Rural Municipality of Wheatlands No. 163, Saskatchewan
· adopted 2025-07-09
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Rural Municipality of
Wheatlands
No. 163
Official Community Plan
Bylaw No. 04-2025
*
M0103
1.
Rural Municipality Of Wheatlands No. 163
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 04-2025
Pursuant to Sections 29 and 32 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007, the Council of
the Rural Municipality of Wheatlands No. 163 hereby adopts the Official Community Plan,
identified as Schedule "A" to this Bylaw.
2. The Reeve and Administrator are hereby authorized to sign and seal Schedule "A" which is
attached to and forms part of this Bylaw.
3. This Bylaw shall come into force on the date of final approval by the Minister of
Government Relations.
Read a First Time the
20th day of FEBRUARY 2025
Read a Second Time the
9th day of JULy
2025
Read a Third Time and Adopted the
9th
day of
JULY
Mar
Reeve
SMarde
Administrator
CIPALITY
OF WHEATLAND
MUNICI
RM SEAL
Seal
RURAL
KATOHENE
93
Certified a True Copy of the Bylaw adopted by Resolution of Council
on the
9th day ot JULY
2025
2025
APPROVED
REGINA, SASK.
NOV 2 1 2025
lan Mover
Minister of Government Relations
NICIPALITY
OF WHEATLAND
RURAL
KATCHEN
WANO
163
Schedule A
Rural Municipality of Wheatlands No. 163
Official Community Plan
Bylaw No. 04-2025
March 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1
Authority
1
1.2
Purpose
1
1.3
Scope
1
2 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
2
2.1
Our Goals for Growth
2
2.2
General Development Policies
2
3
MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE
5
3.1
Discussion
5
3.2
Objectives
5
3.3
Policies
5
4
LAND MANAGEMENT
8
4.1
Discussion
8
4.2
Objectives
8
4.3
Policies
8
5
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
12
5.1
Discussion
12
5.2
Objectives
12
5.3
Policies
13
6
RESIDENTIAL LANDS
15
6.1
Discussion
15
6.2
Objectives
15
6.3
Policies
15
7
COMMERCIAL & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
18
7.1
Discussion
18
7.2
Objectives
18
7.3
Policies
18
8
HERITAGE & RECREATION
22
8.1
Discussion
22
8.2
Objectives
22
8.3
Policies
22
9
INTER-JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION
24
9.1
Objectives
24
9.2
Policies
24
10
IMPLEMENTATION
26
10.1
Zoning Bylaw
26
10.2
Content & Objectives
26
10.3
Amendments
26
10.4
Other Implementation Tools
EXHIBIT A: LAND USE MAР
26
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Authority
In accordance with Sections 29, 32 and 102 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 (The
Act), the Rural Municipality of Wheatlands No. 163 (RM) has prepared this document for
adoption as the Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP will provide Council with goals,
objectives and policies relating to the future growth and development within the RM.
1.2 Purpose
The OCP is a comprehensive policy document that establishes the RM's vision for the future
and a framework for the physical, economic, environmental, social, and cultural development
of the municipality. In this sense, it is a tool to guide future decision making and
administrative procedures. All other related RM policies, standards, and bylaws should reflect
the direction of the OCP. Should there be any direct conflict with another RM policy or bylaw,
then the position that aligns best with the OCP shall prevail. The OCP must also be consistent
with The Statements of Provincial Interest Regulations (SPIs) and all other provincial land use
policies.
1.3 Scopе
This bylaw shall apply to all the lands within the limits of the RM and no development shall be
carried out that is contrary to the OCP.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 1
2 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS & POLICIES
2.1 Our Goals for Growth
The RM will:
2.1.1 Diversify its economy by building on strengths within the community which includes
our vibrant resource sector, sustainable agricultural practices, tourism and recreation,
diverse commercial establishments and our capacity to sustain a healthy
environment;
2.1.2 Utilize planning processes and stakeholder collaboration to reduce exposure and
impacts of natural hazards and build community resiliency;
2.1.3 Promote and preserve our heritage and culture;
2.1.4
Strengthen the RM by building a healthy and diverse RM by sharing resources, and
working cooperatively with adjacent municipalities, government agencies, First
Nations and Métis Communities and stakeholders;
2.1.5 Enable responsible and environmentally compatible development by preserving and
protecting existing natural features and habitat while encouraging development to
appropriate areas of the RM;
2.1.6 Include opportunities to improve our transportation systems, utilize more sustainable
practices, and focus on providing efficient services to our residents in future decisions;
2.1.7 Embrace the rural character of the RM by ensuring that agriculture remains the
primary land use and way of life in the RM while allowing the expansion of different
land uses in the economy.
2.2 General Development Policies
2.2.1 Development and new subdivisions shall be encouraged to locate where appropriate
services and infrastructure exist or are planned to support the intensity and type of
development.
222
The RM will provide for a mix and range of development including agriculture,
commercial, residential, and recreation in order to promote economic development
opportunities. Rural areas will be differentiated from urban areas by less dense
development and larger land parcels where agricultural and resource development
activities are the dominant land use within the RM.
2.2.3
When reviewing applications for development, consideration shall be given to the
proposals conformity with this OCP. Major deviations from this Plan will require an
amendment approved by Council.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 2
2.2.4 Development shall complement the natural environment and not cause any undue
hardship to environmental resources.
2.2.5 Agreements
a) Where a proposed development requires the construction or upgrading of municipal
services, Council may enter into a development levy agreement with the developer,
pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007 and the RM's Development Levy
Bylaw to recover capital costs for the following services and facilities:
1) Sewage, water or drainage works;
2) Roadways and related infrastructure;
3) Parks;
4) Recreational facilities.
b) Where a subdivision of land will require the installation or improvement of municipal
services, the developer may be required to enter into a servicing agreement with the
RM pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to cover the installation or
improvements directly attributable to the development.
c) Where a new subdivision or development requires the installation of new or upgrading
of existing services such as roads, sewer and/or waterlines, etc. development permits
may not be issued until those services have been completed to the satisfaction of
Council.
d) Council may enter into Road Maintenance Agreements pursuant to The Municipalities
Act to ensure that costs for road repair are appropriately recovered.
2.2.6 Large scale development shall be guided by Concept Plans pursuant to Section 44 of
The Planning and Development Act, 2007.
2.2.7 Council may require the Developer to provide the RM with the necessary information
to properly assess the following applications:
a) OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments;
b) Subdivision applications; and
c) Development permit applications.
2.2.8 The Developer should address the following concerns in their development permit
application:
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 3
a) Conformity with the policies of the OCP and the Zoning Bylaw;
b) Conformity with provincial and federal regulatory jurisdictions;
c) Site suitability in terms of hazards such as flooding, erosion, slope instability or poor
drainage with a geotechnical report from a qualified engineer;
d) Site suitability in terms of topography, critical wildlife habitat, or other environmental
factors;
e) Site suitability in terms of heritage sensitivity;
f) Cost-benefit analysis of the proposal;
g) An outline of appropriate levels of servicing and terms of the servicing agreement;
and
h) Other information as may be required by Council.
2.2.9 The RM will work with adjacent municipalities and First Nations and Métis communities
when necessary to ensure complementary and compatible future growth and
development.
2.2.10
2.2.11
The RM will develop an asset management plan to better manage change and to
ensure growth will not place an undue strain on municipal infrastructure or public
services.
Future subdivisions will be evaluated based on the consideration of the number of
unsold and undeveloped sites in adjoining developments.
The burrowing owl (athene cunicularia) makes its home in the Coteau Hills that taper off in the RM
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 4
3 MUNICIPAL SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE
3.1 Discussion
Council recognizes that the planning and management of development are required to
ensure the provision of cost-effective municipal services that don't create a financial burden
on the RM. The primary servicing and administrative concerns of the RM have been to provide
and maintain roads; however, it is also recognized that there is an increasing public
expectation for other services from the RM.
3.2 Objectives
3.2.1 To promote growth and development that uses existing services and infrastructure in
a cost effective and efficient manner.
3.2.2
To ensure adequate services are provided to future developments through existing,
upgraded or new municipal infrastructure.
3.2.3 To improve the capacity and efficiency of services and facilities by entering into
regional partnerships with neighboring urban and rural municipalities where
appropriate.
3.2.4 To provide for road, utility, parks, and other services at a standard appropriate to the
area, and to ensure that development will support the cost of those services.
3.2.5 Тo provide a municipal road network that accommodates anticipated traffic
movements and provides a safe, effective and efficient link to the Provincial Highway
system.
3.3 Policies
3.3.1
Where a development or subdivision requires new or improved municipal services
and roads, the proponent will be responsible for all costs associated with providing
the services. Council may establish standards to which services and roads will be
designed and constructed. Council may require a proponent of development to
undertake an engineering study that identifies the infrastructure and services required
to support the development.
3.3.2 Roads and Transportation
a) All development shall require direct access to a developed road. A developed road
shall mean an existing good-quality road on a registered right of way, or a road for
which a signed servicing agreement has been made with Council to provide for the
construction of the road on a registered right of way to a standard approved by
Council.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 5
b) Development will be encouraged where roads and services currently exist. The future
land use map identifies key transportation corridors that could support future
development with the least amount of new road infrastructure.
c) The RM will ensure, through the subdivision and development process, that the future
acquisition for highway right-of-ways are protected from land uses which may affect
them.
d) Access and internal subdivision roads should be designed with the consideration for
emergency service, school bus and maintenance equipment access. Safe and
efficient access shall be integrated at all stages of the planning process.
e) Where high volumes of truck traffic exist or is anticipated, the RM may designate
certain roads as truck routes in order to limit deterioration of the municipal road
system and to minimize safety and nuisance factors with adjacent land uses.
f) All developments shall ensure safe access and egress from adjacent roadways
without disrupting their transportation function; the RM may require certain
developments to have consolidated access at major points of intersection of
provincial highways and/or municipal roadways.
g) All proposals within the areas of the Provincial Highways will be subject to review by
the Ministry prior to the issuance of a development permit.
h) Future residential developments shall take into consideration the Guidelines for New
Development in Proximity to Railway Operations document.
i) Consultation with the railway may be required prior to issuing a permit for the
proposed development or prior to proceeding with a subdivision. Consultation is
needed in order to determine:
1) The location of the site in relation to the rail corridor;
2) The nature of the proposed development;
3) The frequency, types, and speeds of trains travelling within the corridor;
4) The potential for expansion of train traffic within the corridor;
5) Any issues the railway may have with the new development or with specific uses
proposed for the new development;
6) The capacity for the site to accommodate standard mitigation measures;
7) Any suggestions for alternate mitigation measures that may be appropriate for
the site;
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 6
8) Proposed stormwater management and drainage; and
9) The specification to be applied to the project.
j) Proposed development 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, site grading, fencing, and/or berms to mitigate these impacts.
3.3.3 Services
a) Where pipelines, utility lines or other transportation facilities cross municipal roads the
RM may apply special standards for their construction that are necessary to protect
the municipal interest.
b) Solid or liquid waste disposal facilities shall be located in conformity with applicable
minimum separation distances established within the Zoning Bylaw.
c) The RM will require adequate water supply and sewage disposal systems for proposed
developments which meet the requirements of the local health authority. The water
supply of neighboring developments shall not be adversely affected by the proposed
development.
d)
All sewage and waste water disposal methods shall comply with Provincial
regulations. The RM will require written evidence that the disposal method has been
approved by the health authority either as a condition of development permit
approval or before a development permit for the use on the site is issued.
e) Solid waste management shall meet all applicable provincial regulations.
f) Cooperation will be encouraged with utility providers to ensure the provision of their
services is economical and efficient. Prior to the installation of major utility systems,
utility companies are encouraged to consult with the RM.
g) Separation distances from existing public works facilities shall conform to Provincial
regulations.
h) When planning and locating public works, the RM will take into consideration risks to
future and existing public work facilities and infrastructure associated with climate
change (i.e. wildfires, flooding, emergency preparedness and disaster response),
insofar as is practical based on available climate data and information.
i)
Where possible, the RM will work with other municipalities in the region to pursue
comprehensive waste management plan for solid waste management, and plan for
future water utility provisioning and wastewater disposal.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 7
j) Development which requires water shall be adequately serviced with a sufficient
water supply either on site or by a central water system depending on the nature and
intensity of use.
k) Development which requires sewage facilities shall be adequately services with an
approved-on site or central sewage system in according with Provincial and
Municipal requirements.
4 LAND MANAGEMENT
4.1 Discussion
The RM has a diversified economy with strong agricultural land uses that must be managed
sustainably to protect existing land owners as well as future developments.
4.2 Objectives
4.2.1 To encourage developmental practices that can be sustained by the environment
without significant pollution, nuisance, or damage to environmental resources.
4.2.2 To restrict development on hazardous lands or where special land considerations exist
such as slope instability, erosion, flooding, slumping or other environmental hazards.
4.2.3 To protect defined areas of critical habitat.
4.2.4 To protect critical water supply resources including both ground and surface water
resources.
4.2.5 То сcooperate with municipal, provincial and federal authorities as well as property
owners to promote healthy, safe, and environmentally responsible use of land.
4.3 Policies
4.3.1 Conservation, Wildlife Habitat and the Environment
a) Council will support farming practices and developments that conserve soil, improve
soil quality, conserve
ve moisture, and protect water supplies. Council may deny a permit
to any development that may significantly deteriorate the land resources or deplete
or pollute ground water sources.
b) Council will work with agencies of the provincial government to protect any significant
critical wildlife habitat, Fish and Wildlife Development Funds Lands, Conservation
Easements, Grazing Coop or rare or endangered species. Where significant potential
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan |8
has been identified to Council, Council may delay development until such time as the
requirements of the relevant provincial agencies to protect such resources have been
obtained.
c) Service and utility maintenance that is not environmentally sustainable, such as
applying used oil to municipal roads, will not be an acceptable practice.
d) Council may specify uses which will be subject to special regulations or list prohibited
discretionary or permitted uses in order to protect environmentally sensitive land.
e) The Zoning Bylaw shall include an Environmental Conservation Zoning District that
may be applied to environmentally sensitive lands to protect them from incompatible
development.
4.3.2 Flooding, Slumping and Slope Instability
a) Where development is proposed on known and/or potential hazard lands a
professional report on the proposed development will be required at the developer's
expense. The report shall determine if the development is located in the flood way or
flood fringe, assess the geotechnical suitability of the site, or other environmental
hazards, together with any required mitigation measures. These measures may be
attached as a condition for a development permit approval.
b) The RM will prohibit the development of new buildings and additions to buildings in the
flood way of the 1:500 year flood elevation of any watercourse or water body.
c)
The RM will require flood-proofing of new buildings and additions to buildings to an
elevation of 0.5 metres above the 1:500 year flood elevation of any watercourse or
water in the flood fringe.
d) The Water Security Agency (WSA) or other appropriate consultants can be utilized as
a source of technical advice regarding flood levels and flood proofing techniques.
Developments may be referred to the WSA for review prior to approval.
e) No new development shall be permitted on any potential unstable slope area without
the required professional report for the site that identifies risks and appropriate
mitigation measures.
f)
Development and activities shall be avoided where risk of erosion or slope failure
exists or where there is potential for erosion or slope instability on the site.
g) Council may prohibit development, where Council is of the opinion that land is
unsuitable for development because:
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 9
1)
2)
3)
The cost of providing an all-weather access road would, in the opinion of Council,
be prohibitively expensive or difficult to maintain due to poor natural drainage,
steep slopes or other features;
It is subject to unstable soil conditions due to high water tables, wetland soils or
poor drainage conditions; and
Of hazards associated with fluctuating water levels and the associated processes
of flooding and erosion or any other instability.
4.3.3 Source and Groundwater Protection
a) The RM will consider the impacts of development on water bodies, waterways, and
shore lands and referrals will be sent to applicable agencies, if necessary.
b) The RM will work with the Watershed Association to ensure ground water resources
(source water) and sensitive aquifer areas are protected from incompatible
development.
c) Development shall not deplete or pollute ground water resources within the RM.
Council shall work with the appropriate levels of government and agencies.
d) Where insufficient information exists regarding the suitability or the capacity of an
aquifer for a proposed development, Council may require the developer to provide the
necessary report, at their cost. Developers of proposed uses which require large
amounts of groundwater or which may impact the current groundwater supply of
adjoining uses may also be required by Council to provide a study to prove that the
groundwater recourse is adequate.
e) Water courses shall be managed as follows:
1) Natural vegetation shall be preserved to prevent bank erosion;
2) Unauthorized water course dredging and filling shall be prohibited;
3) Periodic cleaning of man-made drains shall be encouraged;
4) Channel improvements shall be carefully designed and constructed; and
5) Water control structures shall be designed to a 1:500 flood design, or other
standards approved by the WSA and Council.
f) New developments and subdivisions which are adjacent to water courses shall be
developed to retain on-site drainage where feasible, minimize erosion and maximize
water quality.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 10
4.3.4 Drainage
a) Adequate surface water drainage will be required throughout the RM and on new
development sites to avoid flooding, erosion and pollutions. A professional drainage
report may be required where an area has or exhibits potential for poor drainage.
b) Unauthorized drainage of surface water runoff from any land throughout the RM shall
be prohibited. Water courses shall not be altered without the prior approval of the
WSA, RM and other provincial/federal stakeholders. All agricultural drainage works
require approval from the WSA.
c) Developments shall not obstruct, increase or otherwise adversely alter water and
flood flows and velocities.
4.3.5 Vegetation and Soil Disruption
a) Development shall not needlessly destroy existing trees, vegetation and unique flora;
b) The planting of new vegetation and the implementation of protective vegetation
measures shall be encouraged in conjunction with new development in the Rм;
c) Developments shall minimize soil erosion and topsoil disruption to avoid slope
instability, silting and the alteration of surface drainage and ground water.
4.3.6 Development shall be directed away from any area of natural hazards where there is
potential risk to public health or safety.
4.3.7 Development may be authorized only in accordance with recommended preventative
mitigation measures which eliminate, or reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
4.3.8 Where a professional report/investigation is required, the RM will require the report as
part of an application for development and/or subdivision.
4.3.9
Performance bonds, interests filed on land titles, and liability insurance may be
required from a developer, as part of a servicing or development agreement or as a
development permit condition, to avoid unnecessary municipal administration,
inconvenience and expenditures, to protect the public interest, and to notify future
landowners of municipal servicing considerations or environmental limitations.
4.3.10 Public safety and health requirements shall guide all development. Subdivision and
development shall be planned and located where fire and emergency services can be
provided with reasonable efficiency and without undue cost to the RM.
4.3.11 Development should be undertaken with precautions to minimize the risk of damage
to property caused by wildfires. The RM may apply the following fire protection policies
during development review:
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 11
a) Subdivision and development permit applications may be referred to the local fire
marshal for comment prior to decision taking place on the application;
b) Green space may be used to separate building development from trees and
vegetation when necessary;
c) Municipal roads shall be appropriately designed to enable emergency vehicle access.
4.3.12 Council may dedicate lands as Environmental Reserve to protect rare or sensitive flora
and fauna or critical wildlife habitat in consultation with appropriate agencies.
4.3.13 Development proposals where there may be adverse impacts on treaty rights such as
hunting, fishing, trapping and carrying out of traditional uses on unoccupied Crown
lands and public waterbodies shall be referred to potentially impacted First Nations
and Métis communities.
5 AGRICULTURAL LANDS
5.1 Discussion
Agricultural is the prominent industry in the RM and protection of agricultural activities and
resources is the principal concern of the RM. Council wishes to encourage the retention of
high-quality agricultural land in larger parcels and avoid the fragmentation of productive
land for speculative purposes. Some limited non-farm residential, industrial and commercial
development may be allowed in agricultural areas that would not cause land use conflict.
5.2 Objectives
5.2.1
To support agricultural activities and ensure the continuation and diversification of
agriculture in the RM.
5.2.2 Encourage future growth opportunities for agricultural and rural lands within the RM.
5.2.3 To support agricultural uses in the RM in a manner that will not create conflicts with
neighbouring uses, jeopardize reasonable development potentials, or create
significant environmental concerns.
5.2.4 To provide on a limited basis, separate sites for the development of residences while
avoiding disordered and fragmented land use patterns.
5.2.5 To provide for intensive forms of agriculture including intensive livestock and to
recognize differing forms of development patterns that intensive agriculture may
require.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 12
5.2.6 Identify prime agricultural land and provide for areas where non-farm development is
compatible and welcomed.
5.2.7 To encourage resource development and protect these lands from incompatible
developments.
5.3 Policies
5.3.1 Agriculture activities on lands of a quarter section or more for field crop, pasture and
non-intensive livestock operations will not be restricted.
5.3.2 A range of agricultural related uses will be included within the Zoning Bylaw to
encourage diversified agricultural related business development in addition to
agricultural production.
5.3.3 The RM may restrict development that will have a detrimental effect on
environmentally sensitive areas or areas with demonstrated heritage significance.
5.3.4 Intensification and expansion of agricultural activities shall be planned and sited in
manner that requires minimal improvements to municipal servicing.
5.3.5 Subdivisions
a) The first subdivision within a quarter section (two (2) separate titles) shall be
permitted, while the second (three (3) titles) will be discretionary, as allowed for in the
Agricultural-Resource Zoning District of the Zoning Bylaw.
b) Where a part of a section of land is physically separated from the remainder of the
quarter section by a railway, a registered road plan containing a highway or
developed road, or a river, lake or significant stream, the separated land may be
subdivided from the quarter-section in addition to the one subdivision.
c) All new and upgraded accesses and services shall be provided by the developer.
d) Where conflicting land uses are proposed on the same site or adjacent to one
another, the RM may require the uses to construct buffers or screening prior to issuing
any development permit.
5.3.6 Intensive Operations
a) Council will support the development of intensive agricultural and livestock operations
unless specific land use or environmental locational conflicts would be created or
where potential for conflict may arise.
b) Intensive agricultural operations and intensive livestock operations will be
discretionary uses within the Agricultural-Resource Zoning District of the Zoning Bylaw.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 13
c)
d)
Any expansion of an operation to provide for a greater number of animal units, or any
change in an operation which alters the species of animal, shall require a new permit
approval.
The RM may require screening or encourage the use of innovative technologies which
mitigate odour or other nuisances.
To minimize conflict between proposed intensive livestock operations and surrounding
development or vice versa, the separation distances in the zoning bylaw shall be
adhered to unless altered by Council.
e) Council will encourage intensive livestock operators to engage in good land
stewardship.
f) Existing agricultural land uses and developments shall be deemed conforming by
Council, and shall be recognized within the Zoning Bylaw.
g) Any conflict between an agricultural use and another use shall be resolved in favour of
the agricultural use, unless in Council's opinion, their decision would threaten the
health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the RM, as outlined in The Act.
5.3.7 Agricultural Related Commercial and Industrial Uses
a) Approval for commercial or industrial developments may be granted if:
1)
Incompatibility with other land uses are avoided, including consideration of
proximity to urban centres, and multiple parcel non-farm rural residential
subdivisions;
2) Policies for environmental quality control will not be jeopardized, including water
and waste disposal servicing;
3) The design and development of the use will conform to high standards of safety,
visual quality and convenience;
4) The development will be situated along an all-weather municipal road;
5)
All relevant approvals are obtained from government agencies for uses such as
anhydrous ammonia fertilizer facilities;
6) All other requirements set out in the plan and zoning bylaw are met.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 14
6 RESIDENTIAL LANDS
6.1 Discussion
Council recognizes that there are various forms and densities of residential development that
may occur in the RM. Council wants to ensure that the needs of the developments are
addressed to create suitable residential environments without jeopardising the primary
agricultural character of the RM, or increasing servicing costs for the RM.
Some non-farm rural residential development currently exists in the RM. Future residential
development will be considered where the effects of such development on RM finances,
agricultural activities and environmentally sensitive areas are avoided, minimized or
mitigated.
6.2 Objectives
6.2.1 To accommodate farm-related residential development in agricultural areas at
densities, which will complement but not supersede the agricultural and business
function of the RM.
6.2.2 To optimize services and long-term maintenance, clustered residential development
will be encouraged.
6.2.3 To minimize the potential for conflict between non-residential development and
residential uses.
6.2.4 To ensure that any residential use can be served by a road of a sufficient standard to
provide the needed level of access to the site.
6.2.5 To support a range of housing options that are appropriate for rural living within the
RM.
6.3 Policies
6.3.1 Residential subdivisions will be required to be serviced in a manner that meets
municipal standards, unless the RM agrees to the construction of new services to
accommodate the application at the cost of the developer, or otherwise agreed upon
by Council and the developer in a servicing agreement.
6.3.2 A maximum of one (1) principal and two (2) accessory dwelling units shall be
considered in the Agricultural-Resource Zoning District. The approval of accessory
dwelling units shall not be construed, in any way, as consent or approval for future
subdivision.
6.3.3 A buffer strip or landscaping requirements may be required in a residential
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 15
subdivision to separate residential uses and agricultural development.
6.3.4 Residential development on hazard lands will be limited. This includes lands that are
subject to flooding, sloping, slumping, wetlands, wildlife lands, etc. Geotechnical
reports, engineered studies and/or environmental reports will be required to verify the
development is appropriate for the lands.
6.3.5 The required separation distances from residential developments for locating of an
intensive livestock operation, an anhydrous ammonia facility, a waste disposal facility,
rendering facility, or other form of development, shall also apply to the locating of
residential development proposals near those forms of development.
6.3.6 All residential development is required to have adequate sewer and water services at
the cost of the developer, which meets RM standards and is approved by the health
authority.
6.3.7 Development of residential subdivisions shall be planned with, but not limited to the
following considerations: the following considerations:
a) Maintaining existing water courses and wetlands and activities that integrate storm
water management systems with natural water courses;
b) Wherever possible, minimizing the removal of productive agricultural land;
c) Reducing servicing and infrastructure capital and maintenance costs;
d) Integrated or natural, open space and recreational areas as habitat corridors;
e) Wherever possible, to preserve existing trees and other natural features;
f) Meeting the housing needs of the RM through the provision of varied and appropriate
forms of housing insofar as is practical.
6.3.8 A Drainage Plan for future subdivisions may be required to ensure adequate drainage
and that neighbouring sites and infrastructure will not be adversely affected by
potential runoff from the development.
6.3.9 Council may require the preparation of a Concept Plan for the entire area of a
proposed multi-parcel residential subdivision. Information shall include:
a) Professional reports which assess the geotechnical suitability of the site, susceptibility
to flooding or other environmental hazards including mitigation measures;
b) Engineered reports to address water supply, drainage and sewage disposal methods;
c) A plan/outline for the services, road layout, access to public roads, phasing of
developments including dedicated lands.
RM of Wheatlands Official Community Plan | 16