Planning Services
Municipal Development Plan
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the primary policy document that provides long-term guidelines and policy direction for the future growth and development within the municipality. It also guides the policy direction for other municipal planning documents, such as Area Structure/Redevelopment Plans, and the Land Use Bylaw.
The Municipal Development Plan was prepared with a high level of public involvement, which resulted in the adoption of the following mission statement:
"The Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8 is a rural municipality located in a beautiful natural setting. It is characterized by ranching and other agricultural uses, industrial uses, low impact tourism facilities, hamlets, and large tracts of undeveloped crown land reserved for forestry activities. It is recognized that the quality of life in our residents is tied to a healthy, natural environment and a robust economy."
The Municipal Development Plan is a living document that responds and adapts to the changing needs of the municipality's residents. Although the MDP is reviewed at intervals of approximately five years, an application may be made to Council to amend the MDP.
Municipal Development Plan Review 2011
Goal
To review Bighorn's long-term direction and policies related to land use and growth, including the requirement for infrastructure, municipal services, and the municipality's financial sustainability.
Process
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) review will be a comprehensive process involving five key phases, with public consultation being sought throughout:
1. Visioning and Direction Setting - June 2011
2. Research and Strategic Input - July to December 2011
3. Drafting the Plan - October 2011 to March 2012
4. Plan Confirmation and Revisions - April to August 2012
5. Plan Approval
Click here to view the MDP review Terms of Reference for more detailed information on the entire review process and schedule.
Phase 1 - Visioning and Direction Setting
The first phase involved setting future goals and priorities, and a general review of exisiting policies. All residents and stakeholders of the MD of Bighorn were encouraged to participate in this initial phase by attending one of four Visioning and Direction Setting workshops in held June.
Click here to view a copy of the MDP Review 2011 'Summary of Visioning and Direction Setting Input'.
The MD also conducted a "My Favorite Thing About Bighorn" Contest during Phase 1. Click here to see the contest winners!
Phase 2 - Research and Strategic Input
This phase involves identifying and exploring specific issues and objectives to guide policy development. Public input was sought directly from stakeholder groups, including a variety of the MD of Bighorn's Boards and Committees.
Phase 3 - Drafting the Plan
The new MDP has been drafted under the direction of the MDP Review Steering Committee. MD of Bighorn Council reviewed the draft Plan and has given approval for the Plan to be released to the public for comment.
Phase 4 - Plan Confirmation and Revisions
Four public open houses will be held at various locations at the end of May. Click here for the public open house notification.
Draft Municipal Development Plan
The draft MDP can be viewed below, or click here for a summary of the highlights of the draft MDP.
Draft MDP April 2012
Figure 1 - Bighorn Bow Corridor Area Future Land Use Map
Figure 2 - Ranchlands Area Future Land Use Map
Figure 3 - Benchlands Future Land Use Map
Figure 4 - Dead Man's Flats Future Land Use Map
Figure 5 - Exshaw Future Land Use Map
Figure 6 - Harvie Heights Future Land Use Map
Figure 7 - Lac Des Arcs Future Land Use Map
Figure 8 - Waiparous Urban Fringe Future Land Use Map
Figure 9 - Regulated Logging Areas
Figure 10 - Wildlife Habitat Patches and Corridors in the Bow Valley
Newsletter Updates
"The Cornerstone" - November 2011
"The Cornerstone" - January 2012
"The Cornerstone" - April 2012
Steering Committee
The MDP review process is being guided by a Steering Committee composed of two Councillors and five stakeholders representing various sectors. If you would like to contact one of the Steering Committee members, please contact our office for more information. The Steering Committee members are:
| Bow Corridor |
Councillor Paul Ryan |
|
| Ranchlands |
Councillor Erik Butters |
|
| Agriculture |
Dave Johnson |
|
| Environment |
Bruce Gleig |
|
| Tourism and Recreation |
Andrew Pratt |
|
| Hamlets |
Terry Jevne |
|
| Industry |
Ron Remple |
|
The Steering Committee meets once or twice a month at the MD office in Exshaw. The Committee meeting Agendas and Notes can be viewed below:
| Meeting Date |
|
|
| February 21, 2012 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| January 17, 2012 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| December 14, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| November 28, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| November 2, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| October 18, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| September 15, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| August 22, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| August 3, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| July 5, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| May 16, 2011 |
n/a |
Notes |
| May 2, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
| April 19, 2011 |
Agenda |
Notes |
Area Structure Plans
An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a planning policy document that is used to guide the development of newly developing areas within the municipality. The preparation and adoption of an Area Structure Plan may be required by the Municipal Development Plan or by Council prior to consideration of any land use designation changes or subdivision of land.
An ASP considers matters such as the proposed subdivision design, land uses and phasing of development within the area, the projected density of population, and the location of transportation routes and utility services. An ASP may also consider matters such as the historical context of the land and any environmental issues.
Application may be made to Council to adopt or amend an Area Structure Plan.
The following Area Structure Plans have been adopted by Council:
Area Redevelopment Plans
An Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) is another planning policy document which is used to guide the redevelopment of existing areas which are in need of some form of rehabilitation. An ARP considers issues such as the proposed land uses in the redevelopment area, the rehabilitation or removal of buildings in the area, and the establishment or improvement of roads or utility services.
Application may be made to Council to adopt or amend an Area Redevelopment Plan.
The following Area Redevelopment Plans have been adopted by Council:
Dead Man's Flats
The M.D. of Bighorn is preparing a draft of an updated Dead Man's Flats Area Redevelopment Plan for Council approval. This draft has been prepared based on consultations that have occurred over the past several years with residents, landowners, the Municipal Planning Commission and Council. A public open house was hosted by the M.D. of Bighorn to present the draft ARP on November 23, 2010 in Exshaw. Click here to view the open house presentation.
Based on the public input received on the draft presented at the open house, Council has given first reading to the new proposed area redevelopment plan and a public hearing will be held on May 4, 2011.
Click here to view the public hearing notice.
Click here to view the draft of the Dead Man's Flats Area Redevelopment Plan (Bylaw 03/11).
Land Use Bylaw
The Land Use Bylaw is the principal planning document that is used in the day-to-day control of development activities within the MD of Bighorn. Policies in the Land Use Bylaw are consistent with the general planning policies within the Municipal Development Plan as well as policies within applicable Area Structure/Redevelopment Plans for an area.
The purpose of the Land Use Bylaw is to regulate the use and development of land and buildings within the municipality to achieve an orderly and efficient pattern of development. The Land Use Bylaw functions by dividing land within the municipality into districts and specifies development regulations within each of these districts or zones. It also delineates the procedures for processing and making decisions on development permit applications, and mechanisms for enforcing land use regulations.
Application may be made to Council for an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.
On October 12, 2010 Council adopted the new Land Use Bylaw 04/10.
Concept Plans
A concept plan (conceptual scheme) is a non-statutory planning document that may be required by the MD of Bighorn to be created for certain development proposals. The general purpose of a concept plan is to:
- provide an overview of the overall objectives of the development area;
- direct and inform future subdivision, land use and development permit applications;
- outline a sequence for the servicing and phasing of development; and
- provide the MD of Bighorn an opportunity to adopt the plan as Council policy or by Bylaw.
Application may be made to Council to adopt or amend a Concept Plan.
The following concept plans have been adopted by Council as policy:
Kananaskis Guest Ranch
River's Bend / Limestone Valley