2024 Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Refresh

A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is essentially a blueprint for how the Municipal District will evolve, thrive and grow over the next 10 to 20 years. The MDP is the primary, long-range, comprehensive municipal planning document. The MDP sets the future direction for the community, and provides a framework for decision-making on planning and other matters. A MPD is required under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, and must address specific issues defined by legislation.

The current MDP was adopted by Council in 2008. Since then, the Municipal District has witnessed several changes in its population composition, housing, physical environment, land use, growth patterns, and other areas. Some of these changes reflect the vision, policies and goals contained in the current MDP, while others do not. Changes in Council has also underscored the need for a new community vision. These, and other factors, have, therefore, necessitated the need for a new MDP.

The process of developing the new MDP provides an opportunity to reset the vision and direction for the community, taking into account emerging community needs, issues, concerns (such as climate change, fire prevention and emergency preparedness), challenges, opportunities, priorities and aspirations.  

The plan preparation is being anchored on a people-first, community-centred approach that recognizes the important role of residents and other stakeholders as key actors, both in the development and implementation of the plan.

Having a new MDP will, among others, help:

• Define how the municipality will grow and look like within the next 10 to 20 years, impacting how residents live and work;

• Identify and capitalize on our strengths and opportunities, while adapting to our weakness and challenges;

• Understand and address the concerns and priorities of residents, farmers, businesses and other groups;

• Promote economic development by improving and diversifying our local economy;

• Showcase and preserve our cultural heritage, recreation and natural assets, attracting new residents and businesses;

• Ensure a more efficient, responsible and sustainable growth and land use planning, balancing the different needs of the community today, while protecting the needs of future generations;

• Preserve our agricultural land base, contributing to food security; 

• Improve the relationship between residents and municipal government; and, 

• Ensure overall community wellbeing.

The community-centred approach to the MDP development is guided by the belief and understanding that planning, decision-making and implementation work best when they focus on the community, and respond to the relevant economic, social, cultural and context that shapes the community and wider region. The approach considers local values, opportunities and challenges in an intentional way. 

Without the active involvement of residents and other local actors in the plan process, the MDP’s vision and policies may not fully reflect the desires and aspirations of the community, potentially rending the plan less effective.

There are a number of ways you can meaningfully engage in the MDP process as a resident, landowner, business owner, or stakeholder. 

Stay Tuned! 

Visit the M.D.'s website and social media pages for information and updates on the MDP project. Read any reports or publications about the MDP.    

Contact the Project Coordinator

You can reach out directly to the Project Coordinator at the contact below to ask any questions you have, or share your ideas, comments or suggestions about the MDP Refresh.

Name: Komiete Tetteh, Manager of Planning, Mackenzie Municipal Services Agency (MMSA)  

Telephone: (780) 338-3862

Email: komiete@mmsa.ca