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Official Community Plan
Bylaw 01-2013
Bylaw No. 01-2013
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R.M. of Pense - Official Community Plan
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.1
AREA COVERED BY THE PLAN ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.2
ENABLING LEGISLATION ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.3
PURPOSE OF THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN ......................................................................................... 4
1.4
REGIONAL CONTEXT AND EXISTING FRAMEWORK .................................................................................... 5
1.5
REGIONAL MAP ........................................................................................................................................... 6
1.6
FORMAT OF THE PLAN ................................................................................................................................. 7
SECTION 2: GUIDING GROWTH IN THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PENSE NO. 160 .................. 8
2.1
GUIDING PRINCIPLES................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2
VISION FOR THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PENSE ..................................................................................... 9
2.3
GOALS OF THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PENSE ..................................................................................... 10
SECTION 3: GENERAL POLICIES ................................................................................................................... 11
3.1
GENERAL POLICIES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................... 11
3.2
LOCATIONAL POLICIES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................... 12
SECTION 4: AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE .................................................................. 14
4.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 14
4.2
AGRICULTURAL POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 14
4.3
AGGREGATE RESOURCES (SAND AND GRAVEL) ....................................................................................... 18
SECTION 5: MINERAL EXTRACTION/PROCESSING OVERLAY DISTRICT ..................................... 19
5.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 19
5.2
MINERAL RESOURCE EXTRACTION/OVERLAY POLICIES ......................................................................... 20
SECTION 6: ECONOMIC (BUSINESS) DEVELOPMENT........................................................................... 23
6.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 23
6.2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES ....................................................................................................... 23
SECTION 7: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................................. 27
7.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 27
7.2
RURAL RESIDENTIAL POLICIES .................................................................................................................. 27
SECTION 8: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT..................................................................................... 31
8.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 31
8.2
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION POLICIES................................................................................... 31
8.3
HERITAGE RESOURCE POLICIES ................................................................................................................ 33
8.4
NATURAL HAZARD LANDS ....................................................................................................................... 33
SECTION 9: MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES ........................................................................... 37
9.1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................ 37
9.2
TRANSPORTATION POLICIES ..................................................................................................................... 37
9.3
RAILWAY POLICIES .................................................................................................................................... 39
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R.M. of Pense - Official Community Plan
9.4
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UTILITIES AND FACILITIES ..................................................................................... 40
9.5
MUNICIPAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE .......................................................................................... 41
SECTION 10: IMPLEMENTATION AND ACTION PLANS ......................................................................... 43
10.1
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN ........................................................................................................................ 43
10.2
THE PLAN GUIDES ACTION....................................................................................................................... 43
SECTION 11: INTER-JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION ......................................................................... 44
11.1
INTER-MUNICIPAL COOPERATION ........................................................................................................... 44
11.2
REVENUE SHARING ................................................................................................................................... 45
11.3
ANNEXATION ............................................................................................................................................ 45
11.4
TREATY LAND ENTITLEMENTS AND SPECIFIC CLAIMS............................................................................. 46
SECTION 12: ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................... 47
12.1
PLANNING TOOLS ..................................................................................................................................... 47
12.2
DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 47
12.3
ADOPTION OF THE OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN .................................................................................... 47
12.4
ADOPTION OF MUNICIPAL ZONING BYLAWS ........................................................................................... 48
12.5
CONTRACT ZONING AND DIRECT CONTROL DISTRICTS .......................................................................... 49
12.6
CONCEPT PLANS ........................................................................................................................................ 49
12.7
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT REVIEWS .............................................................................................. 49
12.8
EXISTING AND NON-CONFORMING USES ................................................................................................. 50
12.9
DEVELOPMENT LEVIES AND AGREEMENTS .............................................................................................. 50
12.10
SERVICING AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 51
12.11
SUBDIVISION PROCESS ........................................................................................................................... 51
12.12
MONITORING PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................................... 52
SECTION 13: REPEAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF BYLAW ....................................................................... 53
APPENDIX "A" FUTURE LAND USE MAP ...................................................................................................... 54
APPENDIX "B" MINERAL EXTRACTION/PROCESSING OVERLAY DISTRICT.................................. 56
APPENDIX "C" ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS/HERITAGE RESOURCE OVERLAY
DISTRICT ................................................................................................................................................................. 57
APPENDIX "D" ACTION PLANS ....................................................................................................................... 58
APPENDIX "E" REFERENCE MAPS ................................................................................................................... 61
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R.M. of Pense - Official Community Plan
Section 1: Introduction
1.1
Area Covered by the Plan
This Official Community Plan, hereinafter referred to as the Plan, applies to the Rural
Municipality of Pense No. 160 in its entirety. The Plan enables growth and change through
policies that will guide the Municipality with its development-related decisions to ensure the
area develops as intended by the Plan under an established decision-making process. This Plan
will encourage a stronger, creative and more cohesive Municipality that can, through improved
regional links, manage change towards a desired future by increasing regional capacity.
1.2
Enabling Legislation
The Planning and Development Act, 2007, provides the legislative framework for the preparation
and adoption of an Official Community Plan. Official
Community Plans address future land use, development
and other matters of community concern affecting lands
within the plan boundaries. In addition, the Official
Community Plan must include procedures for the
resolution of land use conflicts and provisions for
administration, amendment and repeal of the Plan.
This document is the Plan for the Rural Municipality of
Pense No. 160 to manage land use and development. This Plan is intended to guide the
Municipality for a period of fifteen to twenty years. The Municipality shall, in conjunction with
the adoption of this Plan, amend, in accordance with The Planning and Development Act, 2007,
their Zoning Bylaw to be consistent with the policies and provisions of this Official Community
Plan.
1.3
Purpose of the Official Community Plan
In Saskatchewan: The purpose of a Community Plan is to provide a comprehensive
policy framework to guide the physical, environmental, economic, social and cultural
development of the Municipality.
The Planning and
Development Act, 2007
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This Official Community Plan responds to the requirements of the Planning and Development Act, 2007,
by providing Council with goals and objectives to promote orderly and sustainable development
throughout the Municipality. This Official Community Plan builds on previous land use plans and will
reduce uncertainty for both the public and private sectors with respect to the future use of land by
promoting well-managed development.
This Official Community Plan has been developed to guide development opportunities and
future growth by highlighting the land use potentials that exist in the Rural Municipality of
Pense.
1.4
Regional Context and Existing Framework
The Rural Municipality of Pense, No. 160, is located between the City of Regina and the City of
Moose Jaw along the TransCanada Highway (#1). The RM was incorporated January 1, 1913.
The Town of Pense and the Village of Belle Plaine are located within the RM boundaries. In
addition, there are two Hamlets: Keystown and Stony Beach, which are serviced by the RM.
The 2011 Census reported 471 rural residents. The RM of Pense has excellent access to
healthcare facilities in Moose Jaw and Regina. Schools in the area are located in Pense, Grand
Coulee, Lumsden, Regina, and Moose Jaw. Emergency services include a local volunteer fire
department, the Moose Jaw Fire Department, police services from the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police (RCMP), and First Responders.
Within this RM are more than 600 kilometres of roads of which Grid Roads #730, 623, 641 and
642 are the most important. The Dewdney Expansion west provides an important linkage to
the greater region. Both the CN and CP rail lines run through the RM as well as six major gas
pipelines.
Agriculture is the primary industry in the RM of Pense. Cereals, oilseeds and pulse crops are
produced in the RM. There are a few large cattle livestock operations. Soil classes are
predominantly Class 2 and 3. There are some aggregate extraction areas in the northwest area of
the Municipality.
Major industry in the RM of Pense includes Mosaic Potash (est 1964), Saskferco, now Yara (est
1992), and Canadian Salt. Mosaic is one of the world's largest producers of potash. Yara Inc. is
one of the top producers in the world of urea fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia. Canadian Salt
Co. Ltd. produces salt products near the Village of Belle Plaine. Terra Grain Fuels began
construction on an ethanol plant in 2006. Alpine Plant Foods, (est 2010) produces liquid
fertilizer. All these activities are located within the Rural Municipality's Industrial area.
Nicole Flats Nature Area (Buffalo Pound Provincial Park) located within the Rural Municipality
provides a chance to enjoy nature by hiking through the beautiful scenery of Buffalo Pound
Provincial Park. There are a number of ecologically sensitive areas and heritage resources that
have been identified throughout the Municipality.
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1.5
Regional Map
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1.6
Format of the Plan
The community Vision, Goals which
guide the overall use, planning and
development of land in the Rural
Municipality.
Policy direction for Agricultural
Resource, Mineral Resources, Natural
Hazards, Heritage Resources,
Transportation, Utilities, Industrial,
Commercial, and Residential
Development.
The need for Action planning is
identified to assist with the
implementation of the Official
Community Plan.
Opportunities for Inter-Jurisdictional
dialogue to further facilitate
implementation.
The Tools and Legislative supports
which are available to administer the
Official Community Plan are discussed.
Future Land Use Map:
The "Future Land Use Map" (Appendix "A") illustrates general land use designations which have been
determined by a number of factors including existing patterns of land use, projected land needs, natural
resource areas, natural attributes and man-made features.
Overlay Districts:
The Mineral Extraction/Processing Overlay District and the Environmentally Sensitive/Heritage
Resource Overlay District maps are provided in Appendices "B" and "C."
Reference Maps:
The series of reference maps attached in Appendix "E" provide supplementary information. These maps
may be updated periodically by a Council resolution. All Reference Maps are approximate and are
subject to change. Reference maps are conceptual only and should not be used to make site specific
decision.
Vision , Goals
Guiding Principles
Policy Directions
Action Plans
Inter-
Jurisdictional
Opportunities
Tools and
Legislative
Support System
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Section 2: Guiding Growth in the Rural Municipality of
Pense No. 160
This Plan encourages some degree of change in the Rural Municipality to manage the impacts
and promote development opportunities. A dynamic Rural Municipality requires a strategy to
successfully promote agricultural diversification, business enterprises, job creation, and
residential options to attract new residents. The potential benefits that will accrue to the greater
community include employment, tax revenue, support for local business, as well as other
economic development.
2.1
Guiding Principles
This Official Community Plan:
ncourages sustainable development and growth which efficiently uses land and
existing transportation infrastructure and provides for the affordable servicing of
land.
Limits the fragmentation of agricultural land and mitigates impacts on the
principal industrial and mineral resource-related activities and operations.
Promotes new development in rural areas that is compatible with agricultural land
uses and mineral extraction activities.
Recommends taking advantage of the Moose Jaw-Regina Highway Corridor to
promote commercial industrial and agricultural diversification, business
investment, expansion and economic growth for the region.
Encourages inter-municipal co-operation through this Plan, participating in
Regional Planning Initiatives, particularly the Moose Jaw - Regina Industrial
Corridor Initiative and other public/private partnerships to stimulate land
development in a sustainable manner.
Preserves, connects, and enhances natural areas for eco-tourism, agriculture,
health and recreation for their contribution to the quality of life enjoyed by residents
and visitors.
Places the Responsibility on developers to respect land use development
policies and regulations to achieve a livable development which considers and
respects the needs of surrounding existing and future land uses.
E
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2.2
Vision for the Rural Municipality of Pense
The Rural Municipality of Pense, within the evolving Moose Jaw-Regina
Industrial Corridor, balances Agricultural and Natural Resource
production and existing residential interests with emerging Industrial and
Commercial opportunities.
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2.3
Goals of the Rural Municipality of Pense
-The continued dominance of the agricultural economic base of the Rural
Municipality where agricultural production is supported, enhanced and
continues to diversify.
-A sustainable Natural Resource sector for the benefit of the Rural
Municipality where these lands are protected from incompatible
developments.
Agriculture and Natural Resource
-The development of the Moose Jaw - Regina Industrial Corridor into a
sustainable inter-municipal development opportunity with appropriately
planned and located industrial and commercial developments.
Economic Development
-A variety of rural living environments which enhance agricultural areas and
provide a rural lifestyle option for current and future RM residents.
Residential Development
-The orderly development of land with Municipal Infrastructure in place to
support current land uses and to accommodate future growth demands and
servicing requirements particularly a well-built and maintained
Transportation Network.
Municipal Services
-Minimizing air, water, and soil pollution, reducing resource consumption
and to protect environmentally sensitive and heritage resources in areas
near the Moose JawRiver, Cottonwood Creek and the Qu'Appelle Valley.
Environmental Management
-Encouraging access and development in the Municipality while minimizing
land use conflicts near the industrial core of the R.M. and along its borders
with adjoining urban and rural municipalities.
Land Use Management
-Continued participation in regional initiatives with neighbouring
municipalities when planning long-term growth that offers opportunities
and benefits for all rural and urban municipalities in the district.
Inter-Municipal Cooperation
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Section 3: GENERAL POLICIES
3.1
General Policies for New Development
. 1
The Rural Municipality of Pense No. 160 will strive, through this Official Community
Plan, to provide policies related to land use, transportation, servicing and other
aspects of planning that are consistent throughout the Rural Municipality.
. 2
Rural areas shall be characterized by less dense development and larger land parcels,
recognizing that agricultural activities are the dominant land use within the Rural
Municipality and future development shall integrate into the natural surroundings,
landscape and vegetation.
. 3
The Rural Municipality shall have a sustainable form, mix of uses and densities that
allow for the efficient use of land, infrastructure and public utilities. The Plan will
help to identify suitable lands to attract a broad
range
of
business
enterprise,
industrial,
agricultural
diversification,
residential,
recreation, and tourism development to meet
anticipated long-term need for the region by
ensuring the necessary infrastructure is provided
to support current and projected needs.
. 4
When reviewing applications for development,
consideration shall be given to the proposal's conformity with this Plan. A proposal
shall be denied when it is detrimental to the health, safety, general welfare of persons
residing or working in the area, or incompatible with existing or proposed land uses
in the vicinity.
. 5
Prior to the approval of any large-scale development, the developer will be required
to provide justification of demand to warrant subdivision and/or the potential
benefits to the community, including employment, tax revenues and other economic
and social opportunities.
. 6
The Rural Municipality will avoid unplanned development to achieve an orderly,
efficient land use pattern which is possible to develop and service in appropriate
phases. The Rural Municipality will work directly with the Village of Belle Plaine¸ the
Town of Pense and adjacent Rural Municipalities to ensure complementary and
compatible policies are adopted by all Municipalities.
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. 7
Planned development will help to increase land values, not be wasteful of the land
resource, minimize public expenditure in services provision, recognize significant
features and reduce access connections to provincial roads and highways to minimize
disruption to traffic flows.
. 8
Land development shall be guided by concept plans or comprehensive development
reviews, depending on the scale, proposed use and geographic location. These plans
or reviews may serve to promote orderly, efficient and environmentally-safe land
use. Planned development can minimize public expenditure in service provision,
identify environmental constraints and coordinate access points on Provincial roads
and highways.
. 9
Regional-scale development proposals which have an effect on a number of
Municipalities shall be referred to The Corridor District Planning Commission for
their review and recommendations as Inter-municipal consultation is a key
component to the success of regional initiatives. (ie Intensive Livestock Operations,
Multi-parcel Country Residential, Industries with environmental issues/concerns,
and Temporary Work Camps).
. 10
Development and subdivision plans that offer design features such as alternative
energy sources, innovation in health or environmental responsibility shall be
encouraged where they are consistent with Plan policies. Facilities and activities that
encourage or enhance energy efficiency,
waste reduction, re-use or recycling of
wastes shall be accommodated.
. 11
Servicing agreements may be required at the
subdivision approval stage to ensure that
new subdivisions are developed to the
standards of the Rural Municipality and to
address other concerns specific to the
proposed subdivision. Subdivision fees or Development levies that recover the costs
of extending/upgrading services to the new developments shall be required in
accordance with The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
3.2
Locational Policies for New Development
. 1
Major deviations to the Plan policies shall require an amendment. The "Future Land
Use Map" in Appendix "A" shows the general designation of land use potentials.
Cumulative effects, land fragmentation, best management practices, innovative
procedures, development phasing, route modification, alternative construction
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R.M. of Pense - Official Community Plan
techniques and impacts on municipal servicing shall be considered when reviewing
all developments and their compliance with this Plan.
. 2
Development and new subdivisions shall be encouraged to locate where servicing
and infrastructure are in place, or planned, to support the intensity and type of
development. Development shall minimize the potential impact to drainage,
landscape or other natural conditions and shall be required to mitigate on and off-site
impacts.
. 3
All developments shall be required to have access to an all-season municipal road or
highway. The addition of municipal roadway mileage will be limited to make the
most efficient use of existing roadway facilities. Development will be encouraged to
locate adjacent to roads which have been designed and constructed to accommodate
their activities.
. 4
New development opportunities that can successfully co-exist with existing and
evolving agricultural uses and natural resource activities shall be encouraged.
. 5
Efficient development patterns that provide a cluster or corridor form shall be
encouraged to provide a mix of uses and densities that allow for the efficient use of
land, infrastructure and public facilities.
. 6
Land development shall be evaluated on the degree of prematurity including the
consideration of the number of unsold and undeveloped sites in previous phases of
the area being subdivided/rezoned or similar site in adjoining developments.
. 7
In managing growth and change, the Rural Municipality shall maintain a long-term
Capital Works Plan to ensure growth will not place an undue strain on municipal
infrastructure or public service facilities. Development and new subdivisions shall be
encouraged to locate where servicing and infrastructure are in place or planned to
support the intensity and type of development.
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Section 4: AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE
4.1
Objectives
4.2
Agricultural Policies
. 1
Protecting the dominant role of agriculture and promoting a full range of agricultural
activities shall be accomplished in ways compatible with the environment and
adjacent land uses where it is desirable and feasible to provide protection to such
activities.
To promote continued agricultural activity by ensuring that agriculture
remains the primary land use in the Municipality.
To strive for the conservation of high quality agricultural land for continuing
productive agricultural use as a long-range target.
To protect and promote the continuation and diversification of the
agricultural industry.
To identify and protect prime agricultural land.
To protect agricultural land uses from negative impacts of non-agricultural
land use and development.
To recognize areas in which the interests of the farmers will be paramount in
land use and planning decisions, subject to the protection of the environment.
To provide for intensive types of agriculture, including intensive livestock or
irrigation operations, at appropriate locations to avoid land use conflict.
To promote and encourage agricultural land use practices and development
which balance the need for soil conservation with sustaining the natural
environment.
To ensure flexibility for farm operators to engage in differing types and sizes
of agricultural operations and to provide agricultural producers the
opportunity to take advantage of evolving technology.
To provide for areas where non-farm development is compatible and
welcomed.
To encourage Rural and Agri-Tourism ventures.
To minimize community and environmental disruption from Natural
Resource (gravel and sand) related activities.
To protect Natural Resource activities from unsuitable development and
encroachment.
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R.M. of Pense - Official Community Plan
. 2
Agricultural land includes, but is not limited to, extensive agriculture, intensive
agricultural operations, or secondary activities that will enhance the economic
viability and diversification of the agricultural
sector.
. 3
The development and operation of farms and
farmsteads for field crops, pastures and livestock
operations shall be encouraged to continue in the
Rural Municipality.
. 4
The Rural Municipality will continue to protect
agricultural land from the negative impacts of
non-agricultural land use and development.
. 5
Innovative agricultural production methods which maximize sustainability shall be
supported to enable producers the ability to diversify, process and potentially
provide for the direct sale of locally produced commodities.
. 6
Intensification of agricultural activities shall be planned and sited recognizing their
full potential and in a manner that requires minimal improvement to municipal
servicing.
. 7
Highly productive prime agricultural lands should not be developed for non-
agricultural uses, unless there is no suitable alternate site with equal attributes
capable of serving the proposed use or if the development at the selected location
meets an important public need.
. 8
Crop spraying, intensive agriculture production, pasturing livestock, and manure
spreading are legitimate operations and should be restricted only by public health
regulations and environmental protection measures, unless otherwise stated herein.
. 9
Legitimate farming activity shall not be curtailed solely on the basis of objections
from property owners even though that activity was not practiced when the small
holdings were created or non-farm uses were allowed. Agricultural operations using
new technology or management practices that are environmentally sustainable shall
be supported.
. 10
Existing agricultural enterprises which operate within normally accepted practices of
farm management and in conformance with The Agricultural Operations Act, 1995 shall
be protected from new development which might unduly interfere with their
continued operation.
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. 11
Small land holdings for small-scale or specialized agricultural operations may be
considered for approval, provided that such proposals are compatible with other
existing agricultural operations, and that the size of the proposed parcel is
appropriate for the intended use.
. 12
On-farm accessory commercial developments
that support the agricultural operation will be
encouraged.
Large
scale
commercial
and
industrial
uses
may
be
accommodated
providing their function is related to the
agricultural
economy
and
conflict
with
surrounding uses can be avoided or minimized.
. 13
Agricultural Industry developments which directly serve farming activities, and
either process or store agricultural produce or products shall be allowed in
agricultural areas. When possible, preference shall be given to locations on lower
quality land.
. 14
Rural and Agri-Tourism ventures shall be encouraged throughout the Municipality.
. 15
The use of best management practices for agricultural enterprises, particularly with
regard to manure management and chemical applications, shall be encouraged in
order to minimize risks to groundwater and surface water.
. 16
New developments in rural areas shall be located to be compatible with existing
agricultural operations. The establishment of urban-like uses in rural areas, which
would compete with urban areas, or have the potential to create land use conflicts,
shall be discouraged.
. 17
Development along existing all-weather road allowances shall be encouraged where
road construction and improvement are not required.
. 18
Separation areas, landscape buffers or shelterbelts shall be encouraged to separate
agricultural land use from urban municipalities, residential acreages, multi-parcel
subdivisions or recreation areas.
Intensive Livestock Operations
. 19
Proponents and operators of intensive livestock operations will be required to
develop facilities and conduct their operations in a manner which reduces the
production of offensive odours and the potential for pollution of soils, groundwater
and surface water.
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. 20
Livestock operations will be characterized by the total number of animal units and
animal type. Intensive livestock operations will be required to locate where they
provide an appropriate land base size to support their operation and where they have
a sufficient land base for manure application.
. 21
The development, application and environmental monitoring of livestock operations
shall be undertaken in consultation with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture to
ensure the land use decisions and agricultural operating practices regulated by the
Province are coordinated with the Rural Municipality. All Intensive Livestock
Operation Proposals shall be referred to The
Corridor Steering Committee/Planning
Commission for their review and
recommendations.
. 22
Building setback standards shall be applied to
new intensive livestock development along
Municipal roads to ensure a measure of safety
for the travelling public, to provide a measure
of buffering of buildings from roadway nuisances, such as noise and dust, and to
reduce snow drift accumulation along rural roads.
. 23
The Zoning Bylaw shall provide for minimal separation distances between livestock
production operations and residences not related to the operation and to provide
separation buffers between new and expanding livestock operations and residential
areas to minimize environmental and socio-economic impacts.
. 24
The separation distance may vary depending upon density of residential use, size of
community, natural surroundings, the intensity of the livestock operation and the
proposed method of manure storage and management. Special reviews and
approvals shall be required for residences and other non-agricultural developments
which may be proposed within this mutual separation distance.
. 25
The Rural Municipality shall work co-operatively with Saskatchewan Water Security
Agency to monitor ground water resources and may require an annual assessment of
residual nutrient levels in the soil, ground and local surface water by a qualified
professional recognized by SWA demonstrating:
a) the development and on-going operation of activities associated with the land use will not pose a
risk or cause pollution of the soil, surface water or groundwater resources; and
b) the precautionary measures which are required to be taken to sufficiently mitigate the potential
risks of endangering soil, surface and groundwater quality resources.
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4.3
Aggregate Resources (Sand and Gravel)
. 1
Natural Resource development (sand and gravel) that benefits the region will be
encouraged throughout the Rural Municipality according to their respective
locational requirements and separated from incompatible activities with minimal
community and environmental disruption.
. 2
In areas with known aggregate resources, or areas having high discovery potential
for these resources, uses shall be limited to non-intensive agriculture (e.g. livestock
grazing, cropping), or other non-permanent/temporary land uses and activities that
permit continued access to the aggregate resources.
. 3
Existing extraction operations and lands containing a valid mineral disposition shall
be protected from incompatible and potentially incompatible land uses in nearby
areas.
. 4
Buffer strips should be established around existing and potential aggregate resource
sites in order to protect the aggregate and quarry deposits from incompatible
adjacent land uses. The buffer strip should be determined in consultation with the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources.
. 5
Consideration shall be given to the ability of natural landscapes to sustainably
support reclamation efforts.
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Section 5: Mineral Extraction/Processing Overlay District
The Mineral Resource Extraction/Processing Overlay District map is provided in Appendix "B"
and includes the following:
surface land on which the actual potash mining extraction occurs or is authorized to
occur by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources (the "Extraction Area") and any land or
other area on which the potash company owns or leases Mineral Titles;
surface land owned or leased by an oil or gas company; and
land which is approved by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources for oil or gas
extraction purposes.
5.1
Objectives
To ensure that Mineral Resource exploration and development minimizes
environmental impact.
To minimize community and environmental disruption from Mineral
Resource related activities.
To protect Mineral Resource activities from unsuitable development and
encroachment.
To encourage orderly oil and gas development throughout the Rural
Municipality.
To encourage sustainable mineral resource, petroleum and natural gas
development.
To promote Mineral Resource development for the benefit of the Rural
Municipality and to protect these lands from incompatible developments.
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5.2
Mineral Resource Extraction/Overlay Policies
. 1
Land designated Mineral Resources includes the development of mineral resource
extraction, oil and gas pipeline corridors and related resource refining/processing
activities. Proposals for these activities shall be referred to the appropriate
government agencies for their review.
. 2
Natural Resource development that benefits the region will be encouraged
throughout the Rural Municipality according to their respective locational
requirements, separated from incompatible activities, with minimal community and
environmental disruption.
. 3
The
Rural
Municipality
will
ensure
petroleum, gas and mineral development is
undertaken in an environmentally sustainable
manner
and
that
the
activity
is
complementary to other land uses in the
Municipality. Proposals for these activities
shall
be
referred
to
the
appropriate
government agencies for their review.
. 4
The Rural Municipality promotes the development of the area around existing
industrial processing uses (e.g. the plants, offices and other accessory uses of Mosaic,
Yara, Canadian Salt, Terra Grain, Alpine Plant Foods and Mosaic Phosphate
Companies) which either occupy or adjoin the Extraction Area as a potential
Industrial Park on the Future Land Use Map. This future Industrial Park may include
the existing mineral processing activities, accessory uses and other related Industrial
uses which would be compatible with each other and with surrounding uses in the
Agricultural District.
. 5
Extraction operations including such minerals as potash and petroleum resource
operations shall be protected from incompatible and potentially incompatible
development and activities that would restrict exploration, hinder their expansion or
continued use, or which would be incompatible for reasons of public health, public
safety or environmental impact.
. 6
The Rural Municipality shall circulate any new development proposal in the Mineral
Extraction Overlay District to neighbouring landowners and other parties (e.g.
Provincial or National Department or Agencies, or the Corridor Planning District
Commission) for comment. Such parties may choose to comment at their discretion
before a decision is made by the Rural Municipality on the proposal.
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. 7
Mineral Resource activities (e.g. potash) that are dependent upon an abundant water
supply and which may affect ground water resources must address water issues prior
to locating in the Rural Municipality.
. 8
The exploration, development, production and termination of all mineral resources
shall be undertaken in a manner that is environmentally safe and compatible with
adjoining lands.
. 9
Disturbance shall be minimized by using the best available techniques and practices
to reduce the overall footprint of activity during all phases of construction, operation,
reclamation and abandonment.
. 10
All plans for exploration, including seismic and development, must be presented by
the proponent to the Rural Municipality and may require a public open house
meeting or similar forum in the project area.
. 11
Proponents
must
be
aware
that
the
definition of "development" under The
Environmental Assessment Act is not as all-
encompassing as that under The Planning
and Development Act, 2007, this Plan and the
accompanying Zoning Bylaw.
. 12
Any
exploration
and
development
proposals in environmentally sensitive areas of the Municipality will be subject to
prior review through the review process of Saskatchewan Ministry of the
Environment. Any proposal which satisfies any of the criteria of a development as
defined under The Environmental Assessment Act will be required to obtain Ministerial
Approval to proceed.
. 13
Consideration shall be given to the ability of natural landscapes to sustainably
support reclamation efforts.
. 14
Development activities should minimize habitat loss and avoid areas of key wildlife
habitat for priority species during high-sensitivity periods. (e.g. raptor nesting sites,
burrowing owl burrows, piping plover nesting areas, critical winter habitat for
ungulates and sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds).
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Pipeline Policies
. 15
New Pipelines should be preferentially routed through areas causing the least
environmental impact either paralleling through existing disturbed lands, on right-of-
ways, or in areas of tame pasture or cultivation.
. 16
Access and pipeline right-of-ways should follow the existing trail network whenever
possible and should use a common right-of-way. New right-of-ways should be used
only where existing routes are not available and
where the use of existing trails would increase
overall environmental impact.
. 17
Pipeline right-of-ways may be identified as
passive open space that could be used for
pathways, subject to all easement rights and
other conditions that would maintain the safety
and integrity of the pipeline facilities.
. 18
The National Energy Board (NEB) process addresses pipeline development and is the
final approval authority. The Municipality will ensure that any municipal
development standards are consistent with Federal and Provincial requirements.
. 19
Any exploration and development proposals in environmentally sensitive areas of
the Municipality will be subject to prior review through the review process of
Saskatchewan Environment. Any proposal which satisfies any of the criteria of a
development as defined under The Environmental Assessment Act will be required to
obtain Ministerial Approval to proceed.
. 20
Where Saskatchewan Environment determines that an Environmental Protection Plan
is required, the Rural Municipality will await its preparation and approval prior to
providing its recommendations or approvals for any proposed development.
. 21
Petroleum and gas developers will co-operate with the Rural Municipality and other
land users in preparing fire prevention and control plans.
. 22
Provisions for development agreements and bonds are provided for under the
implementing bylaws and will be applied in a consistent and equitable manner to
ensure environmentally-safe and orderly development and mitigation.
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Section 6: Economic (Business) Development
6.1
Objectives
6.2
Economic Development Policies
. 1
The Rural Municipality shall promote economic development and competitiveness
by providing for an appropriate mix and range of employment opportunities
including agricultural, commercial and industrial uses to meet long-term needs by
ensuring the necessary infrastructure is provided to support current and projected
needs.
. 2
The Rural Municipality shall continue to participate with the Regina Regional
Opportunities Commission, the City of Moose Jaw and other business agencies to
promote economic development opportunities that diversify the economic base,
provide a range and choice of suitable sites and that support a wide range of
economic activities and ancillary uses.
To support existing businesses and uses and welcome new commercial
development to the community including home-based businesses.
To cooperate with senior levels of government and the Regina Regional
Opportunities Commission to expand industrial and related service
activities in the Municipality.
To provide greater services for the travelling public including commercial,
tourism or local businesses.
To ensure there is sufficient commercial land available for a variety of
highway commercial development.
To improve the profile of the highway commercial areas for appropriate
commercial use and to recognize and market the strategic opportunities for
development that the highway connections provide for the district/region.
To expand and build upon the Rural Municipality's experiences with
industrial, agricultural and oil resource based activity.
To identify areas for future industrial development and ensure there is
sufficient industrial land available for primary, secondary and service
industries in appropriate locations.
To provide a sufficient supply and variety of parcel sizes and servicing
levels to attract a diverse range of industry.
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. 3
The Rural Municipality shall promote its locational advantage when pursuing
Industrial expansion in areas of agriculturally related activities, light industrial
manufacturing, material transportation, heavy equipment and oil-sector support
service activities.
. 4
A wide variety of commercial and industrial lot sizes shall be encouraged to ensure
the availability of land for a broad range of commercial and industrial activities.
Commercial and industrial development shall be located in easily accessed locations
along Highway #1.
. 5
The Rural Municipality encourages tourism-related developments such as bed-and-
breakfast operations, vacation farms, campgrounds, other recreation uses and
commercial services for the travelling public. The development standards and criteria
will be provided in The Zoning Bylaw.
. 6
Industrial and commercial areas shall be provisioned with adequate infrastructure
that can accommodate these developments in a timely, economical and
environmentally sustainable manner. New development shall not be cost prohibitive
for the Rural Municipality.
. 7
Industrial development requiring unserviced lands shall be encouraged to locate in
rural areas and shall be responsible for their respective on-site servicing and
development costs. A variety of servicing levels may be provided in certain locations,
(e.g. near the existing Industrial areas).
. 8
Industrial development shall be directed to lands readily accessible to existing
transportation infrastructure to provide for efficient transportation and shipping
operations. Industrial and associated commercial development shall be encouraged
to cluster into nodes along established and future transportation interchanges.
. 9
The designation of additional land for industrial use shall take into consideration the
following criteria:
a) the site shall have direct and approved access to a major public road system;
b) the development will not generate additional traffic on urban municipal roads and/or streets;
c) the development shall not have adverse
impacts on the natural environment, including
groundwater resources; and
d) the development shall not detract from the
visual attractiveness of the area.
. 10
Industrial uses which are likely to be
unsightly due to the nature of the
industrial operations, exterior storage or
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type of building or structures should generally be discouraged from locating along
the highway approaches and entrance roadways into the Village, Town and Hamlets
located within the Rural Municipality. If such uses are proposed in these areas,
special landscape buffer or other mitigation measures should be taken to screen these
industrial uses from view.
. 11
Care shall be taken in the siting of industrial uses that normally create very
significant land use conflicts with regard to noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour or
potential environmental contamination. Such uses shall be encouraged to find a
location that maximizes separation from residential and community areas and shall
be visually screened or otherwise buffered to protect adjacent land uses.
. 12
Industrial Park development proposals shall be guided by Concept Plans and should
indicate:
a) future major roads;
b) drainage systems and improvements;
c) major open space (including unique physical) areas;
d) cultural and archaeological significant areas;
e) areas requiring protection through buffering or other means;
f)
major hazards such as flooding, areas of high water table, and slope lands; and
g) phasing of development and future development of or expansion into adjacent land.
. 13
Use-specific industries that exhibit a potential level of hazard or environmental
impact which can only be mitigated through special separation shall be located
according to the separation distances outlined by the appropriate Provincial agencies.
All Industrial proposals with environmental concerns or issues shall be referred to
The Corridor District Planning Commission for their review and recommendations.
. 14
The Rural Municipality will accommodate uses in the Zoning Bylaw to allow for
business development that does not conflict with primary agricultural uses or
existing neighbouring uses, and which does not create significant environmental
concerns.
. 15
The Zoning Bylaw will make provision for on-farm accessory commercial
developments that support the agricultural operations in the Municipality.
. 16
Home-based businesses and occupations shall be encouraged in the Rural
Municipality as valuable contributors to the district economy. Home-based
businesses will be accommodated provided that they are clearly secondary to the
principal residential use of the dwelling.
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Hazardous Uses
. 17
Facilities or developments which manufacture, handle, store or distribute hazardous
materials will be governed by the following:
a) hazardous facilities shall not be located closer to dwellings than permitted or recommended by
Saskatchewan Environment;
b) anhydrous ammonia facilities shall be located a minimum of 100.0 metres from provincial highways
and municipal road ways; and
c) where new development or expansion of a potentially hazardous use is proposed, information may
be required relating to the nature of any potential discharges into the air, soil or water, the nature of
outside storage requirements, the compatibility of surrounding land uses, and plans for buffering
such activities from adjacent uses.
. 18 Industries considered hazardous due to the transport, handling, bulk storage or use
of hazardous materials shall be discouraged from locating in the Rural Municipality.
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Section 7: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
7.1
Objectives
7.2
Rural Residential Policies
. 1
To protect the dominant role of agriculture and encourage the retention of larger
parcels for continued productive agricultural purposes, the subdivision of
agricultural holdings for residential purposes shall be limited to the creation of one
(1) new building site per quarter section (64.8 hectares).
. 2
A maximum of two (2) farm-related, single detached dwellings will be permitted on
agricultural sites and farmsteads.
. 3
The subdivision of parcels of agricultural land which are physically isolated from the
majority of the quarter section by a road, rail-line or watercourse will be allowed.
. 4
Multi-Parcel Country residential subdivisions will be encouraged to locate in, or be
annexed to, the Town of Pense or Village of Belle Plaine, which can supply more
suitable urban services.
To provide for farm-related residential development in agricultural areas.
To locate Residential acreage development in areas where the future or
continued operation of the agriculture industry will be least affected or
restricted.
To provide an opportunity for residential acreage developments which do
not require a full range of municipal services and which are suited to rural
locations.
To encourage Country Residential development on marginal quality
agricultural land.
To reduce or eliminate land use conflicts between residential and other land
uses.
To support each Hamlet as an asset to the district as an alternative
residential lifestyle option where capacities exist.
To provide opportunity areas for non-residential development that serves
the hamlet residents and the surrounding area.
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. 5
All Rural (Country or Farmyard) Residential subdivisions shall have access to an
existing all-weather road and the proponent may be responsible to enter into an
agreement with the Municipality to upgrade an existing road or develop a new road
access to the municipal standard. The proponent shall be solely responsible for all of
the costs of the new or upgraded roadway construction which will be addressed
through
a
Development
or
Servicing
Agreement.
. 6
Where an agricultural holding has been
subdivided to its full potential under these
policies, no further residential development
shall be permitted on the balance of the
agricultural
holding.
Where
an
existing
residence
or
farmstead
exists
on
the
agricultural holding intended for subdivision, the residential subdivision shall
include the existing residence within the proposed subdivision.
. 7
Rural Residential subdivisions shall be planned and located in order that:
a) services such as school bussing, snow removal, fire protection and like services can be provided
with reasonable efficiency and without undue cost to the Rural Municipality; and
b) residential subdivisions shall be encouraged to locate on lands exhibiting "marginal" soil capability
as defined by the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) Soil Class Rating System or where sufficient
evidence is provided to show that the parcel is incapable of cultivation or the production of forage
crops.
. 8
Rural residential development along Provincial highways shall meet all requisite
highway regulations pertaining to access and location of structures.
. 9
Residential developments that propose on-site wastewater disposal systems must
receive approval from Saskatchewan Health prior to installation. The location and
size of building lots shall reflect the capability of local soils to adequately support an
approved on-site wastewater management system.
. 10
All Temporary Work Camp proposals shall be referred to The Corridor District
Planning Commission for their review and recommendations.
. 11
Residential acreages and subdivisions shall not be permitted:
within 1.0 kilometre of a hazardous industry except in instances where transition and buffering can
mitigate concerns;
within 1.0 kilometre of a rural industrial site except in instances where transition and buffering can
mitigate concerns;
within 305 metres of a sewage lagoon site;
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Within the required separation distances from intensive livestock operations as provided within the
Zoning Bylaw; or
Within 457 metres of a solid waste disposal site.
. 12
Garden Suites shall be encouraged throughout the Rural Municipality as an
alternative, subordinate residential use to provide shelter for relatives or caregiver(s)
in a separate dwelling unit. Garden suites shall be accommodated provided that they
are clearly secondary to the principal residential use of the dwelling and are
compatible with and do not change the character of the surrounding areas.
. 13
Home-based businesses and occupations shall be encouraged in the Rural
Municipality as valuable contributors to the district economy. Home based
businesses will be accommodated provided that they are clearly secondary to the
principal residential use of the dwelling.
Multi-Parcel Residential Development
. 14
Subdivision proposing to establish more than one (1) new non-farm, single parcel
country residential site shall be subject to rezoning to a Country Residential District
and compliance with all relevant area, frontage and setback requirements of that
Zoning District.
. 15
All Multi-Parcel Country Residential proposals with environmental concerns or
issues shall be referred to The Corridor District Planning Commission for their
review and recommendations.
. 16
Country Residential development shall be
required to provide for such onsite services
as is deemed necessary by the Municipality
including, but not limited to, upgrading
municipal roads to an all-weather standard
as a condition of approval at the expense of
the developer.
. 17
Country Residential development shall not
be permitted in areas subject to flooding, erosion, or bank instability, unless detailed
analysis of the specific site, prepared by a qualified engineer, can prove the
development to be safe from any of these hazards. Section 8 provides policies related
to development where Natural Hazard Lands potentially exist.
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Hamlets of Keystown and Stony Beach
. 18
The general location of Keystown and Stony Beach (Map A) are shown on the Future
Land Use Map.
. 19
All developments within the Hamlets shall be required to comply with the Multi-
Parcel Country Residential policies provided in this Section.
. 20
The Rural Municipality will encourage cancellation of
vacant registered lots, and roads where appropriate.
. 21
The infilling of vacant lots within the Hamlets shall be
encouraged when servicing connections are available
. 22
Proposed developments shall take into account the health,
safety and general welfare of the residents, and the
viability and character of the settlement area. No land use
or activity that is detrimental to the residents or the
community shall be permitted.
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Section 8: Environmental Management
8.1
Objectives
8.2
Environmental and Conservation Policies
. 1
Environmentally sensitive lands in the Rural Municipality shall be protected from
any development which would cause or be subject to erosion, flooding, slumping or
destruction of unique natural, biological or heritage features.
. 2
The Rural Municipality shall ensure conflict is minimized with neighbouring uses,
and avoid or minimize significant environmental concerns with new uses in rural
areas.
. 3
The Rural Municipality will work with Provincial government agencies to protect any
significant heritage resources or unique natural or biological features located on land
proposed for development. Where significant potential for such has been found,
Council may delay or refuse development until such time as the requirements of the
relevant provincial agencies to protect such resources have been obtained.
. 4
The Zoning Bylaw will specify the prohibited, discretionary or permitted uses and
development standards which will be subject to special regulations in order to protect
To acknowledge and protect natural environmental features and systems
within the Rural Municipality.
To protect significant archaeological, historical, and other cultural sites
from incompatible development.
To restrict development in areas that are considered hazardous for
development for reasons of ground instability, erosion, flooding, or other
environmental hazards.
To extend the responsibility for sound environmental management to
property owners and developers.
To ensure that all environmental information is provided when new
developments and subdivisions are proposed.
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environmentally sensitive land. Such land shall be identified on the Future Land Use
Map and the Zoning Map as an Environmentally Sensitive Overlay District.
. 5
Developments shall be located and designed to conserve and compliment natural
areas, contribute to a high quality built and natural environment, and provide
welcome benefits to the region. Natural areas and sensitive environmental areas
identified in this Plan shall be protected through the Zoning Bylaw where
development may potentially impact natural areas.
. 6
The Rural Municipality will work with Provincial Ministries and agencies to manage
critical wildlife habitat and rare or endangered species, or wetlands and sensitive
environment. Natural areas and habitats shall be protected from incompatible or
potentially incompatible uses where:
a) rare or endangered flora and fauna have received Provincial designation and protection;
b) lands designated under the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act, and amendments;
c) private lands that have been voluntarily protected by landowners; or
d) lands which may be designated under a variety of other environmental protection legislation of
policy.
. 7
When reviewing any development proposal, an attempt shall be made to:
a) provide for minimum loss of habitat by retaining natural vegetation and watercourses;
b) provide continuous wildlife corridors;
c) conserve habitat for rare and endangered species; and
d) provide landscaping, naturalization or otherwise mitigating the loss of natural habitat where such
habitat loss is necessary in the context of a desirable development.
. 8
The Environmentally Sensitive/Heritage Resource Overlay District "Appendix C"
and the Future Land Use Map shall be used by Council in making decisions on
proposed new developments near environmentally sensitive land and on the uses
and regulations outlined for such land in the Zoning Bylaw. In addition to the lands
identified in the Overlay District, Environmentally Sensitive lands include:
a) all land within the Environmentally Sensitive/Heritage Resource Overlay District in Appendix "C";
b) all land within 150 metres of any known Burrowing Owl nesting sites shown in Appendix "C";
c) all land within 150 metres of any of the public, commercial or industrial wells;
d) all land within 457 metres of any of the waste disposal sites; and
e) all land within 300 metres of any of the municipal, commercial or industrial sewage lagoon or
Earthen Manure Storage Facility.
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8.3
Heritage Resource Policies
. 1
The identification of heritage resources shall be encouraged within the Rural
Municipality. The Rural Municipality shall work with community stakeholders to
identify and assess the importance of heritage
sites. By the request of owners, and in
accordance with The Heritage Properties Act,
1980, and amendments, significant historic sites
and architectural features shall be designated
and suitably recognized.
. 2
Heritage resources shall be protected where:
a) buildings or landscapes have received or in the process of receiving municipal and/or Provincial
heritage designation; and
b) buildings or landscapes have been developed and operate as heritage sites.
. 3
Highly sensitive environment areas or sites with potential for significant heritage
resources will be identified in the Environmentally Sensitive/Heritage Resource
Overlay District to ensure the protection of these resources when these lands may be
affected by development.
. 4
The Environmentally Sensitive/Heritage Resource Overlay District "Appendix C"
and the Future Land Use Map shall be used by Council in making decisions on
proposed new developments near or on identified Heritage Resource lands and on
the uses and regulations outlined for such land in the Zoning Bylaw.
. 5
When development is proposed in these areas an assessment of the potential impact
on natural and human heritage resources prepared by qualified environmental
professionals shall be required as part of the development proposal.
8.4
Natural Hazard Lands
. 1
Development shall be directed away from areas of natural hazards where there is
potential risk to public health or safety. Natural Hazard lands include the following:
a) lands subject to flooding including all lands which would be flooded by the 1:500 year flood event
or in any flood prone area; or
b) lands subject to slope instability or erosion; or
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c) lands in areas prone to drainage issues based upon historical information and specific site
analysis rather than mapping.
. 2
In areas where natural hazardous conditions may exist, this Plan ensures that the
developer and/or property owner reasonably assess the hazards relative to the
proposed development. The development of structures on hazard land may be
authorized only in accordance with recommended preventative mitigation measures
which eliminate the risk or reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
. 3
Developers will be required to provide professional, certified environmental,
geotechnical and/or hydrological reports to address
development hazards and may require a preliminary
analysis by a professional engineer or environmental
scientist to identify which hazards may exist in the area
of a proposed development. Council may refuse to
authorize development of structures on such land or
may authorize such developments only in accordance
with recommended preventative mitigation measures
which eliminate the risk or reduce the risk to an
acceptable level and remedial measures.
. 4
It may not be practical or desirable for economic or social reasons to restrict certain
development in hazard areas. Developments shall, however, be carefully controlled
and planned to ensure that they are compatible with the risks or that the hazard has
been eliminated or protected against. In these instances, the following criteria shall be
applied:
a) proposed developments shall not obstruct, increase or otherwise adversely alter water and flood
flows and velocities;
b) there shall be no added risk to life, health or personal safety;
c) structures and services must be protected against flood damage and shall be fully functional during
hazard conditions;
d) activities which alter existing slopes and may accelerate or promote erosion or bank instability shall
be prohibited unless appropriate mitigation measures are taken to minimize the potential of such
erosion or bank instability; and
e) existing tree and vegetation cover shall be preserved where appropriate to reduce erosion and
maintain bank stability.
Unstable Slope Area Policies
. 5
No new development shall be permitted in any potential unstable slope area without
undertaking erosion and/or slope stability investigations to address the interests of
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the Rural Municipality and to ensure that the developer and/or property owner
reasonably assess the hazards relative to the proposed development.
. 6
Developers and property owners shall commission sufficient professional
engineering investigations to reasonably assess erosion and slope failure potential
and to understand that they also share in and accept all residual risks and liabilities
associated with development where hazard/unstable slopes exist.
. 7
Erosion and slope stability investigations will be undertaken by qualified engineering
disciplines to:
a) indicate whether the site is suitable for the proposed development, and
b) outline suitable mitigating measures and/or document residual hazard.
. 8
The Rural Municipality, in addressing the hazards associated with erosion and slope
instability shall ensure that future owners are informed, acknowledge the inherent
risks, undertake reasonable investigations, and accept liability for development
undertaken on land where slope instability is a concern.
Flood Hazard Lands
. 9
Development will be restricted in the flood plain to protect against the loss of life and
to minimize property damage associated with flooding events. Flood prone lands will
generally be limited to agricultural, park and open space recreational uses.
. 10
The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency or other appropriate government or
private sector consultants will be utilized as a source of technical advice regarding
flood levels and flood proofing techniques. Development proposals in flood plain
areas shall be referred to Saskatchewan
Water Security Agency for review prior to
approval. A site specific legal land survey
including contour lines shall be provided
by the proponent at the time of proposed
development.
Surface Water and Drainage
. 11
Adequate surface water drainage will be required throughout the Rural Municipality
and on new development sites to avoid flooding, erosion and pollution.
Consideration shall be given to the ecological, wildlife habitat and drainage effects of
development.
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. 12
Where an area has been previously or exhibits potential for poor drainage (sloughs)
due to snowmelt or prolonged rainfall events, proposed building sites shall be
required to locate away from these areas whenever possible or the proponent shall
provide a suitable amount of fill at the building site to provide a satisfactory level of
protection for the buildings.
. 13
Unauthorized drainage of surface water runoff from any land throughout the Rural
Municipality shall be prohibited. Water courses shall not be filled or altered without
the prior approval of the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, the Saskatchewan
Ministry of Environment and the Rural Municipality of Pense. New developments
and subdivisions which are adjacent to water courses shall be developed to minimize
erosion and to maximize water quality.
Groundwater Protection
. 14
The Rural Municipality recognizes the importance of protecting an adequate supply
of surface and groundwater for the benefit of all residents and landowners. Areas
which should not be developed due to potential pollution of water supplies, flooding
or site instability include lands near waste disposal sites, sewage lagoons, wetlands or
gravel pits.
. 15
Development will not pollute or unduly deplete ground or surface water resources
within the Rural Municipality. Council may require applicants to monitor or
investigate the impact of their development on water resources and may, with the
assistance of relevant provincial or other agencies, prepare and incorporate
development standards in the Zoning Bylaw to maximize aquifer protection and
supply.
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Section 9: Municipal Services and Facilities
9.1
Objectives
9.2
Transportation Policies
. 1
All new developments (commercial, industrial, intensive agricultural and residential)
shall have access to an existing all-weather road unless the proponent enters into an
agreement with the Rural Municipality to upgrade an existing road or develop new
road access to a standard agreed upon by the Rural Municipality. The proponent
shall be responsible for all of the costs of the new or upgraded roadway construction.
. 2
Land uses which generate significant amounts of regional vehicular traffic and/or
significant truck traffic shall be encouraged to locate in proximity to major municipal
roadways, provincial roads and provincial highways.
. 3
Where there are existing or anticipated high volumes of truck traffic, the Municipality
may designate certain roadways as truck routes in order to limit deterioration of the
local road system and to minimize safety problems and nuisance factors with
adjacent communities.
To ensure that new and existing development is serviced to a sufficient
standard for its density without excessive cost or environmental damage.
To ensure that municipal interests are addressed in the planning of
transportation, utility and pipeline easements and facilities.
To establish safe, efficient and convenient transportation facilities and
service for all users.
To provide a network of municipal roads to accommodate anticipated
traffic movements within the Rural Municipalities and provide an effective
linkage to the Provincial highway system.
To protect existing public and private utilities from land uses which may
adversely affect their operation.
To ensure the appropriate levels of utilities are provided for the health and
well-being of the residents, businesses and industries in the Rural
Municipality.
To continue to cooperate with other agencies and Municipalities in the
planning of utility facilities in the district, such as the South Central
Transportation Planning Committee.
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. 4
Commercial or industrial developments that require large land area or are hazardous
in nature may be located adjacent to provincial roads or highways subject to all
policies in this Section. Strip development, where each relies on direct access, shall
have consolidated access at major points of intersection of highway and municipal
roadways.
. 5
Building setback standards shall be applied to
new development along municipal roads in order
to provide a measure of safety for the travelling
public, to provide a measure of buffering of
buildings from roadway nuisances, such as noise
and dust, and to reduce snow drift accumulation
along rural roads.
. 6
Municipal road allowances shall be maintained for public access. Any proposals for
clearing, cultivation or cropping of unimproved road allowances shall be subject to
review and approval by the Rural Municipality.
. 7
Road Crossings: The Rural Municipality may apply special standards in the Zoning
Bylaw or as outlined in The Municipalities Act, to protect the municipal interest when
transportation, utility and pipeline facilities cross municipal roads or when seismic
activity is proposed on roads or road allowances.
. 8
Heavy Haul Roads: The Rural Municipality may use The Municipalities Act to ensure
that any trucks pay for the cost of road repair caused by their usage of an Rural
Municipal road.
. 9
Where an area of development is bordered on one side by a major transportation
corridor, such as a highway or rail line, new development should, where appropriate,
be directed to the same side to avoid the need for local traffic to cross the corridor.
. 10
Proposed developments which may be adversely affected by noise, dust and fumes
from roadways and railways should be encouraged to locate where there is adequate
separation from these corridors and/or to incorporate sound barriers or landscaped
buffers to mitigate these impacts.
. 11
Development along Provincial highways shall:
a) be encouraged to consolidate access at major points in order to provide a high standard of safety;
b) require access permits from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure;
c) provide road systems where possible which integrate with existing road networks and which satisfy
current and future needs; and
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d) not be permitted where strip development is created with frontage less than 150 metres per lot and
with individual direct access to the highway. Exceptions will be considered where adjacent
development has already occurred.
. 12
All proposals which create new building sites and any development of a structure or
access that is to occur within the control areas of provincial highways under
provincial authority will be subject to review approval by the Saskatchewan Ministry
of Highways and Infrastructure prior to the issuance of an access or a development
permit.
9.3
Railway Policies
. 1
The Rural Municipality, through this Plan, shall provide for efficient and effective
land use and transportation planning. This includes consultation with neighbouring
property owners, including the Railways, in order to reduce the potential for future
land use conflicts and provide adequate protection for rail infrastructure. The
primary situations include:
a) new land development or redevelopment in proximity to existing rail operations,
b) new or significantly expanded rail facilities in proximity to existing residential uses; and
c) road/rail crossing issues.
. 2
The Municipality will support integrated transportation planning involving
provincial, municipal and multiple railways in order to balance rail capacity
upgrades, minimize community impacts and ensure that economic benefits occur.
. 3
The Rural Municipality shall be pro-active in identifying, planning and protecting
rail corridors and yards for their optimal use together with the Railways. The
Municipality shall coordinate development approvals with the Railways that also
require rail regulatory approvals to increase
awareness regarding the railway legislation,
regulatory and operating environment.
. 4
Consultation with the Railways shall be required
when a potential development or redevelopment
is proposed:
a) in proximity to rail facilities or for proposals for rail-serviced industrial parks;
b) for road and utility infrastructure works which may affect a rail facility;
c) for transportation plans that incorporate freight transportation issues; and
d) for all new, expanded or modified rail facilities.
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. 5
Sensitive land uses proposed adjacent to railway corridors shall be buffered and/or
separated through setbacks, fencing, site grading, berms and landscaping to prevent
adverse effects from noise, vibration, odour, fumes and to promote safety. Building
setbacks and berms are intended to provide protective buffers and barriers to reduce
the risks from a train derailment or other incidents and also to provide some noise
and vibration reduction.
. 6
The Rural Municipality, together with the Railways, shall strive to improve
information-sharing regarding existing and future planning effort through early
consultations in advance of proposed land use or transportation changes, projects or
works.
. 7
The Rural Municipality should consult with the Railways regarding proposed land
development and/or infrastructure projects which may have impacts on existing
drainage patterns. Similarly, the Railways should consult with the Rural Municipality
where facility expansions or changes may impact drainage patterns to adjacent uses.
9.4
Public and Private Utilities and Facilities
. 1
Cooperation will be encouraged with SaskPower, SaskEnergy and SaskTel and other
similar utilities to ensure the provision of their services in the most economical and
efficient manner possible.
. 2
Essential activities of government, public and private utilities including alternate
energy generating systems, such as wind energy generating systems, shall be
accommodated in any land use designation subject to requirements in the Zoning
Bylaw. Such uses shall be located and developed in a manner which is sensitive to
and will minimize any incompatibility with neighbouring land uses.
. 3
Prior to the installation of major utility systems, such as electrical transmission lines,
wind energy systems and communication lines or towers, the utility companies are
encouraged to consult with the Municipal Council and the community at large on
matters such as route selection and potential impact on local road networks.
. 4
Pipelines shall be preferentially routed through areas causing the least environmental
impact either paralleling through existing disturbed lands, on right-of-ways or in
areas of tame pasture or cultivation.
. 5
Separation distances from existing public works facilities shall conform to Provincial
regulations.
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. 6
Any planned future expansion shall minimize the encroachment of incompatible
lands near landfills, waste management facilities, airstrips, transportation corridors,
rail yards and industrial activities.
. 7
The use of existing municipal infrastructure shall be
optimized wherever feasible before consideration is
given to developing new infrastructure and public
service facilities. Infrastructure and public service
facilities shall be provided in a coordinated, efficient
and cost-effective manner to accommodate projected
needs by integrating
servicing
and land use
considerations at all stages of the planning process.
. 8
The Rural Municipality shall continue to work with other Municipalities in the
district to:
a) pursue a comprehensive waste management plan for solid waste management;
b) adopt consistent waste water disposal requirements; and/or
c) collectively approach and plan for future water utility provisioning.
. 9
The physical and economic ability to extend urban services to specific areas within
the district should be logical, reasonable and cost effective. When a Town or Village
and the Rural Municipality enter into an agreement to service land, the agreement
shall address annexation.
. 10
Land located in the area but outside of the urban municipal boundaries is intended to
be unserviced when located outside cost-effective servicing networks. While this does
not preclude servicing more distant areas, the costs to do so may prove prohibitive
for all but the most intensive servicing users, such as processing activities.
. 11
Servicing agreements shall be required at the subdivision approval stage to ensure
that new subdivisions are developed to the standards of the Rural Municipality and
to address other concerns specific to the proposed subdivision. Subdivision Fees or
Development levies that recover the costs of extending/upgrading services to the
new developments shall be required in accordance with The Planning and Development
Act, 2007.
9.5
Municipal and Environmental Reserve
. 1
Subdivision applicants will be required to dedicate the full amount of Municipal
Reserve owing in the forms provided for in The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
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. 2
When dedication of municipal reserve is required for subdivision, the Rural
Municipality will accept cash-in-lieu of dedication unless there is a specific need for
parkland in the vicinity.
. 3
Subdivision applicants will be required to dedicate, as environmental reserve, all
lands in an area to be subdivided that can be defined as Environmental Reserve in
accordance with the provisions of The Planning and Development Act, 2007. In some
instances the approving authority may consider conservation easements in place of
environmental reserves.
. 4
Where development is proposed adjacent to a watercourse, the Rural Municipality
will request the subdivision approving authority to dedicate Municipal or
Environmental reserve as appropriate to protect sensitive areas and ensure continued
public access to these areas.
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Section 10:
Implementation and Action Plans
Plans are only as good as their implementation. These Action Plans provide guidance and a
framework for ongoing dedication through municipal influence and community engagement to
fulfill this Plan's objectives. The Action Plans for the RM of Pense are provided in Appendix
"D."
10.1 Making Things Happen
Successful implementation of this Plan depends to a large degree on whether its policies can
guide local development and action in a variety of contexts over the next fifteen years. This
Section contains policies to ensure that planning is sensitive to local conditions in specific
locations of the Municipality, while at the same time advancing
the Plan's core principles and building on its broad objectives.
To achieve the goals set out in this Official Community Plan, a
clear plan of action or implementation strategy is required. The
following tables have been included to provide a checklist of the
key action items that will need to be completed to help the
Municipality achieve its goals outlined in the Plan. The action
items should be reviewed regularly to monitor progress and to
determine if changes are required.
10.2 The Plan Guides Action
As a statutory document for guiding development and land use in the Rural Municipality, the
Plan gives direction to Council on their day-do-day decision making. The Plan's land use policy
areas, illustrated on the Future Land Use Map in "Appendix A," provide geographic references
for the Municipality's policies. If the Municipality is to move closer to the future envisioned by
the Plan, the Plan must guide other related decisions of Council. The Planning and Development
Act, 2007 requires that:
Municipal Bylaws and public works will conform to this Plan;
The decisions and actions of Council and staff, including public investment in
services, service delivery and infrastructure, will be guided by this Plan; and
Implementation plans, strategies, priorities and actions shall be consistent with
Plan policies adopted to advance the vision, goals and objectives of this
Community Plan.
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Section 11:
Inter-Jurisdictional Cooperation
The Rural Municipality of Pense will continue to liaise with the Moose Jaw-Regina Industrial
Corridor Regional planning group, and other adjacent Municipalities with regards to matters of
Land Use Planning and Development.
11.1 Inter-Municipal Cooperation
. 1
Inter-Municipal agreements shall be pursued to ensure that local and regional growth
issues are addressed proactively. A coordinated, integrated and comprehensive
approach shall be used when dealing with planning matters within the Municipality,
or which cross municipal boundaries, including:
managing and/or promoting growth and development;
managing natural heritage, water, agricultural, mineral, and cultural heritage
and archaeological resources;
infrastructure, public service facilities and waste management systems;
ecosystem, shoreline and watershed related issues;
natural and human-made hazards; and
population, housing and employment projections based on regional market
areas.
. 2 Consultation is a key component of the Inter-Municipal cooperation
policies and it is expected that all jurisdictions will incorporate realistic
growth and land use requirements in their respective Official Community
Plans (OCPs )and that they be reviewed with input from all jurisdictions.
. 3 The Rural Municipality will cooperate to ensure that development and
land use patterns which are adjacent or in proximity to the Town of Pense
or the Village of Belle Plaine that may hinder their expansion will be
discouraged or mitigated. This does not apply to such effects that arise in
the course of normal, non-intensive farm operations.
. 4 Inter-Municipal cooperation and public/private sector initiatives that focus on a
cooperative approach to providing cost efficient services that optimize each Municipality's
financial and infrastructure resources shall be encouraged. The Capital Works program and
public improvements are important implementation tools in each Municipality and may
influence the location of future development and growth through the provision of
municipal services to land.
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11.2 Revenue Sharing
. 1
Inter-Municipal revenue sharing and other agreements to equitably share costs and
benefits of future development in the region shall be considered.
. 2
Revenue sharing shall be explored where there are significant opportunities to
promote and enhance development and growth within the region by working
together in a cooperative manner when any "regional type" business or development
is considering this region that will provide benefit to a number of individual
Municipalities. All tax-sharing arrangements will be negotiated on fair and equitable
basis with respect to: recovery of capital investment, land use development standards
and negotiating compatible servicing agreements.
11.3 Annexation
. 1
The periodic need for urban expansion through the annexation process should be
logical and consistent with the policies of this Plan and the annexing Municipality.
Annexation shall be undertaken in a positive, orderly, timely and agreed-upon
process where there is a clear and present need and development is expected to occur
within a five (5) year period. Municipalities should avoid a large and complex
annexation in favour of annexations involving smaller amounts of land occurring on
an as-needed basis.
. 2
Where it is necessary to expand the boundaries of an existing urban Municipality,
community expansion should occur on a logical basis and should be well-integrated
with the existing community structure and directed away from large acreages of
prime farmland and livestock operations.
. 3
The need for community expansion should address the timely conversion of rural
land for urban expansion in areas adjacent to urban municipalities in order to protect
existing rural land uses from premature conversion to urban forms of development
where the timing of urban expansion is uncertain. Annexation shall follow legal
boundaries or natural features to avoid creating a fragmented pattern of land
ownership.
. 4
Development and land use patterns which are adjacent or in proximity to urban areas
that would hinder the expansion of these areas, or which may have negative effects
on future urban design and/ or densities, will be discouraged. The Rural
Municipality will ensure that areas around the urban centres will be designated for
complementary development and it is expected that all municipalities will consult
with each other prior to any annexation.
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. 5
In the event of annexation where land is not currently serviced, the Town or Village
may enter into an agreement to compensate the Rural Municipality for the existing
municipal portion of property taxes on a descending scale. The annexation should not
dramatically alter the taxes collected from agricultural lands in the annexation area
simply because of annexation. Where annexation involves existing developments
such industrial or commercial tax-loss compensation will be determined based on
current accepted rates.
11.4 Treaty Land Entitlements and Specific Claims
. 1
Where land within the Rural Municipality has been purchased by a First Nations
Band and it is pursuing "reserve" status through either the Treaty Land Entitlement
process or the Specific Claims process, the Rural Municipality shall encourage
compatible development. Council will offer to meet with the Band Council of the
First Nation proposing the reserve to discuss, and if possible, negotiate shared
services, compatible bylaws and other matter of mutual interest.
. 2
Council shall encourage the Band Council to enter into an agreement (Memorandum
of Understanding) with the Municipality to achieve complementary Band Bylaws by
adopting a Land Use Code or other land use Bylaws similar to the provisions of the
RM's Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, as well as to achieve continuity or
the sharing of public services.
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Section 12:
Administration
12.1 Planning Tools
This Section outlines the variety of traditional tools the Municipality has
available to make things happen. The Planning and Development Act,
2007 provides the authority that governs plans of subdivision, zoning
bylaws, servicing agreement, development levies and review processes to
ensure that the Plan is effective over the long term.
12.2 Definitions
The definitions contained in the RM of Pense Zoning Bylaw No. 02-2013 shall apply to this
Official Community Plan.
12.3 Adoption of the Official Community Plan
Adoption of this Official Community Plan by the Rural Municipality will give it the force of
law. Once adopted, no development or land use change may be carried out within the area
affected by the Official Community Plan that is inconsistent or at variance with the proposals or
policies set out in the Official Community Plan.
By setting out goals, objectives and policies, the Official
Community Plan will provide guidance for the Rural
Municipality in making decisions regarding land use,
zoning,
servicing
extension,
subdivisions
and
development in general. These decisions must be made
in conformity with the stated objectives and policies to
ensure that the goals for the future development of the
Municipality will be achieved.
The application of the Official Community Plan policies
is illustrated in the Future Land Use Map provided in "Appendix A." This map is intended to
illustrate the locations of the major land use designations within the Rural Municipality of
Pense. This "Map" should not be interpreted in isolation without consideration of the balance of
the Official Community Plan. The land use designations have been determined by a number of
factors including existing patterns of land use, projected land needs, resource areas, natural
attributes and man-made features.
The Official Community Plan will be implemented, in part by the development-related
decisions that will be made in the future; however, the two most important tools available for
guiding the future development of the Municipality are the Zoning Bylaw and the subdivision
process, including associated agreements.
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12.4 Adoption of Municipal Zoning Bylaws
Following the adoption of the Official Community Plan, the Rural Municipality of Pense is
required to enact a Zoning Bylaw which will set out specific regulations for land use and
development:
The Zoning Bylaw must generally conform to the Official Community Plan and
future land use and development shall be consistent with the goals and
objectives of this Plan;
Future development will avoid land uses conflict and meet minimum standards
to maintain the amenity of the Municipality;
Zoning Bylaws designate areas for certain types of development. Permitted and
discretionary uses and development standards are prescribed for each zone.
Development will be consistent with the physical opportunities of the land and
of reasonable engineering solutions;
Undue demand shall not be placed on the Municipality for services, such as
roads, parking, water, sewers, waste disposal and open space; and
The objectives and policies in the Official Community Plan provide guidance to
Council when preparing the Zoning Bylaw or considering an amendment to the
Zoning Bylaw.
The Planning and Development Act, 2007, requires the Municipality to adopt a Zoning Bylaw in
conjunction with the Official Community Plan. The Zoning Bylaw will be used to implement
the policies and achieve the objectives of this Plan by prescribing the uses of land, buildings or
other improvements that will be allowed in the different zoning districts established in the
Municipality. In addition, the Zoning Bylaw regulates how these uses may be carried out and
the standards that developments must meet.
The Zoning Bylaw provides the Rural Municipality with actual control over land use and the
types of development and uses allowed in each land use district. The associated supplementary
requirements and development standards will be specified in the Zoning Bylaw respecting
building setbacks, parking, loading, landscaping, signage, buffering and all other relevant
standards prescribed by the Rural Municipality from time to time.
To ensure that these regulations work to help achieve the stated goals and objectives, the Bylaw
itself must be consistent with the policies and the intent of this Plan. In considering a Zoning
Bylaw or an amendment, the Municipality should refer to the policies contained in the Plan and
the "Future Land Use Map" (Appendix A), to ensure that the development objectives of the
Municipality are met.
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12.5 Contract Zoning and Direct Control Districts
For purposes of accommodating a rezoning for unique development situations, Council may
consider entering into rezoning agreements, pursuant to provisions of The Planning and
Development Act, 2007, for site specific development based on the following guidelines:
The rezoning to permit the development will not unduly conflict with adjacent land uses
that are legally permitted uses within the proposed or adjacent zoning district;
The rezoning will be used to allow a specific use or range of uses contained within the
zoning district to which the land is being rezoned;
The development or redevelopment of the site for the specific use will be of benefit to
the immediate area and the Municipality as a whole; and
The use of these zoning tools does not undermine the intent of the Plan or any affected
legislation such as Condominium Act or Environment or Health regulations.
12.6 Concept Plans
Concept plans are reference plans, not policy plans. They represent design layout concepts
prepared at the request of the Municipal Council to provide direction for how new
developments:
ensure the efficient provision of infrastructure
services;
demonstrate how site development will be organized
to ensure compatibility with adjoining land uses and
transportation systems; and
provide design features for special purposes such as
landscaping, buffers, open space, pedestrian and vehicular
access.
12.7 Comprehensive Development Reviews
A comprehensive development review shall be completed by any person proposing to rezone,
subdivide, or re-subdivide land for multi-parcel country residential, commercial or industrial
purposes. The purpose of this review is to appropriately identify and address social,
environmental, health and economic issues and to encourage the development of high quality
residential, commercial and industrial developments. This review proposes to address the
following topics:
proposed land use(s) for various parts of the area;
the effect on adjacent land uses and integration of the natural landscape regarding the
planning and design of the area;
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the location of and access to major transportation routes and utility corridors;
the provision of services respecting the planning for future infrastructure within the
Municipality;
sustainable development and environmental management practices regarding surface
and groundwater resources, storm water management, flooding and protection of
significant natural areas; and
appropriate information specific to the particular land use (residential, commercial or
industrial).
Proponents may be required to undertake and submit special studies as part of the approval
process for certain types of development proposals. Engineering or other professional studies
may be required including traffic studies to determine impacts upon the Municipality's road
and highway system, assessments of lands affected by flooding or slope hazards, endangered
species, heritage resources, potential for ground and surface water pollution, and general risk to
health and the environment.
12.8 Existing and Non-Conforming Uses
Where land use is designated in the Plan which differs from its existing use, the existing use
will be allowed to continue as a non-conforming use. However, any redevelopment of the
parcel of land or expansion of the non-conforming use will be required to comply with the land
use designated in the Plan, unless otherwise approved by Council under the provisions for non-
conforming uses in the Zoning Bylaw.
12.9 Development Levies and Agreements
Council may provide for a Development Levy Bylaw as specified in Sections 169 to 170 of The
Planning and Development Act, 2007. Where a development is proposed that is of a greater
density and requires the capital upgrading of services beyond those originally provided for in
the subdivision of the land, Council may, by Bylaw, provide for the recovery of those capital
costs.
Council may adopt a Bylaw that specifies the circumstances when these direct or indirect levies
will apply to the development based on the additional capital costs for services created by that
development. The Bylaw will contain a schedule of the unit costs to be applied. Before adopting
the Bylaw, Council will undertake studies necessary to define the benefiting areas and the unit
costs associated with required capital upgrading of off-site services. The studies will be used to
determine a fair level of development levy charges in relation to the subdivision fees.
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12.10 Servicing Agreements
Council may establish fees for the collection of subdivision servicing charges that would be
applied in a servicing agreement at the time of subdivision in accordance with Section 172 of
The Planning and Development Act, 2007, at the time of subdivision approval to ensure that new
subdivisions are developed to the standards of the Municipality and to address other concerns
specific to the proposed subdivision.
Where Council requires a Servicing Agreement, the Agreement becomes a condition of
approval of a subdivision by the approving authority. The Agreement will ensure that
municipal standards are met for capital works and ensure that such infrastructure development
costs are borne by the developer and his/her customers. A Servicing Agreement will be
required by all subdivision proponents. The requirements, conditions and fees may vary
depending upon service needs.
As an example: "Where a subdivision of land requires the installation or improvement of
municipal services such as sewer lines, streets or sidewalks within the subdivision, the
developer will be required to enter into a Servicing Agreement with the Rural Municipality to
cover the installation or improvements including, where necessary, charges to cover the costs of
improvement or upgrading of off-site services. Council will, by resolution, establish the
standards and requirements for such agreements and charges, including the posting of
performance bonds or letters of credit."
12.11 Subdivision Process
The Director of Community Planning for the Ministry of Government Relations is currently the
approving authority for subdivisions in this Municipality. The Rural Municipality:
provides comments on all subdivision applications within the Municipality;
has an impact on the subdivision process through the Zoning Bylaw, since no
subdivision can be approved that does not conform to the Zoning Bylaw. In the Zoning
Bylaw, the Municipality can establish the minimum area, width or depth of lots and
other spatial and land use standards. Zoning is intended to implement the Rural
Municipality's development policies, and to ensure that subdivisions contribute to
achieve the long term goals of the Municipality.
In order for the subdivision to be completed in a timely manner, it is advisable to consult
with the Rural Municipality before submitting a subdivision proposal to Municipal Affairs.
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12.12 Monitoring Performance
Review
This Official Community Plan is a document intended to guide
decision making over the long term and is not a static document
that commits the Rural Municipality to an inflexible development
policy. As new issues and concerns arise or old ones change, the
Plan shall be revised to meet these changes. The "Plan" shall be
reviewed after five years and before ten years from the date of its
adoption by Council to evaluate the stated goals, objectives and
policies as to their relevancies.
The Official Community Plan must be kept up to date to ensure
that the document will deal with the real development issues facing the Rural Municipality and
the greater community. New implementation initiatives will be needed and priorities will
require adjustment in response to the varied and changing conditions in the Municipality.
Amendment
On occasion, land uses or developments may be proposed that do not conform to the Official
Community Plan. The Plan can be amended in accordance with The Planning and Development
Act, 2007, to allow the new development to proceed. However, before any amendment is made,
the impact of the proposed change on the rest of the Plan and the future development of the
Municipality shall be examined. Any changes to the Plan or the Zoning Bylaw shall be in the
interest of the future development of the community as a whole. Through periodical review and
amendment, the Plan should serve as an effective guide for the Council to make decisions on
the future development of the Municipality.
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Section 13:
Repeal and Effective Date of Bylaw
REPEAL
Bylaw No. 04-04 as amended shall be repealed upon Bylaw 01-2013, the Official Community
Plan, coming into force and effect.
MINISTERIAL APPROVAL
This Bylaw is adopted pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007, and shall come into
force on the date of final approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
COUNCIL READINGS AND ADOPTION
Read a first time this
day of
2013
Read a second time this
day of
2013
Read a third time this
day of
2013
Adoption of Bylaw this
day of
2013
_______________________________
REEVE
______________________________
ADMINISTRATOR
_______________________________
Tim Cheesman, MCIP, P.Ag
_______________________________
Karen Sander, MCIP
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Appendix "A" Future Land Use Map
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Appendix "B" Mineral Extraction/Processing Overlay District
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Appendix "C" Environmentally Sensitive Lands/Heritage Resource Overlay District
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Appendix "D" Action Plans
Inter-Jurisdictional Cooperation
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Establish Communication protocols for info-sharing and
development proposal referral with the Corridor Planning
Initiative
RM, MJ-Regina Corridor
Committee, Planner
Regina Regional
Opportunities Commission
Short Term
Standardize Development Levies & Servicing Agreements
and Update Subdivision Bylaws
RM, Planner
Short Term
Prepare an Annexation Policy
RM, Planner
Short Term
Work towards consistent municipal zoning requirements and
bylaw enforcement with neighbouring municipalities
RM, MJ-Regina Corridor
Committee, Planner
Short Term
Economic Development
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Work with the Corridor Municipalities to promote regional
economic development opportunities
RM, MJ-Regina Corridor
Committee, Regina Regional
Opportunities Commission J
Short Term
Take a Lead role in the MJ-Regina Industrial Corridor
Initiative
Reeve and Administrator
Short Term
Heritage
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Complete a Heritage Registrar for the District
RM, Tourism, Parks, Culture
Mid-Term
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and Sport (Heritage
Resources Branch)
Moose Jaw - Regina
Industrial Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Emergency Response Planning
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Create a GIS map base(Road System info) for Emergency
Medical, Police and Fire Services
RM, Sask EMO, Sask
Emergency Planners Assn,
Protection and Emergency
Services Moose Jaw and
Regina Fire Departments
Long Term
Consult with RCMP to determine local policing needs and
capacities
RM, MJ and Regina RCMP
Short Term
Environmental Management
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Identify Watershed Protection Areas
RM of Pense, Saskatchewan
Water
Security
Agency,
Saskatchewan Environment,
Moose
Jaw
-
Regina
Industrial
Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Short Term
Complete a Sand and Gravel Resources Study
RM, Contractors, Gravel Pit
Owners
Medium Term
Develop a Regional Waste Management action plan
RM, Saskatchewan
Medium-Long Term
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Environment
Moose Jaw - Regina
Industrial Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Develop a Signage Program for Active and Passive Recreation
Use Areas
RM, Pense Recreation Board
Moose Jaw - Regina
Industrial Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Medium Term
Transportation Planning
Action Item
Participants
Timeline
Prepare a future Highway Access Plan in cooperation with
the Corridor Planning Initiative
Moose
Jaw
-
Regina
Industrial
Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Medium Term
Complete Identified Transportation Network Upgrades
Moose
Jaw
-
Regina
Industrial
Corridor
Stakeholders Committee
Medium Term
Facilitate a GIS road maintenance and road equipment data
base
RM
Long Term
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Appendix "E" Reference Maps
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Bylaw No. 01-2013
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Bylaw No. 01-2013
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