29 Dec What We Heard – Land Use Order
Special Areas recognizes the value of public consultation as a part of the municipal decision-making process and is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful public participation. The Land Use Order (LUO) is a document that regulates development within the Special Areas. Every municipality in Alberta must have one under the Municipal Government Act.
The current LUO was approved in 2015, with some minor revisions over the past eight years. A comprehensive review of the LUO began in 2021 to ensure it reduced red tape, supported clear and understandable development processes, and aligned with legislative changes and the Municipal Development Plan. Special Areas administration and planning staff from Palliser Regional Municipal Services have led the review process. Advisory Council reviewed proposed changes to the LUO document in 2023 and directed administration to gather feedback from the public.
Public engagement activities related to the draft LUO were completed from September to December 2023. Feedback collected on the draft LUO document was reported back to Advisory Council in December 2023. Special Areas and Palliser Regional Municipal Services staff will be reviewing feedback provided during the fall 2023 engagement. Based on feedback, changes to the draft LUO document may be recommended to the Board ahead of first reading of the LUO document. If changes to the draft LUO document are recommended, this information will be shared with the public.
The Board is expected to review the proposed LUO document as a part of a first reading in early 2024. If the Board approves the draft LUO document, it will schedule a public hearing as per requirements set out in the Municipal Government Act. This public hearing will be well advertised in local papers and on Special Areas digital platforms. Written submissions will be accepted as a part of the public hearing process, in addition to oral presentations.