In Redwater, our land use planning follows a clear hierarchy set by the Municipal Government Act (MGA). This structured framework ensures seamless harmony between each level, with higher plans and policies taking precedence and guiding development at lower levels. As you navigate this hierarchy, it's crucial to grasp that intricacies intensify, ultimately fostering the town's long-term goals.
Land Use Framework
Provincial Documents - Empowering Redwater's Planning and Development
At the provincial level, key documents guide how communities plan and develop in Alberta. The Municipal Government Act (MGA) provides the legal foundation, outlining powers and responsibilities. The Subdivision and Development Regulations offer guidelines for the planning process. The Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) and Land Use Framework establish a regional approach, and aims to balance economic, environmental, and social goals. The North Saskatchewan Regional Plan is our specific region specific region, providing detailed direction for sustainable development. Together, these documents present a framework on how municipalities plan, ensuring thoughtful and balanced growth
Matters Related to Subdivion and Development Regulations
Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA)
North Saskatchewan Regional Plan - in development
Intermunicipal Development Plan – Collaborative Planning for Shared Futures
On March 30, 2021, Bylaw 893 was adopted to create an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between Redwater and Sturgeon County. This plan aims to:
- Promote Local Economy: Set up a plan for economic development in the nearby region.
- Smooth Coordination: Establish a way for the two municipalities to share information and solve problems together, especially concerning land use.
- Support Agriculture: Develop rules that help farming and agricultural activities in the area.
- Open Communication: Ensure ongoing communication and discussions about planning and development between Redwater and Sturgeon County.
The IDP covers various aspects like future growth, land use policies, environmental matters, transportation systems, resource development, utility corridors, communication, referral process, annexation, dispute resolution, and correspondence between the two areas.
Bylaw 893 Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) Sturgeon County/Redwater
Municipal Development Plan – Shaping Redwater’s Future
Redwater Town Council, on December 22, 2009, approved the Municipal Development Plan, emphasizing Smart Growth principles. These principles aim to improve residents' quality of life, protect the environment, and ensure responsible growth for the town's long-term well-being. Smart Growth themes highlighted in the plan include:
- Fostering a Town identity which is unique, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.
- Engaging Community: Encouraging residents to actively participate in community life and decision-making.
- Mixed Land Use: Creating a vibrant Downtown Area with a mix of homes, retail, businesses, and recreational spaces.
- Downtown Redevelopment: Supporting the revitalization of the Town's Downtown through specific land use policies and architectural controls.
- Transportation Choices: Designing neighbourhoods that are pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, offering safe options beyond just driving.
- Diverse Housing: Ensuring various housing options for people of different family types, life stages, and income levels.
- Efficient Infrastructure: Promoting growth in existing neighbourhoods and using infrastructure investments wisely.
- Preserving Nature: Protecting open spaces, natural beauty, and environmentally sensitive areas to enhance aesthetic, environmental, and financial value.
- Green Building Practices: Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly building practices and systems for long-term savings and sustainability
The currently adopted MDP is in the process of a full review and anticipated to be adopted in Q1 of 2025. More details can be found on the MDP Project Page.
Area Structure Plans & Outline Plans – Guiding Local Development
Area Structure Plans (ASPs) provide a high-level framework for future development within a specified area, outlining land uses, infrastructure requirements, and servicing strategies to guide long-term growth. They ensure new developments align with municipal policies and integrate with surrounding land uses. Outline Plans, on the other hand, offer a more detailed subdivision layout within an ASP or a designated development area, specifying lot configurations, road networks, and servicing details. Together, these plans help municipalities manage growth efficiently while supporting sustainable and well-planned communities.
Standing Stone Industrial Park
Bylaw 807 Standing Stone Industrial Park ASP
uly 2, 2013 - Town Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 807, Standing Stone Industrial Park Area Structure Plan.
The Town of Redwater is an important part of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and requires additional industrial and commercial property; Standing Stone Development aims to fulfill a demonstrated market demand.
Standing Stone Developments is currently leasing 160 acres of land one kilometre from the Town of Redwater and five kilometres north of Alberta's Industrial Heartland.
Contact: Casey O'Byrne, 780-421-0058
Email: Casey@StandingStoneDevelopments.com
Westland Village
Westland Village ASP Bylaw 767
2010 Westland Village ASP Bylaw 804
This area structure plan provides a general development framework for approximately 66.0 hectares (163.1 ac) of land legally described as the SW Quarter Section 25, Township 57, Range 22, West of 4th Meridian, and located northeast of the intersection of Highway 28 and Highway 38 (48 Avenue in the Town) (see Figure 1). It will provide a planning framework for future detailed redistricting, subdivision, and development.
The area structure plan identifies:
- future land uses;
- external access points;
- a general utility servicing concept;
- a roadway system for the plan area; and
- parks and open space amenities.
This Area Structure Plan also provides detailed design guidelines for development within the plan area. These design guidelines are provided due to the relatively high densities proposed for the residential component of the plan area and the need to mitigate any potential land use conflicts carefully.
Redwater Landing
Redwater Industrial Park ASP Bylaw 899
The Redwater Industrial Park ASP Bylaw, approved on September 7, 2021, outlines the development plan for around 90 acres of land northeast of 51 Ave E and 44 St. Positioned within 10 km North of Alberta's Industrial Heartland, this location is strategically poised to provide additional industrial lots supporting the ongoing activity in the surrounding area. The ASP specifies current and future land uses, external access points, utility servicing concepts, and a road system for the area, including future connections to neighboring lands.
Royal Redwater
Royal Redwater Estates Development Outline Plan
The Royal Redwater Development Outline Plan covers approximately 18.8 hectares (46.43 acres) within the Town of Redwater on Plan 7822921 Lot C. Initially approved in 2008 as the Heartland Ridge subdivision, the project was intended for 210 single-family residential lots but stalled when the developer went into receivership in 2009, leaving behind partially completed infrastructure, including underground utilities, sidewalks, and roads.
Now under new ownership by 1701917 Alberta Ltd., the project has been revived as the Royal Redwater Development to meet growing housing demand. The updated plan closely follows the original subdivision while incorporating minor modifications to align with current municipal regulations. The revised development consists of 199 residential lots, utilizing existing infrastructure to efficiently complete the project.
Royal Redwater
The Alluvium Development aims to address the growing demand for housing in Redwater by introducing 61 new residential units on underutilized land near the town center. This project will feature a mix of medium-density housing, including duplexes and row housing, to provide greater housing diversity and affordability. By incorporating higher-density options, the development aligns with the Town’s Municipal Development Plan and maximizes the use of existing infrastructure.
Located north of Highway 38 (48 Avenue), east of the CN Railway, and west of 44 Street, the site covers approximately 8.43 hectares (20.83 acres), with 6.72 hectares (16.61 acres) designated for development, including a 1.14-hectare (2.82-acre) stormwater management pond. Surrounded by residential areas, commercial zones, and industrial development, the Alluvium Development is positioned to enhance the town’s housing options while complementing its existing urban landscape.
Land Use Bylaw – Navigating Development in Redwater
The Town’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB) PD-01-2023 came into force and effect on January 1, 2024, after public consultation and an intensive year-long review. A LUB is a key planning document that’s key functions:
- Defining Development: Outlines what qualifies as development or land use.
- Land Use Districts: Divides the municipality into districts, specifying allowed land uses in each.
- Permitted and Discretionary Uses: Categorizes land uses as permitted or discretionary within each district.
- Development Standards: Sets criteria such as land and building size, heights, setbacks, and site coverage for each district.
- Process Guidelines: Outlining requirements for applying for permits, challenging a development decision and the process to modify the bylaw.
- Establish Authorities: Establish the appointment of development authorities for the Town.
The Land Use Bylaw can be found in the Bylaw and Policies Section of our website.
Other Documents - Further Navigating Redwater's Development Standards
Besides the MDP and Land Use Bylaw there are numerous other town documents that reinforce Redwater’s ability to effectively administer and manage planning with the Town. These documents include:
Bylaw 864 Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
Policy 224 Compliance Statements