meet the National Building Code
requirements for fire protection and life safety, although they will need ongoing fire
service maintenance and fire prevention monitoring. The existing downtown uses will
need more intensive fire prevention focus to manage fire spread and emergency
evacuation.
12.2.3 RISK FACTORS - ROAD AND RAIL
The City will be assessing volume and capacity of roads and mobility corridors through
a level of service analysis within a master plan in 2015. The 2008 Transportation Study,
with a 50 year growth analysis, highlights the levels of service and congestion
challenges without planned improvements.
Reference the suggested improvements with acceptable levels of service in the
Transportation section, Section 7, of the OCP including the mapping. A number of rail
interfaces can increase the overall risk to emergency services. Active rail lines with
level crossings run past or through many critical access routes including:
- Directly south of the main fire hall;
- North of the hospital, and
- Parallel running through the downtown core.
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12.2.4 RISK FACTORS - WATER
The North Saskatchewan River divides the city with limited services on the north
side. Emergency access to the river is limited to one point and can be encumbered
by public use. Rescue services involve specialized equipment and training resulting
in regular and annually adjusted costs.
12.2.5 RISK FACTORS - INDUSTRIAL
Prince Albert has a mix of light and medium industrial occupancies serving a number
of industries including forestry, mining, oil and gas exploration, pipelines and
agriculture.
Land use compatibility reduces impacts between residential and industrial arise in the
Land Use section, Section 6, with mapping and policies that guide future zoning and
bylaw formation.
12.2.6 RISK FACTORS - DANGEROUS GOODS
The use of a range of fuels and dangerous chemicals emerge from mining activities
like Potash and Uranium.
The City and region risk exposure to dangerous goods incidents through transportation
(roads, rail, pipelines, and power transmission), processing and storage.
12.2.7 RISK FACTORS - AIR
The airport and air service need to play an important part in emergency and disaster
management including:
-
Base for air attack that combats wild land or other forestry fires;
-
Supporting medical evacuations or other health related incidents and or events;
and
-
Link for human and material resources in an emergency.
Future increase in the volume of passenger traffic and high value freight at the airport
may result in a change of airport category requiring a dedicated response capability
for scheduled flights.
Airport emergency response meets the requirements prescribed by Transport Canada.
Decommissioning of the Airport ARFF (Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Apparatus)
resulted from a fleet study and a lack of specialized training meeting industry
standards. The ARFF is not a requirement for the airport according to its current
classification. However, the Prince Albert Fire and Emergency Services department
and the City should anticipate changes to classification.
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The volume of fire and rescue calls has increased but so have call complexity and the
time spent on each call - based on incident response, set up and recovery. More than
one call at the same time complicates the levels of service, so best practices must be
developed to "even out" call overlap.
12.2.8 FREQUENCY OF CALLS AND RESPONSE TIMES
The frequency of Fire Calls is shown in the following Graph.
Response times are demonstrated in the following Graph.
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The ideal response time in the National Building Code is 10 minutes in unsprinklered
buildings, to avoid affecting spatial separations (exterior wall fire-resistance construction).
The National Fire Protection Association Standard 1710 recommends a performance
objective or best practice of 6:35 (includes the 15 second alarm handling time) and that
the department meets the objective of 90 percent or greater for total turnout and travel
time.
The Master Plan calculated response times from 2005-2008 for the Master Plan identifies
a compliance rate of 43 percent. A level of service evaluation will determine options for
fire protection including mandatory sprinklers, new fire halls or other alternatives. City
Council through Resolution 170, resolved:
1.
That a nine (9) minute thirty (30) second response time be immediately
adopted, as the standard for The City of Prince Albert;
2.
That Administration be authorized to take steps towards meeting industry best
practices and begin the process for the construction of a second fire station to
address response times in Southeast portion of the City; and
3.
That a plan be developed to improve the response time to meet the six (6) minute
twenty (20) second standard for the Southwest portion of the City, by the year
2020.
Emergency response activity: The Prince Albert Fire and Emergency Services is a very
efficient and competent team of dedicated firefighters and officers who are proud of their
community and the role they play in protecting its citizens. During all the stakeholder
consultations, this was recognized and reinforced by all participants both within and
external to the department.
12.2.9 THE PRINCE ALBERT FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MASTER PLAN
The Prince Albert Fire and Emergency Services Master Plan asserts Mission and Value
statements and affirms Core Services through the Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw
No.22 of 2008:
Mission Statement
The Prince Albert Fire and Emergency Services mission statement reads as: "The Prince
Albert Fire and Emergency Services will continue to seek opportunities to serve the
Public through Fire Prevention, Emergency Operations and Excellent customer
service".
Value Statements
-
We will pride ourselves on service and will not be bound by outdated attitudes and
thinking.
-
We Value:
o
Safety - we are committed to a safe working environment;
o
Teamwork - as a foundation for effectiveness;
o
Professional Pride - our motivation for excellence;
o
Service Excellence - our dedication to our customer; and
o
Leadership - for the betterment of the department.
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Core Services
-
Fire Protection;
-
Fire Suppression;
-
Fire Prevention and Inspections;
-
Fire Investigations;
-
Educational Programs;
-
Airport Fire Suppression Services;
-
Rescue Operations including Surface Water Rescue;
-
Basic Rope Rescue;
-
Vehicle Extrication;
-
Structural collapse support operations;
-
Confined Space Rescue;
-
Trench rescue support operations;
-
Dangerous Goods first response (Operational Level); and
-
Pre-hospital emergency medical support service
The Master Plan identifies a series of Operational Principles and Recommendations that
have been transferred to Goals and Policies.
12.2.9.1
FIREFIGHTING AND PREVENTION
Goal:
Provide effective fire and rescue response and prevention programs for all urban
and rural sectors consistent with rural fire protection agreements and update all
coverage areas shown on Schedule 16.1.17. (reference Schedule 16.1.17)
Policies:
i.
Evaluate and report on structural fire response to structural fires in light of
the demands of multiple calls;
ii.
Gauge the impact of industrial growth and necessary response and
develop response and prevention mechanisms;
iii.
Consider and develop plans for Airport expansion and reclassification and
continue to evaluate and report on incident response and prevention;
iv.
Develop fire smart policies and regulations to guide and respond to
development within the wild land/urban interface. Consider issuing
Development Permits and policies for fire smarting, and defensible space
to reduce risk and assessing and mapping risk areas; (see Appendix 17.7)
v.
Continue to coordinate with other jurisdictional agencies to reduce risk and
response in wild land/urban interface areas;
vi.
Consider working with corporate industrial partners in Dangerous Good's
response and emergency planning and create a policy framework;
vii.
Develop a response ready program with training and simulation for
confined spaces including the collapse of structures or excavations;
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viii.
Continue to develop a rope rescue service identifying new equipment and
resources; and
ix.
Review and improve best practices and training for medical aid response
in concert with Emergency Medical Services.
x.
Develop a Level of Service analysis for all functions;
xi.
Review and update all Operational and Administrative Standard
Operating Procedures;
xii.
Currently the Fire Department's Administrative SOPs are better
developed than the Operational SOPs. Both should be reviewed on a
regular basis but particularly after an update of the bylaw;
xiii.
In conjunction with a City Capital Plan develop a facilities' plan addressing
current and future program needs including partnerships in service delivery
and other response methods such as mandatory sprinklers in areas beyond
prescribed response times;
xiv.
Continue to update replacement policies for apparatus and equipment
considering adequate storage space and hazmat and rescue needs;
xv.
Assess staffing needs in light of future growth, aging building infrastructure,
aging population and increased hazards;
xvi.
Continue to assess and expand training to meet required standards while
anticipating future retirement and succession planning;
xvii.
Review current and future communication needs and develop a facilities
and potential co-location plan for the Communication Center;
xviii.
Define and adequately fund the Prevention Division to support the core
functions of education, engineering, and enforcement;
xix.
Review the types and frequencies of fire inspections and consider a cost
recover model in conjunction with other City departments;
xx.
Evaluate and upgrade the water system to meet levels of service standards
and adjust response plans accordingly; and
xxi.
Assign department personnel to the Planning and Development team to
provide advice regarding plans and permits including land use, public
safety, and infrastructure.
12.2.9.2
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Goal:
Plan and deliver a complete Emergency Response Program (EOC) delivering
services to meet the demands of all potential events.
Policies:
i.
Examine the EOC roles and responsibilities to evaluate the best
delegation of authority;
ii.
Develop training programs to meet industry standards for all staff;
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iii.
Identify potential risks on an annual basis and develop mock exercises;
and
iv.
Update
all
documentation
and
software
to
ensure
relevance,
appropriateness and effectiveness.
12.3 EMERGENCY SERVICES
Emergency Services are provided by Parkland Ambulance. Reference Schedule 16.1.18 for
coverage area, and Section 15, "Implementation" for a proposed Public Safety Master Plan.
Consider updating this Plan when the Master Plan is completed.
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SECTION THIRTEEN :
CULTURE
13.1
HERITAGE
Heritage resources help define Prince Albert. They express our historical, cultural, aesthetic and
social values and contribute to our sense of place. Heritage conservation is about the
management of these resources.
However, the preservation of historic buildings and sites can be a costly undertaking. Prince Albert
has a number of significant older buildings with few financial resources available to undertake
such preservation. Therefore, it would be wise to evaluate the stock of older buildings to determine
priorities for preservation.
Prince Albert's heritage resources are located mostly in the Downtown, Midtown, West Hill and
East Hill. Some well-known examples are the Prince Albert Historical Museum, the Prince Albert
Arts Centre and the Court House.
City Council has the authority to designate important heritage properties under The Heritage
Property Act. Preservation of historic buildings or properties provides an important link with the
past and enhances the character of the city (reference Schedule 16.1.15).
Goal:
Conserve historic buildings or properties to provide an important link with the past and enhance
the character of the city.
Policies:
i.
Encourage municipal heritage designation by bylaw for buildings and areas in accordance
with the provisions of The Heritage Property Act when considered desirable and practical;
ii.
Maintain heritage resource stewardship through supporting public awareness programs
aimed at conserving the city's heritage resources;
iii.
Explore the feasibility of municipal incentive programs and grants to support sensitive
restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage properties;
iv.
Give due consideration to assessing the historic significance of all older structures and
sites (e.g. archeological) to determine the requirement for public or private action for
preservation of such sites; and
v.
Seek assistance from appropriate agencies of senior levels of government wherever
possible and as required.
13.2
ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM
Prince Albert has a thriving arts and culture community that enhances the city as an attractive
place to live, work, play and visit. The arts and culture community complements the tourism
industry of Prince Albert both locally and regionally. Some of the well-known cultural facilities in
Prince Albert include the John M. Cuelenaere Library, Prince Albert Arts Centre, Margo Fournier
Centre, Art Hauser Centre, and E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts among others. During the
public participation phase of the development of this Plan, the community identified opportunities
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to expand the arts community by capitalizing on the riverbank development and revitalization
effort to create a vibrant and active riverfront. In 2006, The Tourism Advisory Committee
established by the Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Authority, developed the Prince
Albert Tourism 2006 Plan with a view to meeting the tourism objectives outlined in the Prince
Albert and Area Regional Development Strategic Plan, 2005. The City can encourage and support
these regional initiatives by pursuing various land use strategies related to the North
Saskatchewan River Valley, Pêhonân Parkway (see Section 9 on Parks, Recreation and Natural
Areas), Downtown, heritage, beautification of highway entrances, urban renewal and
redevelopment, etc.
The City also recognizes the significant efforts of the various arts and cultural service
organizations in Prince Albert in helping to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike by
creating a more complete and healthy community in which to live, work, play and visit. The City
should continue to provide support to cultural organizations in our community.
Goal:
The City shall continue to recognize the role of arts, culture and tourism as an important aspect
of community life through support and promotion of the arts, culture and tourism industries in
Prince Albert.
Policies:
i.
Commit to facilitating the broad and diverse arts, cultural and tourism opportunities in the
city;
ii.
Collaborate with surrounding communities in examining and capitalizing on regional
tourism opportunities;
iii.
Recognize arts, culture, heritage and tourism as social and economic drivers;
iv.
Support ongoing community awareness and involvement and appreciation of arts, culture
and tourism development as an integral part of community life;
v.
Support aboriginal tourism initiatives to highlight the cultural diversity of the region and
provide economic benefit to aboriginal communities;
vi.
Facilitate and support the efforts of heritage groups (historical societies, aboriginal groups
and museums) in preserving and celebrating the city's heritage for tourists and local
residents; and
vii.
Facilitate places for arts, cultural and tourism activities to occur through various land use
strategies related to:
a.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley;
b.
The Pêhonân Parkway;
c.
Heritage Resources;
d.
The Downtown;
e.
Urban Renewal and Redevelopment; and
f.
Highway Entrance Beautification.
viii.
Facilitate and support the efforts of cultural groups in preserving nurturing, enhancing and
presenting the City's cultural resources.
SECTION FOURTEEN:
FINANCE
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14.1
BACKGROUND
The City has a long history of managing its infrastructure, and planning for infrastructure
deficiencies, funding through cost recovery, operation and maintenance plans and some capital
planning. It will be important to develop capital improvement plans, evaluate cost recovery
methodologies where justified, continue to ensure assessment and taxation structures are
relevant and fair, to assess land assembly liabilities and assets, and to develop a robust asset
management plan.
City operating revenues are primarily sourced from property taxes and fees for various services,
the grant-in-lieu of taxes, cost sharing arrangements for particular services with the rural
municipalities and provincial transfers. Other cost sharing arrangements with the rural
municipalities include or may include the airport, cemetery, or parks and recreation.
Projected operating costs currently exceed these revenues, prompting the need for careful
consideration of service levels to avoid unacceptable tax increases.
Substantial capital investments are necessary for roads, buildings, equipment, and water and
sewer enhancements to meet the needs of the growing community. These investments are
funded through general revenues, reserves, borrowing, development cost charges, grants, and,
for tourism infrastructure, resort municipality hotel tax revenues. While development cost charges
are designed to fund infrastructure for new development over the long term, in the short term, the
City may have to finance community infrastructure improvements, often without certainty about
when developments and development cost charges will be realized.
The City prepares a five-year financial plan which is updated annually. The recent global
economic recession has slowed development plans in the community. This has further
exacerbated the challenge of managing municipal finances to anticipate the needs of future
growth when the timing of such growth is uncertain.
Goals:
i.
Appropriately balance revenue limitations with expenditures and investments to meet
community needs over the long-term.
ii.
Maintain effective management, efficiencies and accountability of the City's fiscal budgets
and operations.
Policies:
i.
Annually prepare a 5-year financial plan, with community consultation to sustainably
balance revenues with operating costs and capital investments, retaining adequate
reserves;
ii.
Include lifecycle analysis and asset management plan for all municipal capital purchases
recognizing that maintenance and operations are a significant component of municipal
expenditures;
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iii.
Identify and plan for the efficient allocation of traditional and non-traditional funding
sources;
iv.
Continue to pursue senior government funding opportunities (i.e., additional Hotel Tax,
Gas Tax, and infrastructure or other grant funding);
v.
Manage and acquire City owned lands consistent with a Land Acquisition and Assembly
Strategy;
vi.
Develop partnerships and share resources and funding with private, public and non-profit
organizations, cooperatively pursuing resources and funding;
vii.
Develop a cost recovery analysis and fee structure for all City fee-for-service functions;
viii.
Consider development tax incentives and fees that promote community amenities such as
affordable housing, aging in place, parks and recreation, green space and public safety;
ix.
Work with assessment authority and other municipal partners to balance property taxation
and achieve a more equitable taxation system;
x.
Develop a risk evaluation in conjunction with the City's insurance provider;
xi.
Assess and evaluate unfunded mandates from senior levels of government;
xii.
Explore tax increment financing or deferred taxation funding that enhances heritage
properties and economic development;
xiii.
Ensure City financial policies and practices are consistent with the Official Community
Plan; and
xiv.
Develop a unique fiscal impact model to property evaluate the costs of development and
update development levies on a regular basis; and
xv.
Appreciate the importance of volunteerism in fulfilling community priorities and
supplementing City resources.
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SECTION FIFTEEN:
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
15.1
OVERVIEW
Some master plans and studies may be considered by Council and formally adopted while others
remain informal (see the attached matrix for the current status). Potential working groups are
indicated in italics next to each responsible sector.
15.2
PEOPLE AND DECISION MAKING (COUNCIL)
Community Groups/Clubs; Advisory Committees (Development Review, Municipal
Advisory Committee)
Community engagement helps promote the OCP and inform City Council's decision making
process. A public engagement or decision making process references the need to consult the
community on an early and ongoing basis. Mechanisms to actualize this plan should be implanted
within Administration and City Council and their effectiveness reported on an annual basis. The
Indicator's section of this plan (Appendix 17.6) stresses the importance of trend data in working
rationally through current planning steps to reach long term goals.
An annual report should accompany the financial plan that highlights the status of the relevant
indicators and community involvement in that prioritization process.
Decision Making Strategy
-
Update the Communication's Strategy to recognize this plan and the City's Strategic Plan;
-
Engage regional planning efforts through joint elected official's meetings and planning
commission meetings;
-
Reference strategic plans developed by community partners and develop compatible
implementation objectives (e.g. Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, Prince Albert Grand
Council and all First Nation interests, and rural municipalities);
-
Work with partners including First Nations to develop focus groups and measure key
indicators on an annual basis, and report to Council;
-
Facilitate not for profit societies and engagement (e.g. events);
-
Form task forces for Council action and administrative committees to increase
transparency (e.g. Development Administrative Committee);
-
Consider the formation of a Development Review Committee in the development bylaws
to manage most of the administrative and procedural tasks of City Council. Development
review may be charged with discretionary permits, development permits, and temporary
use permits;
-
Develop social media, online newsletters, public bulletins, and newspaper - Council
corner Q & A;
-
Consider annual elected official's session with other municipalities for information sharing;
-
Develop a strategy for planning commission engagement and information sharing;
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-
Initiate a Municipal Planning Commission to advise City Council and help implement the
OCP; and
-
Engage mutual planning efforts with colleges and educational institutes, and school
divisions.
15.3
ADMINISTRATION (CITY MANAGER, CORPORATE SERVICES AND THE CITY CLERK)
Standing Committees, Management, Labour Relations, Information Technology User's
group and Design and Implementation Committee; Communication Committee; and
Strategic Plan Report
-
Administration guides and coordinates departments in service delivery and Council
actions, managing the public record through the City Clerk's office.
-
The Corporate Services office coordinates cross-departmental tasks, identifies strategic
planning goals, work programs and indicators, and quarterly reports.
-
The City Manager coordinates policy initiatives through City Council, endorses and helps
develop City procedures and administers the City Strategic Plan:
-
Update Information Technology Strategic Plan;
-
Coordinate work program and indicator's linked to City Strategic Plan and the
OCP;
-
Annual human resources training and performance analysis;
-
Administration communication actions through Communication Strategic Plan and
report annually; and
-
Link City Strategic Plan with all City Strategic Plans including the OCP; and
-
Review of Council.
15.4
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
IN PLANNING
AND
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES)
Economic Committee, Economic Forum and Round Table
Economic development is facilitated through the Planning and Development Services
Department, collaborating with agencies, jurisdictions (rural municipalities, Province,
Chamber of Commerce and other partners). Priorities for activities include marketing and
branding; tourism focus for outdoor recreation, business retention, business incubators,
First Nations, and tourist accommodation; value added secondary processing; improving
the supply of serviced industrial land; and retail diversity and product supply.
1.
Data gathering and analysis - An Economic Forum is planned for 2016 with
ongoing partner round tables, a Community Profile was completed in 2015, and
Council adopted strategic planning principles in 2014. Further work regarding
economic indicators, reporting and focus groups are planned with an update to
First Nation's community profile:
a.
With a revised Economic Advisory Committee, an updated Economic
Master Plan will guide a mix of opportunities that will then update the OCP;
and
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b.
Benchmark current important indicators and begin community reporting in
2015.
2.
Work with the community on land use planning ensuring sound housing policies,
and an active advisory group with a mix of residential, industrial and commercial
development in various parts of the city:
a.
Encourage bylaws and policies that do not dilute an active commercial
retail market downtown; and
b.
Continue to integrate development master plans into the OCP especially
the downtown and airport:
-
Develop frameworks with partners;
-
Inform stakeholders and neighborhood groups (e.g. West Hill,
Crescent Acres, riverfront and airport); and
-
Update the Green Industrial Park to cater to industrial opportunities
that support the airport. Create a marketing strategy in 2015.
3.
Focus on projects such as business partnerships reducing the cost of business
start-up through various tax and parking incentives. Projects could include:
a.
Downtown street level parklets and vendors;
b.
Street vendors and food courts;
c.
Public art enterprises;
d.
Craft breweries;
e.
Business improvement districts;
f.
Storefront urban planning through physical and virtual modeling; and
g.
Leveraged tax financing for sports, arts and entertainment venues.
4.
The downtown strategic plan highlights a number of strategic ventures now
incorporated into the OCP goals and policies. The following should be activated
through bylaws, policies and projects:
a.
Façade and theme formation and enhancement through consistent
signage, pedestrian scaled development, connected through the city
gateways;
b.
Inclusionary zoning;
c.
Low impact live work studios;
d.
Drop in zones with craft production;
e.
Evaluate the downtown based on CPTED principles and integrate into a
master planning framework and pick at least one project to demonstrate;
f.
Youth mentoring programs with business articulating educational
advancement like management;
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g.
Form a strategic partnership with enforcement and landlords to reduce
social disturbance; and
h.
Affordable rental housing linked to service sector employment.
5.
Regional economic development models should be explored including research
and development cores such as:
a.
First Nations enterprise and education through a collaborative council;
b.
Capitalize
the
nature
of
migrant
populations
encouraging
multi-jurisdictional partnerships;
c.
Special taxation, enterprise zones for proactive development; and
d.
Community indicators collaboration with the community foundation,
investment and banking sector, developers, and universities.
6.
High technology infrastructure enhances virtual opportunities and can build virtual
communities for networking and communication:
a.
SaskTel should be tapped as a partner in community wide high speed
internet, linked with educational institutions and business enterprise; and
b.
Form a Greater Prince Albert Technology Council to promote hi-tech
enterprise.
7.
Establish a grant funding resource to tap collaborative resources, concerted
master plans, and consider recruiting a full time grant administrator.
8.
Develop an economic master plan that considers all partners (e.g. First Nation's
groups, rural municipalities, economic sectors, Community Futures, Chamber of
Commerce, universities and other educational institutions, provincial and federal
agencies) and interests, and establishes important updates to the OCP.
15.5
FINANCE
Annual Finance Working Group
Through City Council finance facilitates the following activities:
-
Annual budgets;
-
Reserve funds for major improvements;
-
Cost recovery projects such as sewer and water;
-
Five year plans - for operational, and asset management - both tangible and non-tangible,
and capital plans; and
-
Long range capital, and operation and maintenance plans.
Finance coordinates capital planning between departments and Council.
1.
Consider a capital master plan:
a. Consider impacts and costs of roads, sewer, water, storm water, solid waste, parks
and recreation, and sources of revenues including the general fund (taxation), grants,
and development levies; and
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b. Review all master plans for capital projects and incorporate into long range budgeting;
2.
Update the development levy calculation with a focus on lowering fees for infill properties;
3.
In partnership with other departments, reduce tax liability of City owned land and formulate
policies for land assembly and development, aligning funds to enhance this enterprise,
and develop consistent procedures for land sales;
4.
Formulate consistent tax incentive policies for various types of development including
affordable housing, downtown, and the riverfront; and
5.
Facilitate the formation of consistent policies for the allocation and disbursement of funds
for affordable housing, development levies, parks and lands.
15.6
PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE (COMMUNITY SERVICES)
Community Clubs, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Heritage Advisory Committee
Areas of responsibility for programming and planning include:
-
Active and passive park spaces including trails, open space, displays, orientation boards,
leisure parks, arenas and outdoor spaces;
-
Events such as the downtown street fair, airshow, and music festival;
-
Facilities - capital planning with partners, operation and maintenance, space
programming, energy efficiency impacts and reduction; and
-
Cultural lead for arts, historical, museum and heritage.
Community Services helps the community and Council manage and initiate active and passive
recreation, open space and trails planning and development, events and cultural support
networks. A number of projects listed in the OCP can best be governed by the following plans
and groups:
1.
Conduct a facilities analysis in conjunction with other departments, to determine operation
and maintenance criteria, programming needs and future development opportunities and
synergies;
2.
Cultural master plan - Arts Board, Steering Committee - facilitated through Planning and
Development Services to coordinate:
-
Economic development;
-
Events planning and policy development including regional coordination
(e.g. airshow, street fair, sled dog races, fastball, music festivals);
-
Specific multi-ethnic cultural activities with parks and recreation plan;
-
Review of E.A. Rawlinson Centre Strategic Plan (2014);
-
Update Heritage Advisory Committee terms of reference; and
-
Historical and museum needs analysis identifying designated protection areas and
sites.
128
3.
Project lists - expand the projects list to include capital plans from master plans and
include needs analysis:
-
Urban tree planting programs with volunteers and an annual basis - reference
models like Calgary;
-
Examine the use of trail exercise equipment;
-
Consider management of pesticides in all playfields; and
-
Cross generational project near Skateboard Park - consider inclusion in expansion
(e.g. bocce ball, Frisbee golf or lawn bowling).
4.
Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) Master Plan
(steering committee and PRC committee, Arts Board, local host committees)
-
Develop landscape agreements and plans in both public and private spaces
designating xeriscape principles, best practices and appropriate planting species;
-
Map rural/urban interface and linkages to trails, parks, habitat and watersheds;
-
Through mapping, coordinate community clubs, land use, parks, trails, schools and
facilities like arenas and playgrounds;
-
Joint use agreements review with all partners especially schools to capitalize
common active recreation spaces, safe routes to school, senior's engagement,
playgrounds and open space;
-
Identify volunteer groups and formalize working relationships through policies and
procedures;
-
Partnerships with riverfront trail protection, land use master plan, flood plain
management and geotechnical evaluation;
-
List all PRC policies and procedures and update as necessary (e.g. civic arts,
events scheduling and marketing);
-
Designation of the type of parks and recreation facilities will guide the production
of site plans tied to capital plans and budgeting;
-
Explore adult exercise and accessibility options in parks and transportation
planning, and specify at least one project in 2015;
-
Through land use planning designate open space, passive and active recreation,
and assign development opportunities for areas like the Pêhonân Parkway, River
Park Master Plan and Kinsmen Park;
-
Develop an urban agriculture program in concert with social groups and evaluate
effectiveness on an annual basis. Further enhance community gardens and
designate at least three new areas;
-
Engage other departments in events planning and standardize scheduling and
permits;
-
Regional facilities - fishing and orienteering at nearby lakes and rivers;
-
Cross generational evaluation - seniors and youth for physical education;
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-
Social engagement - youth plan partnership between police and schools; and
-
Urban forestry.
5.
Trails overlay plan - interest groups (e.g. equestrian, skateboard, or bikers), PRC
committee
-
Engage Canadian National Rail in proposals for a rail to trail program and potential
multi-modal crossings;
-
Connect parks, visitor information, and museum to commercial nodes including
downtown; and
-
Partnerships with Province, clubs and trails groups for development of parkway
and Crown land.
15.7
ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Parent Advisory Committees, neighborhood groups and Traffic Committee with Ministry
of Transportation;
While the Public Works Department maintains and plans infrastructure and facilities, other
departments collaborate as users - working together to evaluate needs, list projects, procure
funding and to help with operation and maintenance.
Areas of responsibility:
-
Infrastructure (sewer, water, roads, storm, street lighting and technology (fiber, etc.));
-
Budgeting and finance for all infrastructure assigning projects for development levies; local
improvement district identification; latecomer fee assessment and policies; development
improvement assessment and criteria (e.g. half street improvements); and other capital
projects;
-
Permit processing - with other departments consider a developer's handbook and
procedural flow charts;
-
Operation and maintenance of all urban systems;
-
Solid waste management and planning;
-
Manage right-of-ways including street trees, boulevards, lighting, drainage and all
subsurface infrastructure;
-
Service delivery for street sweeping, public road maintenance, troubleshooting all
services, snow removal and storm water management; and
-
Emergency response and planning.
Public Works facilitates infrastructure plans including water, sanitary, storm water, and
transportation, integrated with other plans including land use and parks, and stewards the public
space.
Paramount endeavours include multi-modal mobility (bike, pedestrian, public transit, shuttles,
freight, air, water and motor vehicles); public safety; adequate levels of service within reasonable
130
budget constraints; short and long term budgeting in enterprise (e.g. sanitary and water) and non-
enterprise areas (e.g. roads).
Infrastructure Master Plans
1.
Transportation (2008) - 2015 plan would begin to identify current deficiencies; update
road classifications and mapping; gather volume and capacity data; forecast growth
scenarios from land use; develop long range infrastructure improvements for all modes;
identify ideal road cross sections; identify levels of service zones used in subdivision and
development bylaws and policies; capital projects list with costs, timetable and
responsibility; bridge and viaduct analysis including operation and maintenance; freight
and dangerous goods mobility.
2.
Storm Water (2016) - surface channels; retention bylaws and strategies; green strategies
including rain gardens, riparian buffers, bio-retention swales, and permeable pavement
and pavers; flood plain mitigation and backflow protection; management of source
contamination (infiltration and inflow); discharge design standards to help mitigate cross
connections; update OCP mapping and future infrastructure; culverts and ditching
replacement and upgrade strategies.
3.
Water (2015) - source and distribution analysis based on growth strategies, management
of community water systems, and individual wells, water source protection and long term
mitigation; emergency protection and discharge management; update OCP mapping and
future infrastructure; hydrant standardization.
4.
Sanitary Sewer (2015) - capacity based on various growth scenarios; cross connection
control; infrastructure and capacity improvements with project lists; discharge quality and
management; emergency management and mitigation; update expansion options and
OCP; septage reuse and composting.
5.
Solid Waste (2016) - curb side recycling strategies; landfill capacity and contamination
mitigation; composting strategies.
6.
Fiber and High Speed Internet (2016) - increasingly this service is as important to
economic development and stability as other core services such as sewer, water and
roads. Develop a fiber or high speed internet installation program and consider WiFi in
hotspot public areas such as downtown.
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15.8
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Community groups, Development Review Committee, Housing Advisory Committee,
Business Improvement District, Regional Planning Commission; Sustainability Committee
(social, environmental and economic);
Planning and Development Services manages building bylaws, zoning, OCP, land sales and
assembly, economic development and some portions of bylaw enforcement. The department
facilitates plans with other departments and helps coordinate public decision making, community
engagement and all master plans referenced in the OCP. Please refer to the Healthy Economy
section, Section 11.
Areas of responsibility:
1.
OCP facilitation (including all elements): land use (rezoning), OCP amendments, housing,
environment, transportation, infrastructure, public safety and subdivision.
2.
Housing: Housing Advisory Committee reporting to Council will help guide Council and
community decision making in the following key policy areas:
-
Affordable market and rental housing;
-
Land trusts and financing mechanisms;
-
Allocation and collection of specific funds;
-
Housing goals and policies within the OCP and other policy documents;
-
Encouragement of housing diversity and integration;
-
Mixed use (commercial and light industrial) housing; and
-
Housing market studies, indicators and inventories.
3.
Land Assembly and development: The City has a portfolio of surplus land that could be
considered for development under a number of policy scenarios. A land assembly
community engagement exercise is planned to further explore the viability of these policy
areas:
-
Develop funding models for assembly of lands; purchase of lands; development
planning including rezoning, land use amendments, site plan development, and
preliminary design; and market analysis;
-
Develop specific land pricing policies and procedures, focusing on immediate
priorities such as Crescent Acres, and consider cost recovery, market value,
levies, affordable housing, market advantage and competitiveness;
-
Inventory and categorize existing land into zoning, size, serviceability and
marketability;
-
Explore opportunities for various ventures including affordable housing, business
incubators, mixed use, specific underserved housing types (e.g. live/work studios);
-
Scope and set up specific future land acquisition opportunities; and
-
Circumscribe development planning opportunities by gauging market conditions;
preparing development plans including zoning and OCP amendments with
preliminary design; and testing market conditions and opportunities.
4.
Current planning including subdivision and development permits.
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5.
Infrastructure - master plans for water; liquid waste (sewer); storm water;
roads/transportation (multi-modal - trails, water travel, bicycle, equestrian); solid waste
and recycling.
6.
Land use master plan - continued improvement of land use descriptions and mapping
helps shape the future of the city.
-
Brownfields opportunity best practices and case studies;
-
Link land use descriptions and policies to strategic plan and development bylaws;
-
Regional land use planning - coordinate all regional land use areas within the
greater Prince Albert area with rural municipalities;
-
Balance land use allocations through needs assessment from market conditions
including measuring the diversity in housing, social impacts, and environmental
monitoring and measure annually;
-
Engage First Nations interests especially in the mutual development of urban
reserves;
-
Assess and report annually on a group of community indicators (see Appendix
17.6); and
-
Conduct an area wide zoning and use site assessment and analysis with maps to
determine buildable lands; future development potential; current zoning vs. current
use; environmental, social and economic impacts and opportunities.
7.
Plan integration (Integrated Community Sustainability Plan-ICSP)
(social, environmental and economic standing committees)
-
Social including health and support services:
-
Review value statements in the health strategies and integrate within the
ICSP;
-
Develop a focus group and annually report with valid and reliable
indicators;
-
Facilities programming and analysis for increased health services both
locally and regionally - partner with Grand Council, Health District and
Province to develop combined strategies with all parts of the OCP;
-
Measure and report on the current needs for all types of care - acute,
hospice, dependent and independent living; considering adaptability
standards for aging in place and various funding strategies;
-
Review service levels for emergency services including air evacuation
based on industry standards and integrate with future growth scenarios;
-
Using socio-demographic data evaluate future social and health needs and
the provision of services including detox, low income housing, transitional
housing, educational opportunities, youth activity and drop-in center;
133
-
Initiate research into family residency and support services with the
University of Saskatchewan, and develop strategies that anticipate
reception centers;
-
Working with provincial agencies identify future response to obstetric
demands;
-
Consider an advisory committee for healthcare;
-
Gather key indicators using the Canadian Institute of Health Research
sources to identify important needs and report annually;
-
Working with other health regions develop a collaborative approach to
health care, shared priorities, and consider advocacy approaches;
-
Initiate the formation of better data sources especially for First Nation
groups; and
-
Working with schools to identify ways of integrating First Nation youth into
the educational environment and community.
-
Environment - The City is endowed with good air quality, water supply, outdoor
recreation opportunities and diverse habitat, three primary forest types (pine,
balsam and spruce) but with challenges that include wildfire, contaminated sites,
steep slopes, floodplain, and air quality in some areas.
-
An environmental master plan in conjunction with an Integrated Community
Sustainability Plan (ICSP) that partners with the rural municipality could consider:
-
Air quality - wood smoke; dust control - level of service and street
sweeping;
-
Fire smart requirements - identify defensible space regulation and develop
education programs;
-
Manage fuel loads in forested areas;
-
Flood plain review and develop Flood Hazard Mitigation by considering:
-
Large scale mitigation strategies including diking, bank armoring,
trail development and grade alteration;
-
Hydro-geotechnical analysis in specific areas;
-
Specific mitigation analysis based on existing construction and
flood path management;
-
Evaluation and updating of flood modeling;
-
Impact analysis including property valuation offsets through land
trades and risk analysis, including insurance coverage;
-
Modify Schedule 16.1.9 when modeling is updated;
-
Limit development in flood plains to parks and open spaces;
-
Provide "flood proofing" for occupied buildings in flood prone areas; and
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-
Prescribe environmentally sensitive areas to manage riparian spaces,
habitat, slopes and soil types, and conserve open spaces.
15.9
PUBLIC SAFETY
Board of Police Commissioners; Development Review Committee; Advisory Planning
Commission;
After consideration of a master plan, performance objectives may be included in the OCP
including fire response times (e.g. 10 minutes); levels of service (e.g. transportation,
emergency services); crime prevention management and neighborhood policing
strategies.
A master plan identifies gaps in resources and charts endeavors to maintain safe
neighborhoods and protect infrastructure from loss, such as disasters (floods or fire) and
develops emergency response and services options and strategies.
Public Safety Master Plan - examines the community's current and future ability to
manage and deliver services. Service levels can be prescribed and included in the OCP
to help guide capital and operational plans including locations of fire halls, neighborhood
policing infrastructure, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
analysis and plans; and regional mutual aid and support. Strategies to consider in
implementing the OCP may include:
-
Water supply for firefighting - evaluate flows, capacity and infrastructure, suggest
bylaw and policy changes including mandatory sprinklers;
-
Review emergency services response plan and levels of service;
-
Update all public safety bylaws with best practices, policies and procedures;
-
Fire risk analysis and strategies for mitigation;
-
Decision making strategies - public and neighborhood groups, school parent
advisory committees, advisory groups, development review, planning commission,
public safety programs (e.g. cultural education regarding fire safety);
-
Wildfire mapping and strategies - suggest development permit update and policy
for fire smarting after analysis and mapping of the interface;
-
Road safety - accident incidents and improvements; speed control and
management; intersection improvements; freight mobility, services and parking;
uncontrolled rail crossings; secondary access and emergency routes;
-
Mutual aid agreements current and future;
-
Emergency response plan - coordinate and update considering protection of vital
infrastructure including water treatment and sewage lagoons in the flood plain;
-
Capital plan for equipment and facilities including fire halls, police facilities,
ambulance and emergency services;
-
Fire prevention evaluation of risks - working in partnership to develop risk
assessment and response;
135
-
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) - insert into
development review process working with Police, Public Works, and Fire and
Emergency Services; map crime hot spots and develop design scenarios;
-
Review emergency response potential and develop standardized response
options for significant disasters (e.g. derailment, flooding, and wildfire);
-
Integration of safety planning into all OCP elements including land use,
transportation, housing, parks, recreation, culture, environment and emergency
planning;
-
Indicator development and maintenance - continue to support current structure
but develop integrated strategies with focus groups and reporting on an annual
basis;
-
Housing and health support and analysis;
-
Social review of transient movement and regional approaches;
-
School safety support activities and mutual planning; and
-
Property maintenance review - bylaw team, best practices and needs assessment.
Table A - Implementation Matrix
The Implementation Matrix states elements (e.g. Infrastructure), studies and plans (e.g. traffic, master plans) with status of Council actions (adopted/unadopted),
responsible departments and community leads (e.g. committees).
DECISION MAKING
PUBLIC SAFETY
TRANSPORTATION
PARKS, RECREATION,
NATURAL AREAS
INFRASTRUCTURE
Engagement strategy
Wildfire
Facilities master plan
Parks, recreation and culture
master plan
Liquid Waste MP - 2015
IT strategic plan
Water supply for fire fighting
Transportation MP
Trails overlay plan
Solid Waste MP - 2016
Organizational analysis
PS master plan - police, fire
and emergency services
Flood plain analysis
Park sites plan
Water MP - 2015
Strategic plan
Crime prevention through
environmental design - CPTED
Integrated community
sustainability plan
Storm Water MP - 2015
Community indicator's
reporting
Property maintenance
Parks plan study
Transportation MP - 2015
Emergency routes, response
times
Culture and heritage study
Airport MP - 2015
Police Strategic Plan
Youth plan
Development Levy - 2016
Fire Strategic Plan
Age friendly plan
Fiber, WiFi and high speed
internet study
Parking study
GROUPS, COMMITTEES AND PARTNERS
Council
Neighborhood policing/school
youth council
Cross-dept. working group for
facilities
Community clubs
Cross-dept. working group for
facilities
Standing committees
CPTED review with
development permits
Parks and Recreation Boards
Parent Advisory Committees
Not for profit societies
HUB and CORE social
adaption
Parks and Recreation
Committee
Traffic working group
Community groups or clubs
Auxiliary police
Heritage Advisory
Committee
Parent Advisory Committees
Police Board of
Commissioners
Development Review
Chamber of Commerce
Municipal Advisory
Commission
Table
B -
Implementation Matrix
Community Indicator's focus
groups
LAND USE
ECONOMIC
ENVIRONMENT
SOCIAL
FINANCE
First Nations plan
- community to community
Community profile
ICSP
Cultural master plan
Capital master plan
Master plan
Opportunity analysis
Regional Air shed
Management Plan
Age friendly plan
Fees and charges study
Secondary neighborhood plans
Distressed lands
Flood hazard mitigation
and analysis
Health master Plan
Regional Plan coordination and
annexation strategy
Economic master plan
Community energy
Business retention plan
Master plan
GROUPS, COMMITTEES AND PARTNERS
Neighborhood groups
Regional Planning
Commission
Literacy- SIAST
Annual review group
Brownfield partnerships
Chamber of Commerce
SUMA, MOE
Social development council
Local Appeals Board
Tourism Board
Sustainability partnership
for ICSP
Events committee
Board of adjustment
Downtown revitalization
museum
Regional Planning Commission
and joint meetings
Community foundation
partnership
Provincial heritage
partnership
Joint elected official's meetings
Economic Advisory Group
Youth committee
Faith based support groups
Housing Advisory
Committee
Library board
Task force on health
* partially completed (year)
Italics - not completed; groups not formed
Standard case - completed but not adopted; groups active
Bold standard case - completed and adopted; groups formalized by Council
SECTION SIXTEEN: SCHEDULES
(12/2016; s.1; 2/2020, s.1)
SECTION SEVENTEEN:
APPENDICES
17.1
GLOSSARY
The following terms and acronyms are intended as definitions and clarifications as used
within the City of Prince Albert OCP.
ACRONYMS
ADSL means Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
ALR means agricultural land reserve.
CNR means Canadian National Railroad.
CPTED means Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
LEED means the Canadian Green Building Council's building certification Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design.
MP means master plan.
OCP means Official Community Plan.
PAPS means Prince Albert Police Service.
PDA means the Provincial Planning and Development Act.
QEP means a Qualified Environmental Professional.
RAR means Riparian Area Regulations.
RCMP means Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
RM means Rural Municipality.
UGA means Urban Growth Area.
WiFi means Wireless High Speed Internet Network.
DEFINITIONS
Actions mean things a community is willing to do to increase its chances of achieving what it
wants to achieve. The actions that the public sector (a municipal, regional, or provincial
government) can do are its policies.
Affordable Housing means safe, appropriate housing that is affordable for the income levels of
all community residents and includes non-market housing.
Alternative Transportation means modes of transportation other than the single passenger
motor vehicle including, but not limited to, carpools/share, public transit, walking, bicycling and
ski lifts.
Bed Units means the number of persons likely to be accommodated in a particular area or
development.
Carriage Cottages means garage or carport conversions into small self-contained
accommodation units.
Citizen means an individual who has responsibilities and rights within a community.
Complete Streets means streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all
users. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely
move along and across a complete street.
Development means any of the following associated with or resulting from The Cities Act or The
Planning and Development Act or approval of residential, commercial or industrial activities or
ancillary activities to the extent that they are subject to local government powers.
Direct Control District means an area of land where the City is authorized under the PDA to
specify controls for a number of specific purposes including: protection of the natural
environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity; protection of development from hazardous
conditions; protection of farming; revitalization of an area in which a commercial use is permitted;
establishment of objectives for the form and character of intensive residential development;
establishment of objectives for the form and character of commercial, industrial or multi-family
residential development; in relation to an area in a region, establishment of objectives for the form
and character of development in the region; establishment of objectives to promote energy
conservation; establishment of objectives to promote water conservation; establishment of
objectives to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Direct Construction Workforce means the workforce. A subset of this workforce refers to the
permanent construction jobs that accrue in Prince Albert as a result of the construction. While this
workforce requires accommodation in Prince Albert during the years of construction, only a small
proportion of these employees remain to find permanent jobs in the community.
Direct Operations Workforce means the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs created and
maintained by the operation. It is assumed this entire workforce resides in Prince Albert over time.
EnerGuide means the official Government of Canada mark associated with the labelling and
rating of the energy consumption or energy efficiency of specific products. EnerGuide TM
labelling exists for appliances, heating and cooling equipment, houses and vehicles.
Environmental Stewardship means an ethic that embodies cooperative planning and
management of environmental resources with organizations, communities and others to actively
engage in the prevention of loss of habitat and facilitate its recovery in the interest of long-term
sustainability.
Essential Features and Characteristics means special features or characteristics that
contribute to the heritage value or heritage character of the area.
Future Growth Areas mean those lands that may be appropriate for future growth once the lands
within the Urban Growth Area have been exhausted and/or the annual monitoring and reporting
program recommends a need for additional growth areas.
Forms based bylaws are codes that address the relationship between building facades and the
public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types
of streets and blocks. The regulations and standards in form based codes, presented in both
diagrams and words, are keyed to a regulating plan that designates the appropriate form and
scale (and therefore, character) of development rather than only distinctions in land use types.
Goals mean broad statements of desired outcomes (e.g. increase environmental quality,
economic prosperity, transportation choice, social justice).
Habitat Suitability and Capability Modelling means an approach to organize information from
a variety of sources such as literature, remote sensing data, and field data to identify suitable
habitats. The suitability of the land is determined by combining the various habitat requirements
based on their relative importance and can be used to generate maps depicting the relative
suitability of the land for a particular species.
Highway Commercial means the area focused on Arterial development in the city.
Immediate Needs of Destination Visitors means sports activity oriented goods, convenience
goods and food and beverage.
Indicators mean specific statements of outcomes. They should fall under (or "nest within") one
of the higher level goals or objectives. Examples: parts per million of CO2 might be an indicator
within the objective of reducing air pollution or mitigating climate change. (http://indicator-
project.com/context/theory/definitions)
Infill Development means new development located within existing built and serviced areas. This
can include development on vacant lots between existing buildings (true infill), redevelopment of
existing buildings or uses of buildings (intensification) and/or through renovation from one use to
another (adaptive reuse).
In-Migrating Population means those who permanently migrate to the region for work related
to, or induced by, the resort development.
LEED means the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating
System developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a suite of standards
for environmentally sustainable construction.
Low Impact Development means an innovative storm water management approach with a basic
principle that is modelled after nature: manage rainfall at the source using uniformly distributed
decentralized micro-scale controls.
Multi-family Residential means any development with two or more residential units on a single
lot.
Neighbourhood Commercial means retail use which services only the needs of the surrounding
area; generally small scale, pedestrian oriented with limited parking; typically located on major
streets.
Non-Market Housing means housing that is sold or rented at a price that is not dictated by market
forces and has restrictions on resale value to ensure affordability in perpetuity.
Objectives mean a planned or intended outcome to achieve a goal.
Policy means a direction to be taken to achieve a community goal.
Predictive Ecosystem Mapping means a modelled approach to ecosystem mapping whereby
existing knowledge of ecosystem attributes and relationships are used to predict ecosystem
representation in the landscape.
Principal Building means a building or structure containing the principle use of the property.
Resident means an individual that ordinarily resides within the City of Prince Albert as his or her
principal residence.
Resident Population means the "traditional" population of Prince Albert, which increases at a
slow rate over the period, as the only major generator of growth is the resort. We have accounted
for the increase in birth rate that would be attributable to the new permanent working population
by increasing the base growth rate to 1% per annum.
Right-of-Way means a street, lane, walkway or any other way open to public use.
Riparian Areas Regulation means the Provincial Government regulation which calls on local
governments to protect riparian areas during residential, commercial and industrial development
by ensuring that proposed activities are subject to a science based assessment conducted by a
qualified environmental professional.
Secondary Plan means the delineation of the existing conditions and desired future conditions
of a planning district, neighbourhood or sector of Prince Albert. The Secondary Plan is the guide
to specific land use necessary to align those planning districts with Prince Albert's vision for the
future.
Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory means an inventory that systematically identifies and maps rare
and fragile ecosystems in a given area. The information is derived from aerial photography,
supported by selective field checking of the data.
Smart Growth means a collection of land use and development principles that aim to enhance
our quality of life, preserve the natural environment, and save money over time. Smart growth
principles ensure that growth is fiscally, environmentally and socially responsible and recognizes
the connections between development and quality of life. Smart growth enhances and completes
communities by placing priority on infill, redevelopment, and densification strategies.
Stream includes any of the following that is proven to provide fish habitat:
(a) a watercourse, whether it usually contains water or not;
(b) a pond, lake, river, creek or brook;
(c) a ditch, spring or wetland that is hydraulically connected by surface something referred
to in paragraph (a) or (b).
Sustainability identifies the triple bottom line of impact assessment - economic, social and
environmental and needs to clarify human efforts that reorganize living conditions (e.g.
eco-villages, eco-municipalities and sustainable cities), reappraise economic sectors (green
building, sustainable agriculture), or work practices (sustainable architecture), using science to
develop new technologies (green technologies, renewable energy), and adjustments in individual
lifestyles.
Sustained Prosperity means the steady state condition where the city has achieved economic
wellbeing that successfully serves its social and cultural elements without requiring ongoing
physical growth that compromises the natural environment.
Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) means a system of dividing the landscape into similar
ecological units, according to a combination of ecological features, primarily climate,
physiography, surficial material, bedrock geology, soil and vegetation.
Transect refers to the varieties of land use from an urban core to a rural boundary. General New
Urban transect classifications (from highest to lowest density) are: urban core, urban center,
general urban, suburban, rural and natural.
Triple Bottom Line means the integrated approach that intertwines economic, environmental
and social accountability in all aspects of community with the overarching objective of
sustainability.
Urban Growth Area means the targeted lands for urban growth, enabling the community to move
towards fulfilling economic, social, land use and environmental goals while maximizing a
community's financial and infrastructure resources.
Visitor means an individual that visits and is not a resident and may include short term tourist or
second homeowners.
Watercourse means any stream.
Wayfinding means the user experience of orientation and choosing a path within the built
environment, and it also refers to the set of architectural and/or design elements that aid
orientation.
APPENDIX 17.2 - SUSTAINABILITY CHECKLIST
Sustainability Checklist
Sustainability Review
1. Comment on direct employment created by this project during construction: number and
duration of jobs (full time, part time), types of jobs (e.g., construction design) and income
range of jobs.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Are there any number of components of economic sustainability (e.g., suitability of units for
home based businesses) advanced by this proposal? Yes / No
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Built Environment
Comment of the following site planning components:
3. Walking distance to: bus stop (in kms) ______; trails, greenways, cycling routes (in kms)
______.
4. Is the proposed development located in the city's prime developable lands? Yes / No
5. Provides additional support for alternative transportation use (check all that apply):
variance received to provide less parking than required
bicycle storage change rooms
designated parking for car share spaces
high occupancy vehicles (e.g., carpool, vanpool)
incorporates Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures
other, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
6. Describe on site storm water management (e.g. green roof treatment, permeable paving on-
site detention/retention drainage, fish or aquatic habitat protection, oil, chemical separator
drains)
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
7. Floodplain mitigation (note: this is a requirement in floodplain areas) Yes / No
8. Will site remediation be part of the development process? Yes / No / Not Applicable
If yes, briefly outline proposed remediation approach:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
9. Mitigation of lighting pollution ( e.g. spill lighting and off-site glare avoided) Yes / No
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
10. Does the project provide enhanced waste diversion facilities (e.g., on-site recycling, on-site
composting, bear proof containers)? Yes / No
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
11. Comment on inclusion of energy reduction methods:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
12. Comment on proposed methods for suitable use and reuse of materials and resources:
a. Management of construction wastes (e.g. reuse of existing buildings or building
materials during construction, demolition, remade/recycled content, best management
practices).
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
13. Comment on the inclusion of strategies to improve indoor environment quality:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
14. If new streets or lanes are constructed as part of the development, are they designed to
reduce storm water runoff?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
15. If the property is adjacent to existing park space, open space, paths or trails, is a visual and
pedestrian connection provided?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
16. Do any of the City of Prince Albert's policies or regulations currently prevent you from
implementing identified Smart Growth initiatives?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
17. Is the proposed residential, commercial or institutional development within a ten minute walk
(approximately 800 meters) from:
-
neighbourhood store or other shopping Yes / No
-
schools Yes / No
-
community services (e.g., library community centre) Yes / No
-
child care facility Yes / No
-
health services (e.g., hospital, doctor's office) Yes / No
-
parks or trails Yes / No
-
bus stop Yes / No
-
other amenities Yes / No
18. Type of heating/cooling system:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Natural Environment
19. Was an environmental assessment of the property completed prior to the commencement of
design work?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
20. Is the proposed development in an environmentally sensitive area?
-
significant trees Yes / No
-
natural grassland areas Yes / No
-
riparian areas Yes / No
-
wildlife (red or blue listed species) Yes / No
-
wildlife habitat Yes / No
-
wildlife corridors Yes / No
-
Has the preservation and/or enhancement of the areas listed above been
incorporated
-
in the proposed project? Yes / No / Unknown
21. Are there environmental features present on the property?
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
22. Provision of green space and trees on and off site (includes retention of existing trees). Note
and show calculations for:
-
Amount of green space in square feet: __________
-
Amount of usable open space in square feet: ___________
-
Number and percentage of existing tress to be retained on site: __________
-
Number of trees removed: ____________
-
Number of trees to be planted: ___________
23. Are there any significant existing environmental features that are to be maintained or
enhanced on the site (e.g. tree and/or shrub preservation or daylighting or a stream)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Social Sustainability
24. Anticipated price range of units (note price for both commercial and residential units, if
applicable) Average price per square foot: $_____________
25. Does the proposed development include non-market housing units (affordable housing)?
a. number of units: ___________
b. as percentage of total units: ___________
c. form of tenure (e.g., rental, co-op, owner):___________
d. targeted population, if applicable (e.g., seniors, family): ____________________
26. Does the project include rental housing units? Yes / No
a. Number of units: ____________
b. Expected average rent for a one bedroom unit $____________
c. Expected average rent for two bedroom unit $____________
27. If the project includes lot or medium density residential, are the housing units ground oriented
(i.e. does a door have direct outdoor access to a street or courtyard as opposed to a corridor)?
a. Number of units: ___________
b. As a percentage of total units ___________
28. Does the project incorporate features to enhance adaptability and accessibility within the
proposed housing units for people with disabilities (e.g. wider door openings, reinforced walls
in bathrooms for future installation of grab bars, ground oriented entrances)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
29. Actions proposed to mitigate noise from external sources such as traffic, railways, industry,
commercial uses, patrons, etc. Yes / No
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
30. Does the project enhance local identity and character (e.g. through architectural style,
landscaping, colours, project name, forms based design)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
31. Describe the existing neighbourhood character (i.e. historic, single family mixed use, etc.)
and how the proposed development will enhance the adjacent neighbourhood.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
32. Does the project contain a mix of uses (e.g. residential, commercial) or introduce a new
community serving land use type to the neighbourhood (e.g. new housing from, commercial
service)? Yes / No
33. Does the project contribute to heritage revitalization through the reuse, relocation or
rehabilitation of an existing structure or feature? Yes / No
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
34. Public amenities provided by the development (check all that apply):
public art
child care facility
walking/biking trails
other - describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
35. Does the development incorporate space for public gathering and activities (e.g. courtyards,
communal gardens, play areas)? Yes / No
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
36. Does the proposed development enhance the streetscape?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
37. Are private amenities provided with the development (e.g. meeting rooms, outdoor space)?
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
38. Is there something unique or innovative about your project that has not been addressed
(e.g. creation of a new zone, other sustainable features, contributions to the community)?
Yes / No
If yes, describe:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
39. How does the development enhance public safety in terms of fire, policing and emergency
services?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
17.3
ILLUSTRATIVE PLANS
A concept worth noting that incorporates these ideas is that of the fused grid roadway network.
The fused grid system enhances vehicular and pedestrian circulation by combining the
conventional loop and cul-de-sac curvilinear pattern, which provides safety, sociability and
efficiency with that of the traditional grid pattern, which provides connectivity and easy orientation.
Figure 1. Curvilinear Street Layout. Taken from Residential Street Pattern Design, Canadian Mortgage
Housing Corporation. July 2002. p. 5
Figure 2. Grid Street Layout. Taken from Residential Street Pattern Design, Canadian Mortgage Housing
Corporation. July 2002. p. 5
Figure 3. Fused Grid Style Street Layout. Taken from Residential Street Pattern Design, Canadian Mortgage
Housing Corporation. July 2002. p. 5
Illustrative Plans for Riverfront, Downtown and Scenic Corridor
These plans are included to be representative of smart growth design criteria, and not necessarily
place specific.
17.3.1 RIVERFRONT
17.3.2 DOWNTOWN
17.3.3 SCENIC CORRIDOR
17.4
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
The province of Saskatchewan through the Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued specific
guidelines for storm water management as directed by The Environmental Management and
Protection
Act,
2002
(EMPA)
and
The
Water
Regulations,
2002
located
at
http://www.saskh20.ca/DWBinder/epb322.pdf.
Excerpt from the WSA guidelines - Stormwater Quality
Numerous studies have indicated that there can be significant pollution in receiving waters due to
storm water runoff. The pollutant loading from urban/rural runoff may be similar to that of
wastewater effluent and industrial discharges and have significant impacts on potable water
supply, aquatic habitat, recreation, agriculture and aesthetics. Storm water runoff is usually high
in suspended solids and organic matter that exert oxygen demand in the receiving waters.
Other pollutants or physical conditions associated with urban/rural runoff that are harmful to
receiving waters include nitrogen/phosphorus, temperature, pathogens, metals, hydrocarbons,
organics and salt.
Significant impacts on receiving waters associated with storm water discharges include:
-
water quality changes (short-term) during and after storm events including temporary
increases in the concentration of one or more pollutants, toxins or bacteria levels;
-
long-term water quality impacts caused by the cumulative effects associated with repeated
storm water discharges from a number of sources; and
-
physical impacts due to erosion, scour and deposition associated with the increased
frequency and volume of runoff that alters aquatic habitat.
Pollutants frequently found in storm water runoff, their source and the impact on receiving waters
are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2. Summary of Main Storm Water Pollutants, Sources, Effects, and Related Impacts
Pollutant
Sources
Effects
Related Impacts
Nitrogen/
Phosphorus (Nutrients)
Urban landscape runoff
(fertilizers, detergents,
plant debris,
sediments, dust,
gasoline, tires);
agricultural runoff
(fertilizers, animal
waste); failing septic
systems.
Phosphorus is the
limiting nutrient in most
freshwater systems.
Nitrogen is the limiting
nutrient in most
saltwater systems, but
can be a concern in
streams as well.
Algal growth; reduced
clarity; lower dissolved
oxygen (DO); release of
other pollutants.
Nutrients can limit
recreational values
(swimming, boating,
fishing and other uses),
reduce animal habitats
and contaminate water
supplies.
Suspended solids
Construction sites;
other disturbed and
non-vegetated lands;
eroding banks; road
sanding; urban runoff.
Increased turbidity and
deposition of sediment.
Increased turbidity;
lower DO; deposition of
sediments; smothered
aquatic habitat.
Pathogens
(bacteria/viruses)
Animal waste; urban
runoff; failing septic
systems.
Presence of bacterial
and viral strains.
Bacteria levels are
usually high in summer
when warm
temperatures are
beneficial to
reproduction.
Human health risks via
drinking water supplies;
contaminated shellfish-
growing areas.
Metals
Industrial processes;
normal wear of
automobile brake lines
and tires; automobile
emissions and fluid
leaks; metal roofs.
Increased toxicity of
runoff and
accumulation in the
food chain.
Toxicity of water column
and sediment;
bioaccumulation in
aquatic species and
through the food chain.
Hydrocarbons (oil and
grease, Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PAHs))
Industrial processes;
automobile wear;
automobile emissions
and fluid leaks; waste
oil.
Degraded appearance
of water surfaces;
limiting water and air
interactions (lower DO).
Hydrocarbons have a
strong affinity for
sediment.
Toxicity of water column
and sediment;
bioaccumulation in
aquatic species and
through the food chain.
Organics (pesticides,
polychlorinated
biphenyl/PCBs,
synthetic chemicals)
Pesticides (herbicides,
insecticides,
fungicides, etc.);
industrial processes.
Increased toxicity to
sensitive animal
species and fishery
resources and
accumulation in the
food chain.
Toxicity of water column
and sediment;
bioaccumulation in
aquatic species and
through the food chain.
Salt (sodium, chlorides)
Salting of roads and
uncovered salt
storage.
Toxicity to organisms,
reduction of fishery
resources and
increased levels of
sodium and chloride in
surface and
groundwater. Could
stress plant species
respiration processes
through their effect on
soil structure.
Toxicity of water column
and sediment. Salt can
cause the loss of
sensitive animal
species, plant species,
and fishery resources
and contaminate
surface and
groundwater.
17.5
COMPLETE STREET DESIGN AND CROSS SECTIONS
Here is a proposed checklist:
Evaluation of Existing and Future Conditions
Define Land Use Context:
(Note: refer to Chapter 3 of the Guidelines for a detailed description of
area types)
Existing conditions:
- Is this an urban area, a rural area or an area of transition (urban to
rural or rural to urban)?
- What is the jurisdiction land use and zoning for the area?
- What is the jurisdiction's future land use vision (as identified in a
comprehensive plan, corridor plan, policies, or other sources)?
- Does the adopted plan(s) make specific recommendations
regarding density, setbacks, urban design, etc. through the project
area?
- What is the existing land use mix and density?
- What are the typical building types, their scale, setbacks, urban
design characteristics, relation to the street?
Define Transportation Context:
Existing conditions:
- What is the character of the street? What does the area look and
feel like?
- How does the street currently function? What are the daily and
hourly traffic volumes? Operating and posted speeds?
Future conditions:
- Are there any development pressures on the area? What is the
nature of the emerging land use context?
- How does this corridor function within the larger transportation
network?
- What trip generators (existing and future) are in the vicinity of the
proposed project that might affect travel patterns and connections in
and around the corridor?
- What design features and accommodations for bicyclists,
pedestrians and transit users are included on the corridor (number
of lanes, sidewalk availability, bicycle facilities, transit service and
stops, traffic control, etc.)?
- What are the locally adopted multimodal plans or policies affecting
bicycle, pedestrian, or transit use?
- What is the existing quality of service (safety and accessibility) for
each mode? What is the general crash history for motorists,
bicyclists, and pedestrians (are there any specific safety issues to
be addressed)?
Future conditions
- What are the projected traffic volumes along the corridor?
Establish Goals and Objectives
Identify Issues and Opportunities:
- What are the deficiencies/problems with the street today?
- How can those functions be balanced with new users of the street?
º Are there gaps in the bicycle or pedestrian network near or along
the street?
º Are there gaps in the overall street network (connectivity, capacity,
etc.)?
º Are there inconsistencies between the amount or type of transit
service provided along the street and the types of facilities and/or
land uses adjacent to the street?
- How would this project increase the connectivity of the larger
network?
- How would this project improve the mobility and safety of all potential
users of the street?
- What are the key opportunities with this project (i.e. a tool for economic
development or improved community health, a missing link in the bicycle,
pedestrian, or vehicular system, improving the level or quality of service for
a particular mode, etc.)?
- How would this project meet the needs of the community?
Define Objectives:
- How do the local government, community, and all users want the street and
neighborhood to change, if at all?
Decision-Making
Develop Alternatives
(Note: refer to Chapter 4 of the Guidelines for detailed street typologies):
- How will the proposed project accommodate existing and planned
bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities?
- What are the existing functions that need to remain in place?
- What modes does each alternative scenario serve and how?
- Accessibility to achieve functionality for all users;
- Right-of-way availability;
- Environmental (natural and human) considerations;
- Overall costs; and
- Any other considerations specific to this project.
- How do the alternatives fit within the land use and transportation
context and defined objectives?
- How will the alternative scenarios under consideration meet the
needs of stakeholders?
Deliberate Trade-Offs:
All of the scenarios identified should be tested against the land use and transportation context and the
objectives for the project to determine any inconsistencies or constraints. The solutions within the
alternatives will likely vary. An evaluation and description of tradeoffs is required prior to the selection
of the recommended alternative. Design plans that are under development allow for comparison of
tradeoffs in street cross- sections and the ability of the alternatives to meet identified objectives, etc.
At the end of the deliberation process, the reasons behind the selected cross-section should be
transparent and understood. Therefore, describe the tradeoffs made, if any, and how they have been
evaluated. Items to be considered include but are not limited to:
- Consistency with local context, land use and transportation plans and
policies, and project objectives, as defined through this process;
-
Balanced modal capability (to achieve functionality for all users);
Recommended Alternative:
-Once tradeoffs have been evaluated and described, the team will
come to a recommended alternative as described below:
17.6
COMMUNITY INDICATORS
CULTURAL
-
Sport tourism
DEMOGRAPHIC
-
Total population
-
Absolute population growth
-
Percent population growth
-
Annual population growth rate
-
Average annual population growth
-
Population growth from net migration and net natural increase
-
Share of 5-year population growth and cumulative percentage of population
-
Percentage of new and cumulative population and dwelling unit
-
Growth located within the core and within the other centers
ECONOMIC
-
Percentage of labour force
-
Job/population balance
-
Percentage of population within walking distance of all commercial services required for
daily living
-
Consumer Price Index for shelter
-
Number of existing and new rental units (including condo units rented)
-
Living wage
-
Poverty
-
Unemployment rate
-
Share of employment growth within the city
-
Total and percentage share of employment that is full-time, part-time, full-year and part-
year
-
Number of businesses by size of firm in the RM and by municipality
-
Percentage income distribution of households
-
Number and percentage of persons in private households falling below the low-Income
cut-off level
SOCIAL
-
Percentage of new housing by structural type annually and cumulatively since baseline
year
-
Children's school readiness
-
Homelessness
-
Required average income to purchase an average starter home
-
Rental vacancy rate
-
Municipal crime rate
-
Number of social housing units
-
Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle crash rates
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
-
Average home-work trip distance
-
Cycling and pedestrian mobility
-
Annual and cumulative amount of park land that has been acquired for conservation
-
Annual and cumulative amount and percentage of land area that has been acquired for
conservation
-
Total length and percentage of regional trail network that is completed
-
Acquisition of lands in unprotected green space policy area for parkland
-
Total and per capita annual transit ridership
-
Total and per capita insured passenger vehicles
-
Modal share for journey-to-work trips
-
Percentage of travel by modes other than single occupancy vehicles
-
(SOV) in the PM peak period (3 to 6 pm)
-
Additional length and total length of cycling infrastructure by facility type
-
Percentage of households within 400 metres of transit services
-
Per capita disposal of solid waste residential uses and non-residential uses
-
Average per capita consumption of potable water for all uses and residential uses
-
Air quality
-
Average per capita consumption of energy (GJ/year) by fuel type, sector and geographic
source
-
CO2 equivalent emissions from energy used for transportation
-
Percent of land area that has a watershed management plan in place
-
Net change in land area of agriculture annually and cumulatively since baseline year
-
Total value of gross farm receipts and productivity
-
Annual share and cumulative share of new dwelling units
-
Proximity of dwellings to a "centre" or "village"
-
Proximity of properties to multiple bus routes
-
Proximity of properties to parks
-
Solid waste generation annual share and cumulative share (from baseline year) of new
dwelling units by structure type located
-
Annual share and cumulative share (from baseline year) of new dwelling units by
structure type
-
Dwelling unit density within the urbanized portion
-
Increase in urbanized area
-
Net change in land area
-
Lot size for new single family homes
-
Land area that is serviced outside by water
-
Land area that is serviced outside by sewer
-
Waste diversion
-
Water consumption
HEALTH
-
Activity limitations
-
Alcohol consumption
-
Child respiratory admission rates
-
Exposure to secondhand smoke
-
Healthy eating
-
Healthy weights
-
High blood pressure
-
Infant mortality
-
Injuries
-
Life expectancy
-
Life stress
-
Low birth weight
-
Percent of developmentally vulnerable children
-
Physical activities
-
Potential years of life lost
-
Potential years of life lost to suicide, standardized Rate
-
Preterm births
-
Prevalence of diabetes
-
Self-reported health status
-
Smoking
17.7
DEVELOPMENT PERMITS - ARCHITECTURAL CONTROLS - DIRECT CONTROL DISTRICTS -
ADVISORY
The following draft policies are intended as guidelines for development control within future Direct
Control Districts (The Planning Development Act, section 63) to help manage and strengthen the
building fabric of the city.
Wildland Urban Interface Direct Control District
Wildfire
Area
Wildfire interface mapping is forthcoming.
Background
The FireSmart Manual was developed to provide guidelines to individuals, communities and
planners on how to reduce the risk of loss from interface fires. The following is a summary of
these guidelines related to development planning and need to be guided by development review
with direct input from the Fire Chief.
(a)
All development stands within 100 metres of planned structures or infrastructure must be
assessed by a Professional Forester with experience developed and submitted to the City
for review.
(b)
This plan should include specifications for fuel treatments to ensure a defensible space is
established around the development.
(c)
It should address suppression constraints including access and water requirements,
construction and landscaping standards and long-term maintenance. A summary of these
principles follow:
(i)
A responsible development plan should consider prevention of two types of wildfire
interface scenarios. The first is that of a wildfire starting in the forest and spreading
into the interface community, the second is that of a fire starting from human
activity in the urban environment and spreading into the adjacent forest.
(ii)
Responsible development planning must consider the prevention of both scenarios
in the short and long term. Short-term measures during the construction phases
include the prevention of potential ignition sources and ensuring suppression
resources are available in case of a wildfire. Long-term planning includes the
strategic placement of structures and roads within the development, as well as
treating interface fuels to reduce the fire behaviour, potential and creating
defensible spaces around structures within the interface.
(iii)
Planners, architects and developers should consider the risk from wildfire during
the planning and design phases of a development since factors such as the
location of alternate water sources, road access and hydrant location may have a
major influence on the overall design.
(iv)
An overview of the general guidelines and recommendations within the FireSmart
Planner are in the FireSmart guidelines and should be considered as the minimum
standard any new development proposed within the Wildland Fire Hazard
Development Permit Area.
FireSmart Policies
Vegetation Management
(a)
FireSmart recommends treatments around structures in three 'priority zones'.
Treatments in these zones involve fuel removal, fuel reduction and fuel
conversion. The objective in these zones is to create 'defensible' space around
a home from which to suppress a wildfire. Survivability of a home is often
dependent on the distance from the structure to the adjacent forest.
(b)
Detailed goals and treatments can be found in the FireSmart Manual.
(c)
Priority zones are based on distance from the structure and the slope below
the structure, and are defined as:
(i)
Priority Zone 1 (within 10 metres from structures): Remove fuel and convert
vegetation to fire resistance species to produce an environment that does not
support combustion.
(ii)
Priority Zone 2 (10 to 30 metres from structures): Increase fuel modified area by
reducing flammable vegetation through thinning and pruning and produce an
environment that will only support low-intensity surface fires.
(iii)
Priority Zone 3 (30 to 100 metres+ from structures): Eliminate the potential for a
high intensity crown fire through thinning and pruning, thereby slowing the
approach of a fire approach towards structures.
(iv)
The area within 30 meters of the structures (priority zones 1 and 2) should be
treated heavily enough to create a defensible space between the structures and
the adjacent stand.
(v)
Treatments in priority zone 3 need not be as intensive as those adjacent to the
structures but should still reduce the potential for a crown fire under 90th percentile
weather conditions.
(vi)
The slope of the terrain has a strong influence on fire behavior the rate of spread
(ros) of a fire doubles for every 30% increase in slope, up to 60%. The
recommended treatment zone distances around structures should be adjusted
accordingly. Steeper slopes should be treated to a further distance, thinning should
be to a lower density and pruning height should be higher.
(vii)
Typically, slopes of 30% below buildings should have the priority zone 2 extended
to 60 metres below the structure and to 45m side slope.
(viii)
On a 55% percent slope, priority zone 2 should be extended to 120 metres down
slope of the structure and 60m horizontal.
Priority Zone 1 - Fuel Free Zone (10 metres from buildings)
(a)
A fuel free zone should be created around all homes and outbuildings. The fuel free zone
should extend 10 metres from the structure, or further if the terrain is sloped.
(b)
The following guidelines should be considered:
(i)
There should be enough defensible space to protect buildings from approaching
wildfire and to reduce the potential for a building fire spreading to the wildland.
(ii)
Annual grasses within 10 metres of buildings should be mowed to a height of 10cm
or less and watered regularly during the summer months.
(iii)
Surface litter and downed trees should be removed regularly.
(iv)
Dead and dying trees should be removed.
(v)
Structures at the top of a slope will need a minimum of 30 metres of defensible
space.
(vi)
Vegetation within this zone should be of a fire resistant species.
(vii)
Trees within this zone should be pruned to a height of 2 to 3 metres and not
overhang the house or porch.
(viii)
Remove all piled debris (firewood, building materials and other combustible
material) outside of the fuel free zone.
(ix)
Defensible space should be provided by the developer and maintained by the
property owner.
(x)
Community Strata rules should enforce the maintenance of this zone.
Priority Zone 2 - Fuel Reduction Zone (10 to 30 metres from buildings)
Fuel modification in this zone should include thinning and pruning to create an environment that
will not support a high intensity crown fire. A surface fire may occur in this zone but it will be of
low intensity and easily suppressed. Guidelines for this zone are as follows:
(a)
Actions in this zone should be oriented towards fuel reduction rather than removal.
(b)
Deciduous composition in the overstory should be promoted (i.e. deciduous species
should not be thinned out).
(c)
This zone should be extended as slope increases. The 20 metres concentric distance from
the boundary with priority zone 1 should be corrected for slope.
(d)
Thin trees for two tree lengths from buildings.
(e)
Treatments within this zone will include thinning of the canopy, thinning the understory
and pruning lower branches.
(f)
Leaf trees should be the largest on site and canopy heights should be pruned to a height
of 2 to 3 metres.
(g)
Remove all dead and dying trees.
(h)
Dispose of all slash created by treatments through pile and burning or removal from the
site.
(i)
This zone should be constructed by the developer and maintained by the property owner.
(j)
Community strata rules should enforce the maintenance of this zone.
Priority Zone 3 - Fuel Reduction and Conversion (30 to 100 metres from buildings)
The strategies for this zone are similar to those of priority zone 2 with the distance being slope
dependent. This environment should be one that does not support a high intensity crown fire. A
surface fire may occur, but it will be of low intensity and easily extinguished. Vegetation
management should concentrate on vegetation conversion and reduction rather than removal.
The following are guidelines for this zone:
(a)
Fuel management in this zone should only be undertaken if there are high hazard levels
from heavy continuous fuels and steep topography.
(b)
Deciduous species should be promoted.
(c)
On sloped terrain, the width of this zone will need to be corrected for slope distance.
(d)
Thinning and pruning - this zone should be constructed by the developer and maintained
by the property owner.
(e)
Community Strata rules should enforce the maintenance of this zone.
Buildings and Construction
During an interface fire, homes usually burn down as a result of burning embers landing on and
igniting the roof. Alternatively, embers land on or in a nearby bush, tree or woodpile and, if the
resulting fire is near the home, the walls of the home will ignite through radiant heat.
Small fires in the yard can also spread towards the home and beneath porches or under homes.
Therefore, the building material and construction techniques are a paramount concern for homes
in the WUI.
The FireSmart Manual provides guidelines for safer construction methods. These include
materials, building techniques and maintenance. The following is a summary of these construction
and landscaping specifications that should be incorporated into the design guidelines for building
on site.
Roofs
(a)
Use only fire retardant material (Class A materials) on roofs; and
(b)
Keep roofs clean of all combustible material.
Wood or Solid Fuel Fired Chimneys
(a)
All chimneys should have approved spark arrestors (securely attached and made of
12-gauge welded or woven wire mesh screen with mesh opening of less than 12
millimetres);
(b)
Chimney outlets should have at least 3 meters clearance from all vegetation and
obstructions; and
(c)
Chimney outlets should be 0.6 metres higher than any part of the roof within 3 meters.
Siding
(a)
Siding should be predominantly fire resistant material; and
(b)
Siding should extend from the ground level to the roofline.
Windows and Door Glazing, Eaves, Vents and Openings
(a)
Remove vegetation from within 10 meters of glazed openings unless there are solid
shutters to cover the glazing;
(b)
All eaves, attics, and underfloor openings need solid, non-flammable protective covers;
and
(c)
Laminated glass and 20 minute rated door assemblies should be used on building
surfaces facing the forest interface.
Balcony, Decks and Porches
(a)
Deck surface material should be made of predominantly non-combustible or fire resistant
materials such as wood composite products;
(b)
Slotted deck surface allow needle litter to accumulate beneath the deck; and
(c)
Provide access to this space to allow for removal of this debris.
Guidelines During Construction
(a)
During construction of houses, all waste construction materials including brush and land
clearing debris needs to be cleaned up on a regular basis to minimize the potential risk;
(b)
No combustible materials should be left at the completion of construction;
(c)
Prior to construction of any wood frame buildings, there must be fire hydrants within
operating range.
Landscaping
The majority of high risk fuels are planned to be cleared for the construction of buildings and
associated infrastructure. It is important to plan landscaping to ensure that adequate defensible
spaces are maintained adjacent to all structures in the long term.
All areas to be landscaped within 20 meters of buildings should adhere to the following guidelines:
(a)
All flammable trees and shrubs growing within 20 meters of any structures should be
removed and replaced with fire resistant species;
(b)
The most flammable species include those that accumulate dead foliage and branches
and have a high content of oils and resin;
(c)
Characteristics of fire resistant species to be replanted include the following:
(i)
Deciduous species;
(ii)
Low growing plants;
(iii)
Plants with thick woody stems;
(iv)
Plants that accumulate low amounts of dead vegetation;
(v)
Plants with low resin content (deciduous species); and
(vi)
Plants that retain high moisture content.
Utilities - Electric and Gas
Overhead transmission and distribution lines are a major ignition risk. Falling trees or branches
can knock a powerline to the ground, where it will remain charged and potentially start a fire.
Primary distribution lines are the most problematic as they are remote and difficult to inspect and
maintain.
(a)
Secondary lines contain less voltage but are more susceptible to being overgrown by
vegetation, which can lead to arcing and ignition. Underground powerlines are the
most fire safe.
(b)
When planning new developments, underground powerline systems should be
considered. Where such a system is not feasible, overhead utility lines should have a
clearance of at least 3 metres from vegetation.
(c)
Propane tanks surrounded by vegetation are potential hazards. Combustion adjacent to
these tanks could increase the internal pressure causing the tank to vent through a relief
valve. The resulting fire can be one of a high intensity and with the potential to destroy
adjacent buildings.
(d)
Hence, when positioning tanks, the relief valves should point away from
buildings. Faulty relief valves will not allow pressure to discharge resulting in a
boiling liquid explosion dangerous to those within 300 metres.
(e)
Propane tanks should have surrounding vegetation cleared for at least 3 metres
in all directions.
(f)
Tanks should be located at least 10 metres from any building.
(g)
Future development around the tank should respect this distance and be
monitored by the development strata.
Home Sprinkler Systems
When designing new developments, particularly those in remote locations some distance from
emergency services, some consideration should be given to the installation of underground
sprinkler systems.
(a)
These systems can serve as both a method of irrigation as well as an interface
suppression tool.
(b)
Sprinklers can be located on the rooftops of homes and outbuildings. In the event of a
wildfire, the sprinklers would be engaged and would increase the relative humidity around
the house as well as increase the fuel moisture content of any fuel adjacent to the home
resulting in lower flammability and fire behavior potential.
(c)
Rooftop sprinklers are also recommended for homes in the interface that do not have
fire resistant roofing or siding.
Downtown and Riverfront Revitalization Direct Control District
Background
Downtown is the commercial core of the community. In the mid 2000's, the City, in conjunction
with property owners, undertook a major downtown revitalization project. The Downtown
continues to be a tourist destination highlighting the history, social fabric and commercial sector
of Prince Albert. The purpose of the Direct Control District is to ensure new development adheres
to standards of high quality and celebrates the existing heritage character and previous
revitalization efforts.
Policies
All works within the Direct Control District should require a development permit. All development
permits should comply with the following policies:
1.
The development of new buildings and renovations to existing buildings should be
sympathetic to the scale, mass, materials and colours found in commercial heritage
buildings, without being imitational. Additional details on Building Design Guidelines are
set out in Appendix I of the Zoning Bylaw. Buildings should engage the street with a
positive pedestrian presence, reducing or eliminating car, delivery or parking dominated
elements; and consistent with the urban fabric already prevalent on Central Avenue.
2.
Site furnishings, lighting, brick work and other materials should be designed to be
compatible with materials currently in place to reinforce continuity of character, to soften
the visual effect of the streetscape and to promote comfort for pedestrians.
3.
Soft landscaping (trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers) should be of species
compatible with Prince Albert's climate conditions, existing City maintained landscaping
and the character of the existing features of the streetscape in order to reinforce continuity
of character.
4.
Parking areas should not be located at the front of buildings. Underground parking and
parking/service areas at the rear of buildings are strongly encouraged. Parking should be
managed off-site through a transportation demand management system that encourages
public parking.
5.
Parking areas and service areas should be screened and landscaped. Consideration
should be given to ease of pedestrian access as well as vehicular access when designing
parking areas.
6.
Recycling and garbage bins should be screened from view and located in alleyways.
7.
Canopies over sidewalks are encouraged to enhance the pedestrian streetscape and
provide weather protection.
8.
Where a development is proposed in an area designated Multiple Family Residential,
conditions with respect to the form and character of the building can be imposed on a
mixed use building to enhance the characteristics of the multi-family component.
9.
All signage shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw or the Portable Sign Bylaw and the design
guidelines set out therein.
Commercial and Industrial Direct Control District Designation
The Commercial and Industrial Direct Control District is designated for the form and character of
commercial or industrial development.
Area
Direct Control District - Commercial and Industrial.
Background
The above noted areas are commercial and industrial areas within the city. These areas maintain
vital industrial services and employment base within the city. These areas typically occupy large
parcels of land, and therefore have the opportunity to significantly affect the streetscape and the
quality of the immediate and surrounding area. The purpose of the Direct Control District is to
ensure that the developments project a high quality image of the city and are compatible with
adjacent land uses.
Policies
All works within the Direct Control District shall require a development permit. All development
permits shall comply with the following policies.
1.
The form and character are established and informed by the policies set out in the
applicable district study area. The form and character of new buildings and renovations
to existing buildings should build upon the existing neighbourhood character and exhibit
unique features that distinguish Prince Albert from other destinations.
2.
The scale, mass, materials and colours should project a high quality image and create a
pedestrian scale towards the street to encourage residents as well as travelers to utilize
the area.
3.
Development should minimize impacts to surrounding land uses, particularly existing
single family residences. Use of shielded lighting, fencing, building orientation,
underground parking, building variation, open space and other mechanisms is
encouraged to maximize privacy and minimize adverse impacts.
4.
Development should incorporate design elements which complement the historic
downtown. Such elements may include building features and detailing such as cornices,
parapets and canopies, site furnishings, lighting, walkways, brick work, landscaping and
other features.
5.
Parking areas should not be located at the front of buildings. Underground parking and
parkingIservice areas at the rear of buildings are strongly encouraged.
6.
Parking areas and service areas should be screened and landscaped. Consideration
should be given to ease of pedestrian access as well as vehicular access, including large
vehiclesIsnowmobile trailers, when designing parking areas.
7.
Recycling and garbage bins should be screened from view and located in alleyways.
8.
Soft landscaping (trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers) should be of species
compatible with Prince Albert's climate conditions, existing City maintained landscaping
and the character of the existing features of the streetscape in order to reinforce continuity
of character.
9.
Where a development is proposed in an area designated as a Direct Control District for
Multiple Family Residential, conditions with respect to the form and character of the
building can be imposed on a mixed use building to enhance the characteristics of the
multi-family component.
10.
All signage shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw or the Portable Sign Bylaw and the design
guidelines set out therein.
Scenic Corridor Direct Control District Designation
The Scenic Corridor Direct Control District is designated to provide guidelines for the form and
character of commercial, industrial or multi-family residential development.
Area
The Direct Control District for this section is designated as the major highways/arterials through
the city including Highway 2 (2nd Avenue West); Highway 3 (15th Street); Highway 52 and Marquis
Road.
Background
These corridors are the primary linkage roads through the city from all directions. As such, a major
function of the roads is to lead the travelling public to the downtown and important facilities. These
areas should direct visitors to the downtown and amenities and complement the historic feel of
Prince Albert.
Policies
All works should require a development permit. All development permits should comply with the
following policies:
1.
The form and character of new buildings and renovations to existing buildings should
project a high quality image which compliments the historic features of downtown. In terms
of scale, massing, materials and colours, buildings should be integrated into their
immediate land use context and be complementary to the heritage features.
2.
Development should minimize impacts to surrounding land uses, particularly existing
single family residences. Use of shielded lighting, fencing, building orientation,
underground parking, building variation, open space and other mechanisms is
encouraged to maximize privacy and minimize adverse impacts.
3.
Development should incorporate design elements which complement the historic
downtown. Such elements may include building features and detailing such as cornices,
parapets and canopies, site furnishings, lighting, walkways, brick work, landscaping and
other features.
4.
Parking areas should not be located at the front of buildings. Underground parking and
parkingIservice areas at the rear of buildings are strongly encouraged.
5.
Parking areas and service areas should be screened and landscaped. Consideration
should be given to ease of pedestrian access as well as vehicular access when designing
parking areas.
6.
Recycling and garbage bins should be screened from view and located in alleyways.
7.
Soft landscaping (trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers) should be of species
compatible with Prince Albert's climate conditions, existing city maintained landscaping
and the character of the existing features of the streetscape in order to reinforce continuity
of character.
8.
Where a development is proposed in an area designated Multiple Family Residential,
conditions with respect to the form and character of the building can be imposed on a
mixed use building to enhance the characteristics of the multi-family component.
9.
All signage shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw or the Portable Sign Bylaw and the design
guidelines set out therein.
Direct Control District - Multi-Family Residential and Mixed-Use Designation
The Multiple Family Residential Direct Control District regulates the form and character of
commercial, industrial or multi-family residentiaI developments.
Area
Multi-family Direct Control District should apply to all multi-family buildings.
Background
Multi-family and mixed use developments are not isolated to one geographic area; they are
interspersed throughout the community in every established neighbourhood. The purpose of this
development permit area designation is to ensure that proposed multi-family residential and mixed
use developments are compatible with and contribute to the form and character of the surrounding
neighbourhood.
Policies
All works within the Direct Control District shall require a development permit. All development
permits shall comply with the following policies:
1.
The form and character are established and informed by the policies set out in the
applicable district study area. The orientation, scale, form, height, setbacks and materials
proposed should reflect characteristics consistent with the surrounding land use context
and improve, not detract from, the unique qualities of the neighbourhood.
2.
Development should minimize impacts to surrounding land uses, particularly existing
single family residences. Use of shielded lighting, fencing, building orientation,
underground parking, building variation, open space and other mechanisms is
encouraged to maximize privacy and minimize adverse impacts.
3.
Multiple family buildings should respect the scale and height of adjacent buildings.
4.
Consideration should be given to varying building heights and lowering heights adjacent
to single family residences to ensure the buildings fit into the neighbourhood context and
provide a pedestrian feel along the street frontage.
5.
Numerous, small buildings are preferred to one large building. Long, continuous facades
with no variation are strongly discouraged. Visual interest should be created by varying
height, rooflines and massing throughout the site.
6.
New buildings should be orientated to maintain existing mountain views from the site and
utilize passive solar power by maximizing sunlight penetration into the building.
7.
Roof forms should be compatible with surrounding development and achieve the effect of
a residential building. Steeply-pitched roofs are encouraged, as they are an identifiable
feature of our community.
8.
Units closest to the street should be oriented towards the street to create a relationship
between the street and building and include features such as walkways, covered
entrances and building detailing to emphasize this relationship.
9.
Materials used in finishing a building should be those traditionally found in the surrounding
region (such as wood or stone) and be a reflection of the community.
10.
Recycling and garbage bins should be screened from view.
11.
Soft Iandscaping (trees, shrubs, ground covers and flowers) should be of species
compatible with Prince Albert's climate conditions, existing city maintained landscaping
and the character of the existing features of the streetscape in order to reinforce continuity
of character.
12.
Parking areas and service areas should be screened and landscaped. Consideration
should be given to ease of pedestrian access as well as vehicular access when designing
parking areas.
13.
In order to further the objective of integration with the form and character of the adjacent
neighbourhood and natural environment, natural and earth toned colours are preferable
to primary and bright colours.
14.
Where a development is proposed in an area designated Multiple Family Residential and
one of the following: Downtown Revitalization, Highway Entry and Entrance Linkages,
conditions with respect to the form and character of the building can be imposed on a
mixed use building to enhance the characteristics of the multi-family component.
15.
All signage shall comply with the Zoning Bylaw or the Portable Sign Bylaw and the design
guidelines set out therein.