The Town of Westlock recently refreshed its Municipal Development Plan (MDP). The new Plan, adopted by Council on October 28, 2024 will guide Administration and Council in decisions regarding growth and development over the next 20 years.
The new Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 2024-16) is now available to view below.
Learn More:
View the highlight video below, which helps illustrate the changes between the new MDP and the Town's previous MDP.
View the summary sheet which highlights the major changes in the new MDP and goes over some Frequently Asked Questions about the project.
You can also view the Engagement Summary which recaps the engagement opportunities undertaken throughout the project, the key themes we heard, and what we did in response.
Questions? Planning & Development is available to help answer questions about the new MDP, how it impacts you, and the project as a whole: planning@westlock.ca | 780-349-4444
The MDP is the Town's long-range planning document that sets the vision for the Town and guides its development over a 20 year period. Every municipality in Alberta is required to adopt an MDP under the Municipal Government Act (MGA). A MDP provides direction on a number of topics including future land use and growth patterns, infrastructure and servicing, housing, economic development, and environmental concerns. This plan helps Council to make decisions on future projects and investment.
Project Background
The Town's previous MDP was adopted in 2015. Since that date, the Town had undergone changes in its demographics and economic position. The intent of the refresh was to ensure that the MDP reflects the changing needs of the community in order to maintain a high quality of life for current and future residents. The refresh also allowed the Town to utilize recent plans and studies as well as reflect key trends and best practices.
The project was completed in 5 stages.
Relevant documents from all project stages can be found in the dropdowns below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Municipal Development Plan (MDP)?
A MDP is a long-range plan which guides future development over the next 20 years and is the conceptual framework for all other plans and policies. The MDP will act as a guide for Town Council and Administration on future development and provides policy direction on key topics such as economic development, housing, emergency management and the environment.
Why do we need an MDP?
Every municipality in Alberta is required to adopt an MDP. This is a legislative requirement established by the Province through its Municipal Government Act (MGA). Besides this legislative requirement – imagine building a new house without any foundation, plans, or ideas for how it should look, function, or feel. Without a long-term plan, a community’s development is likely to be disjointed, and important high-level decisions can have results that are not in line with what the community needs and wants.
Why are we refreshing the MDP?
Westlock’s previous MDP (Bylaw 2015-03) was adopted in 2015 and had no major review or amendments since. Due to changes which inevitably happen in communities over time, plans like an MDP need regular revisioning to ensure this major guiding document continues to reflect the Town’s needs, wants, and aspirations. This was an independent project started by the Town in late 2022, and is not related to projects in other municipalities in the province.
Who was involved in the project?
The new MDP and the entire MDP Refresh project was completed by internal Town Staff, using significant input from multiple stages of community engagement opportunities. A full summary of the engagement process for the project is available to view. No external consultants were involved in the creation of the plan.
Who decides what is in the MDP?
Many voices contribute to the policies of an MDP, including: the general public, Town Council, community groups, businesses, and Town operational departments. All input must be weighed with financial feasibility, legislative requirements and other research.
What does the MDP mean for my property?
No changes will be required to how your property is used or currently developed as a result of the adoption of the revised MDP. Your current land use and buildings can remain in place until you or a future landowner wishes to change them.
What is a MDP?
Watch the video below to learn more about what a Municipal Development Plan is:
Stage 2 - Public Engagement: Phase One
This phase of public engagement offered two modes of participation:
1) Community Message Boards at the Heritage Building & Rotary Spirit Centre
2) Online Survey at www.westlock.ca
The engagement activities were advertised on the Town’s website and social media channels, as well as through ads in the Westlock News and on 97.9 FM.
Both the message boards and survey were focused on obtaining broad feedback on ideas for the next 20 years in Westlock. The survey also featured questions regarding the current MDPs’ vision and guiding principles, and policy topic areas such as housing and the environment.
A total of 58 survey responses and 174 message board comments were received. A full summary report of the feedback received can be viewed below:
Public Engagement: Phase One - What was Said Report
Stage 3 - Draft Revised Plan
Using the findings of the previous two (2) stages, the Project Team created a working draft of the revised MDP.
The key highlights and changes of the Draft Plan were summarized in a brief, available for download below.
The objectives of the proposed changes to the MDP are as follows:
- Align the MDP with changes to provincial legislation, and plans & studies adopted or approved by the Town since the adoption of the MDP.
- Refine and clarify policies within the MDP for ease of use, implementation, and clarity.
- Improve and expand on key policy areas such as housing, the environment, economic development, and emergency management.
Stage 4 - Public Engagement (Phase Two)
Stage 4 - Public Engagement: Phase Two took place over April and May 2024. We held a series of open houses to share and gain feedback on the key highlights & changes of the draft Plan and to help us further refine the plan prior to Council Adoption later this year. 51 attendees joined us at one of three (3) sessions:
- Wednesday, April 24 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, April 25 - 5 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday May 1 - 1 to 8 p.m.
A summary report of the feedback received is available for download below:
MDP Refresh - Public Engagement Phase 2 - What was Said Report
For those who were unable to attend the open houses, the display boards were posted on this page below and the Project Team remains available to meet one-on-one with those who have questions or want to provide further feedback.
Stage 5 - Final Plan Adoption
Stage 5 - Final Plan Adoption took place from June to October 2024. Over Summer 2024, the project team went back to work refining and finalizing the draft revised Municipal Development Plan with the findings of the latest round of public engagement in mind.
In September 2024, Council reviewed the final draft of the refreshed Municipal Development Plan and set the public hearing date for October 28, 2024.
A Public Hearing to consider the adoption of the new MDP was held October 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (Heritage Building, 10007 100 Avenue). Virtual attendance was also available by Zoom. After the public hearing, Council gave the MDP 2nd and 3rd readings, bringing Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 2024-16 into immediate effect.