Municipal Development Plan Review

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The City of Grande Prairie's Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the primary, long-range, comprehensive municipal planning document that provides the framework for land use decision-making in the City.

It represents Council's vision for growth and change within the City, guided by the public interest. The plan also provides direction to the private sector, with the goal that public and private efforts will be coordinated concerning the process of urban change.



The current MDP (adopted on January 25th, 2010) sets a broad and coordinated vision for all lands in the city for a 20 to 25-year timeframe and addresses the following:

  • Growth Management
  • Urban Design
  • Residential Development, Neighbourhoods and Housing
  • Economic Development
  • Commercial Development
  • Industrial Development
  • Parks, Recreation, Community Services and Heritage
  • Natural Environment
  • Community Mobility
  • Infrastructure
  • Intermunicipal Planning
  • Implementation of Plans & Policies

MDP Review

Now that the plan is over 12 years old, it is necessary to review the policies to ensure they achieve the community's long-range vision.

The purpose of this review is to to ensure that the city's growth and development aligns with the needs and desires of its residents. A review of the MDP is also necessary to address any new challenges or opportunities that may arise over time.

The MDP proposes to update the following:

1. Update baseline data (population, etc.) to reflect the City of Grande Prairie today.

2. Removing or updating references to studies and plans that have since been updated or replaced.

3. Updating policies to recognize initiatives that have been completed which include:

  • High Visibility Corridor
  • Significant Natural Areas Inventory
  • Home Business Regulations
  • Downtown Enhancement
  • Secondary suite regulations

4. Removing or revising the following action items that were not successfully implemented since adoption and replacing them with policies that meet the same objectives:

  • Fiscal Impact Model
  • Riparian Setback Matrix Model


Public Information Sessions

Residents are invited to attend one of two sessions to learn about the Municipal Development Plan Review and provide input on updated policies. City planners will be available to answer any questions you may have.

The sessions take place:

  • Dates: May 16
  • Times: 4:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Centre 2000 (11330 106 St)


  • Dates: May 18
  • Times: 4:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Centre 2000 (11330 106 St)


Background:

A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a Statutory Plan prepared by a Municipality under the authority of the Municipal Government Act (MGA, RSA 2000, s. 632). All municipalities in Alberta, regardless of size, are required to prepare an MDP.

MDPs are the highest-level statutory plan approved by a Municipal Council. The MDP guides all the other statutory plans. It sets the community vision and can be seen as the overarching community strategic plan, driving the community's future growth and development.

The review will ensure the vision and policies of the MDP continue to be relevant in their ability to help achieve our community vision. As outlined in the MGA, the role of an MDP is to plan for future growth and development within a municipality.

The City of Grande Prairie's Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the primary, long-range, comprehensive municipal planning document that provides the framework for land use decision-making in the City.

It represents Council's vision for growth and change within the City, guided by the public interest. The plan also provides direction to the private sector, with the goal that public and private efforts will be coordinated concerning the process of urban change.



The current MDP (adopted on January 25th, 2010) sets a broad and coordinated vision for all lands in the city for a 20 to 25-year timeframe and addresses the following:

  • Growth Management
  • Urban Design
  • Residential Development, Neighbourhoods and Housing
  • Economic Development
  • Commercial Development
  • Industrial Development
  • Parks, Recreation, Community Services and Heritage
  • Natural Environment
  • Community Mobility
  • Infrastructure
  • Intermunicipal Planning
  • Implementation of Plans & Policies

MDP Review

Now that the plan is over 12 years old, it is necessary to review the policies to ensure they achieve the community's long-range vision.

The purpose of this review is to to ensure that the city's growth and development aligns with the needs and desires of its residents. A review of the MDP is also necessary to address any new challenges or opportunities that may arise over time.

The MDP proposes to update the following:

1. Update baseline data (population, etc.) to reflect the City of Grande Prairie today.

2. Removing or updating references to studies and plans that have since been updated or replaced.

3. Updating policies to recognize initiatives that have been completed which include:

  • High Visibility Corridor
  • Significant Natural Areas Inventory
  • Home Business Regulations
  • Downtown Enhancement
  • Secondary suite regulations

4. Removing or revising the following action items that were not successfully implemented since adoption and replacing them with policies that meet the same objectives:

  • Fiscal Impact Model
  • Riparian Setback Matrix Model


Public Information Sessions

Residents are invited to attend one of two sessions to learn about the Municipal Development Plan Review and provide input on updated policies. City planners will be available to answer any questions you may have.

The sessions take place:

  • Dates: May 16
  • Times: 4:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Centre 2000 (11330 106 St)


  • Dates: May 18
  • Times: 4:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Location: Centre 2000 (11330 106 St)


Background:

A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a Statutory Plan prepared by a Municipality under the authority of the Municipal Government Act (MGA, RSA 2000, s. 632). All municipalities in Alberta, regardless of size, are required to prepare an MDP.

MDPs are the highest-level statutory plan approved by a Municipal Council. The MDP guides all the other statutory plans. It sets the community vision and can be seen as the overarching community strategic plan, driving the community's future growth and development.

The review will ensure the vision and policies of the MDP continue to be relevant in their ability to help achieve our community vision. As outlined in the MGA, the role of an MDP is to plan for future growth and development within a municipality.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Use this section to ask any questions related to the MDP Review. City Administration will review and follow-up to all posted questions.  

Please note, questions may be responded to publicly or privately, depending on the scope and sensitivity of the question.

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    The MDP states that it will be addressing many concerns that citizens have including but not limited to; -Growth Management -Urban Design -Residential Development, Neighbourhoods and Housing How is permitted parking not part of a review? With the growth of the city in the past 12 years, the new status of the college as a polytechnic and the increased traffic associated with these changes, why would permitted parking not be a part of the current review? A quick survey of 104ave or 106st in college park would have full support from the tax paying residents to impose permitted parking. The college park neighbourhood was never designed to be used as a parking lot for students and staff of the college. It’s a neighbourhood meant to be used for residents and guests of residents. People living in the neighbourhood should have access to street parking and it’s the city’s responsibility to ensure that residents have access.

    Dan-mcneil asked 5 months ago

    The MDP is a long-range planning document for the entire City and therefore does not address the specific parking issue in College Park. However, the City recently adopted the College Park Area Redevelopment Plan where concerns about parking were also raised. Please feel free to give us a call and we can discuss your concerns at 780-538-0434.

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    I would like to find out if the City has any plans to protect older neighbourhoods where new home developments might take place, where the new home designs are radically different than the existing majority of homes in that neighbourhood. For example if a entire neighbourhood of houses are currently bungalow style, is there any protection for residents who live in these styles of houses where their next door neighbour may wish to build a large two or three story style house?

    Caseykcm asked 5 months ago

    Currently, the City has several policies that aim to strike a balance between preserving the unique character of older neighbourhoods and accommodating new development to address housing needs and revitalize urban areas. Zoning regulations and architectural guidelines are found in the City’s Land Use Bylaw and Statutory plans for each neighbourhood. 

    Please consider attending our Information Session tonight from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at Centre 2000 to learn more about planning our neighbourhoods and submitting feedback on your views. You can also give us a call and we can discuss your concerns at 780-538-0434.

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    Why is our city involved with the World Economic Forum SMART City and 15 minute City agenda. It’s only based on a Marxist ideology and is not sustainable or financially viable without heavy taxation and other incentives from central governments

    Craig Reid asked 5 months ago

    There may be a misunderstanding about the 15-minute City agenda and how you feel the City is involved. You are welcome to attend our Information Session tonight at Centre 2000 from 4:30-7:00p.m. or contact us directly to discuss planning policy at 780-538-0434.

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    will the survey be available at the 2 info sessions?

    Cecilia asked 4 months ago

    Yes there will be printed copies of the survey at the Information Sessions. We will also have a QR code that you can scan to take the survey digitally if you prefer.

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    Will there be a review of permitted parking areas? I live in college park and the students and staff of the college who park on my street are out of control. I’ve had people literally parking in front of my driveway blocking off my access to my own house. Even when nobody is blocking off my driveway, if I come home during college hours I literally have to park way down the block. Now that permit parking isn’t enforced at the old hospital, I would think that college park would be a prime candidate to shift resources.

    Dan McNeil asked 5 months ago

    A review of permitted parking areas is not part of the Municipal Development Plan Review. Parking restrictions, on where a vehicle cannot park are found in Provincial law (section 44 of the Traffic Safety Act) and in the City’s Traffic Bylaw (Section 32 of bylaw C-1166). In both documents, it states that it is prohibited to park within 1.5m of a driveway, private road, or a garage access. If your driveway is obstructed then we encourage you to contact Enforcement Services. 

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    What is being done to accommodate traffic enforcement along roadways? Are the roadways being designed so that traffic enforcement vehicles can safely sit/enforce along the roadways? Is that city addressing traffic concerns with necessary legislation?

    Wes asked 5 months ago

    No, we do not specifically design roadways to accommodate enforcement vehicle parking. Enforcement vehicles are like any other vehicle in that they are expected to park legally, in a safe location that does not obstruct access or sightlines to traffic control devices (signs and markings).

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    Why do I need to register to answer a survey? I know of two others that would like to do the MDP survey, but don't want to supply their email or their names. They have personal reasons.

    Marge asked 5 months ago

    The purpose of requiring registration for our engagement platform is to verify residency of participants and to ensure you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the website to engage in the space respectfully, productively and cooperatively. Participants can choose to create unique usernames to conceal their identity. 

Page last updated: 25 Jul 2023, 09:37 AM