The Town of Westlock is refreshing its Municipal Development Plan (MDP). This project will help the Town discover what's next for Westlock and its next 20 years. We want your ideas on what's next for Westlock!
Stage 4 - Public Engagement: Phase Two is coming soon. We've created a working draft of the refreshed MDP based on feedback received from the previous round of public engagement, in addition to prior best practice and policy alignment audit work completed by the Project Team. The upcoming open houses are a chance to learn more about the key highlights & changes of the draft Plan and provide feedback to further refine the plan prior to Council Adoption later this year. Join us at one of the following dates/times at the Upper Mezzanine in the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre to help shape the next 20 years in Westlock:
- Wednesday, April 24 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (RESCHEDULED from April 18)
- Thursday, April 25 - 5 to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday May 1 - 1 to 8 p.m.
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.
The key highlights and changes of the Draft Plan have been summarized in the brief available for download below.
For those who are unable to attend the open houses, the display boards are posted below and the Project Team is happy to meet one-on-one with those who have questions or want to provide further feedback.
Municipal Development Plan Refresh Open House Boards
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.
The MDP was adopted in 2015. Since that date, the Town has undergone changes in its demographics and economic position. The intent of the refresh is 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 will also allow the Town to utilize recent plans and studies as well as reflect key trends and best practices.
The project will be completed in 5 stages. The project team has recently finished Phase 3, and is currently undertaking Phase 4, public engagement (phase 2).
To sign up for project updates, including engagement opportunities such as open houses and public hearings, click on the link below:
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
