Intermunicipal Development Plans
An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a high-level policy plan created by neighbouring municipalities. An IDP is designed to foster cooperation and integrated development near the municipal boundaries so that unnecessary costs and negative impacts for the municipalities are avoided. The principles and objectives established in the IDP guide the growth of future development by identifying general locations for major land uses and servicing. In addition to guiding future growth, if there is a disagreement between municipalities on development, IDPs provide a framework for dispute resolution.
Brazeau County has approved an IDP with the following municipalities:
- Parkland County
- Village of Breton
- Wetaskiwin County
- Town of Drayton Valley
On January 1, 2020 there was a change to the Municipal Government Act, which provided municipalities the ability to determine if an IDP was required with a neighbouring municipality. Prior to January 1, 2020 the Minister of Municipal Affairs was able to grant an exemption, based on the municipalities’ request, if the Minister felt an IDP was not required between neighbouring municipalities.
Brazeau County has received an exemption from the Minister of Municipal Affairs or determined an IDP is not required with the following municipalities:
- Clearwater County (Ministerial exemption)
- Leduc County (Council resolution that an IDP is not required)
- Yellowhead County (Ministerial exemption)
Municipal Development Plan
The Province of Alberta, through the Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires all municipalities to have a Municipal Development Plan (MDP). The Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan is a high level statutory plan, which is adopted by local bylaw.
The MDP establishes a long term vision for the County and provides forward-looking goals, objectives and policies that articulate Brazeau County’s vision for the future. The plan helps guide the County’s physical, social and economic development. The policies within the MDP are more descriptive and provide guidance for the development and investment in the community.
Area Structure Plans
An Area Structure Plan is a plan adopted by Council by bylaw pursuant to the Municipal Government Act that provides a framework for future subdivisions and development of an area. ASP’s provide:
- an inventory of existing conditions
- a statement of development objectives and policies
- information on the natural environment and associated influences on development
- guidance for major future land uses by type and density
- general location of transportation networks
- a review of the need for major institutional facilities