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IDP passes third reading

The Bonnyville Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) passed second and third reading following a public hearing. Last Tuesday (July 4), the Town and MD of Bonnyville hosted a public hearing during a joint council meeting as part of the IDP process.
The Town and MD of Bonnyville passed second and third reading of the IDP on Tuesday during a joint council meeting. (left to right) Town Coun. Lorna Storoschuk, Sobolewski,
The Town and MD of Bonnyville passed second and third reading of the IDP on Tuesday during a joint council meeting. (left to right) Town Coun. Lorna Storoschuk, Sobolewski, Town CAO Mark Power.

The Bonnyville Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) passed second and third reading following a public hearing.

Last Tuesday (July 4), the Town and MD of Bonnyville hosted a public hearing during a joint council meeting as part of the IDP process.

Through changes to the Municipal Government Act all neighbouring municipalities will be required to create an IDP. In order to beat the rush, the town and MD decided to be proactive and have theirs completed before the requirement came into effect.

The areas included in the IDP are about a one-mile radius surrounding the Town of Bonnyville, and the airport. The agreement is considered a long-range planning document looking forward into the next 20-plus years.

An IDP outlines potential land uses, future development areas, expansion, annexation, and policy for specific areas of mutual benefit to both municipalities.

During the joint council meeting, Bonnie McInnis, senior land use planner with Stantec Consulting Ltd., explained some of the details of the policy, how it will impact residents, and answered questions.

“This has been a five-phase project. We're now in the fifth and final phase of developing this IDP, which is presenting it at a joint public hearing of the two councils. As a result of this hearing, at the direction of the councils, we will make any requested revisions to the IDP document, then it may be considered for second and third reading,” she noted.

During previous presentations, residents expressed their concerns about a portion of the IDP that mentions the airport assessment report. In the IDP, it stated that the airport assessment report would take precedence when planning future development in that area.

McInnis explained, “That airport assessment report has not been finalized, and therefore it's unreasonable for this policy to state that the recommendations will take precedence since we haven't seen a finalized document yet, and we don't know what those recommendations are.”

Previously, they were expecting the airport assessment to be completed at about the same time as the IDP, however that hasn't been the case.

A revision was made so the IDP now clarifies that the airport assessment report should be considered when discussing future development surrounding the airport.

Within the IDP outline, the MD of Bonnyville has 13 approved Area Structure Plans (ASPs) while the town has 11. These plans will move ahead as scheduled, but now that the agreement has been signed, any further ASPs within the IDP area will first have to be agreed to by the other party.

The IDP summarizes areas for residential, commercial, and industrial/commercial growth. It also identifies lands designated by the MD for agriculture.

McInnis said any of those designations remain in place, and any premature development or fragmentation of agriculture land is to be avoided.

“It also reinforces the responsibility of both municipalities to ensure that the required setbacks of oil and gas facilities are respected and that the new wetland policies of the province are complied with,” continued McInnis. “The policies in the IDP in respect to environment and open space speak to collaboration between the two municipalities regarding the development or recreation facilities and the continued creation of interconnected trail system to connect rural and urban amenities.”

The agreement also has the town and MD working together on tourism and strategies to increase employment opportunities.

Development along the highway corridors of Hwy 28 and Hwy 41 are a priority for both municipalities.

“Both recognize that as the economy of the area grows, demand for industrial and highway commercial lands will also increase. The MD is looking to undertake future planning for the lands adjacent to Hwy 41 and Hwy 28 both east and west of the Town of Bonnyville,” said McInnis.

Once the studies have been completed, their policies will take precedence, will be vetted between both municipalities, and will go to public hearing.

The Bonnyville Airport assessment

“There is an airport assessment report being prepared, and once finalized… those recommendations in that report should be considered by the two municipalities,” explained McInnis.

The major difference will be that no new multi-lot residential subdivisions will be allowed within the airport study area, however any projects already approved can go ahead as scheduled.

One concern expressed by residents attending the public hearing was the size of the area set aside for future expansion of the airport.

Mayor Gene Sobolewski reminded those attending that the hearing was for the IDP itself, not the airport assessment.

“We're looking for the future, not for right now,” he said.

The study will determine what is needed for the airport in order to sustain the future needs of the area.

“The airport study is not a part of this public hearing,” McInnis expressed. “The public hearing is with regards to the IDP.”

Sobolewski added, “The comment is dually-noted.”

Owning properties within the IDP and taxes

Property owners within the IDP are still permitted to build on their properties so long as the land has been properly zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial. However, the MD of Bonnyville explained that the property owners are still required to meet the standards set by the municipality.

A concerned resident asked McInnis if they would see an increase or decrease to their taxes because of the IDP.

McInnis clarified that anyone living within the IDP area wouldn't see a change in his or her taxes.

“You're still a resident of either the town of the MD and you pay your taxes according to that,” she said.

A copy of the IDP is available at the Town and MD of Bonnyville offices.

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