Housing Progress in Westlock

The Town of Westlock has now implemented new e-permitting software.  This software features an e-permitting portal which allows applicants to apply for development, building, and other safety codes permits at anytime and from anywhere.  The portal also provides applications with the ability to track the progress of their application(s) and access copies of their approved permits and stamped drawings.

For more details and more information on how to use the portal for your next permit application, visit our E-Permitting Portal page.

Questions? Planning & Development is available to help answer questions about the new software and help you navigate the permit portal.

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 and features improvements to the Town's overarching housing policies.  

Questions? Planning & Development is available to help answer questions about the new MDP, how it impacts you, and the project as a whole.

The Town of Westlock is happy to announce that pre-approved building plans for new residential homes, garden, and garage suites are now available for licensing at a one-time fee through the Planning and Development Department, marking another milestone in the Westlock Housing Action Plan. This significant step supports the continued momentum of the Town's strategic initiatives to address housing needs. With a variety of styles and floorplans, there are many plans to choose from: four (4) single detached, two (2) semi-detached, one (1) row-housing, and two (2) each for garage and garden suites.

The availability of pre-approved plans will make it easier for residents, builders, and contractors to access high-quality construction options and will streamline the development process. These plans can be used with the Residential Development and Rental Suite Incentive Programs.

The Town of Westlock is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Southview Subdivision Project. This development project is intended to address the urgent need for residential lots in the community.

The subdivision will integrate eighteen (18) new lots within the existing residential community of Southview, enhancing connectivity and providing a cohesive living environment for residents. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the required infrastructure improvements for the project, including the extension of 99 Avenue and 93 Street.

Prime Location: Offering an ideal setting for residential development, with easy access to Highway 44, and in close proximity to the Westlock Healthcare Centre, parks, the Rotary Trail, Community Garden, and schools.

Project Objective: Addressing the shortage of available lots through strategic infrastructure investment and subdivision and improving existing neighbourhood connectivity.

Project History: The land for the subdivision was purchased by the Town in the summer of 2023. Earlier in July, the project also received rezoning and subdivision approval by Town Council and the Municipal Planning Commission, respectively.

On April 22, the Town of Westlock Council adopted a Residential Development Grants Policy that included a grant stream for secondary, garage and garden suites.   This stream offers a $10,000 per suite grant for new suites or existing non-permitted suites which are brought up to code.  This program is fully funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund.

On May 10, the Town of Westlock Council passed amendments to the Town's Land Use Bylaw, which will improve the application process and provide surety for those adding a suite to an R1 (Low-Density Residential District) zoned property.

Applications are now closed for 2025 for our Suite grant.  Funding from this grant will be available annually through 2028.

The Housing Action Plan was developed by Town administration to address the town's unique housing needs and context, it targets both immediate supply concerns and long-term housing system improvements, and fitting within a 3-year execution timeline. Westlock Town Council endorsed the Housing Action Plan on July 10, 2023.