Existing Conditions Presentation
pA August 31 to September 1.2011 Presentation Overview • Project Overview
Existing Conditions
• Context
• Population + Employment
• Land + Development
• Transportation
• Infrastructure
• Services
• Conclusions + Next Steps
2 Project Overview Purpose
• Saskatchewan is growing and more people are making the province their home.
• This growth is putting increasing pressure on local governments to create vibrant, healthy and well serviced communities.
• Partnerships between neighbouring communities can help provide the resources and knowledge to manage growth that would often not be available to individual municipalities.
• NODCA was formed in 2010 to provide a forum for regional collaboration.
• Priority item was community planning.
3 Project Overview What is the Future First Initiative?
• The Future First initiative refers to a number of community planning projects currently underway in the North of Divide area:
District Official Community Plan for the North of Divide
Updated Zoning Bylaws for the RM’s of Meadow Lake, Beaver River and Loon Lake and the Villages of Pierceland, Loon Lake and Goodsoil
A new Zoning Bylaw for the Village of Dorintosh
An updated Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw for the City of Meadow Lake
4 Project Overview
5 5 Existing Conditions Key Inputs
Information was gathered using the following sources:
• Mapping
• Existing Planning Documents
• 55 West Enterprise Region Asset Maps
• NoDCA Community Action Plan
• Environmental Screening (Golder Associates)
• Infrastructure Survey and Existing Studies/Reports
• Municipal Tours
• Building Permit Information
• StatsCan and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Data
6 Existing Conditions Critical Questions to Frame the Analysis
• What is the nature of growth within NODCA and where is it occurring?
• What is the capacity of existing infrastructure and services to handle growth?
• Are there areas that are experiencing a lack of growth or overall out migration of population?
• What are the critical challenges facing each of the NODCA constituents over the next twenty years?
• What are the opportunities that may provide the District with choices for directing future development?
• What is the regional and District economy and how can we align development with these various economic drivers?
7 Context Context Western Context • Located along the SK AB border
• Nearest major centres are Saskatoon to the southeast and Edmonton to the West.
• North of major east west highway and railway corridors
9 9 Context Western Economic Context • NoDCA is surrounded by various major industries.
• Major economic drivers that are present in the area are forestry, agriculture, tourism and oil and gas development.
• Other major extractive resources in western Canada are potash and uranium.
10 10 Context Regional Context • Near smaller centres such as North Battleford, Prince Albert, Lloydminster and Cold Lake 63
• Highway 4 connects the region to North Battleford and Highway 16 55
• Highway 55 connects to 16 the Cold Lake area to the west and Prince Albert to 4 the east. 16 2 11
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11 11 Context Regional Context • Oil sands development is increasing in Alberta and extensive environmental, social and economic planning is underway to manage future growth.
Lower Athabasca Regional Plan
12 Context Regional Context • Comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Sustainability Plan (CRISP) for Athabasca Oil Sands Complete
• Plan for Cold Lake Oil Sands underway (NoDCA participating)
• Focus on transportation and infrastructure needs should population and production increase over next 35 years
13 Context Regional Context
• The oil sands industry is the main driver of economic growth in Cold Lake Oil Sands Area currently 580,000 bpd of productive capacity, the majority coming from multi phased in situ projects and the rest coming from cold production wells. 14 Context District • Consists of 3 rural municipalities, and 5 urban municipalities.
RM Beaver River RM Meadow Lake RM Loon Lake City of Meadow Lake Village of Dorintosh Village of Goodsoil Village of Loon Lake Village of Pierceland
15 15 Context Study Area – Economic Drivers • Major economic drivers in NoDCA are Forestry, Agriculture and Tourism
• Main attraction for visitors is Meadow Lake and Makwa Provincial Parks
• Gas pools are found in the western half of NoDCA
• Small oil pool overlaps into the southwest corner of NoDCA
16 16 Population + Employment Employment Overview of Employment
Major Drivers of Growth:
Agriculture, Tourism, Forestry and NODCA Labour Market Oil and Gas Participation (Aged 15 and older) NODCA total employment (as of From: NODCA Regional Socio Economic 2006 Census): 6340 Profile (StatCan Census, 2006) Of this total, First Nations communities make up 20% or 1265 employed (does not include Big Island Lake Cree First Nation or population living off reserve)
In Saskatchewan, the employment rate for aboriginal people increased 11% between 1996 and 2001 to 42%, and the rate is significantly higher for First Nations people residing off reserve
18 Employment Employment Areas
19 Population Current Population
NODCA Population
From: NODCA Regional Socio Economic Profile (StatCan Census, 2006)
20 20 Population Population Trends
Waterhen First Nation
Thunderchild First Nation
Red Pheasant First Nation
Onion Lake First Nation 1991 2001 Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation 2006 Island Lake First Nation
Flying Dust First Nation
Big Island Cree Nation
050010001500200025003000
23 23 Population + Employment Key Considerations
• Growth seen across the District
• Higher growth rates in First Nation populations
• Future of key employment drivers –resources and tourism
• Sustainability of growth fuelled by lake lot development
24 Land + Development Land + Development Key Considerations –NoDCA • New development focuses on existing built up areas and lakes
• Several geographic centres of development represented by City of Meadow Lake, RM of Beaver River, with smaller sub centres in Pierceland and Loon Lake
• Rising cost of housing and limited availability of rental/affordable housing
26 26 Land and Development City of Meadow Lake
• Approx 56 lots currently available for residential development. • The City acquired land south of the city that is available for future residential development. Lots range from $11,000 to $85,000. The City is also taking offers on one multi unit residential lot.
27 27 Land + Development RM of Meadow Lake
• Corridor extending from the City of Meadow Lake to the municipal airstrip has been identified as having potential for future industrial development. • Concentrated lakeshore residential development has occurred on two lakes (Waterhen Lake, Greig Lake) in the RM and the additional potential exists. • Country residential • Active building despite lack of subdivision and development population drivers over the last activity in the Municipality 15 years has been very high over the past several years. 28 28 Land + Development RM Beaver River
• Several significant residential developments are currently underway including Lauman’s Landing. • Commercial activity is found in the villages and is dispersed in other areas throughout the municipality • Strong development permitting over last five years
• Insufficient zoning bylaws and regulations to accommodate and direct new development • Strong recreation and tourism development as seen in new development on the golf 29 course 29 Land + Development RM Loon Lake
• Pressure from developers and other business interests to develop country residential subdivisions has been growing in recent years.
• Limited capacity for additional lakeshore development.
• There are three cabin subdivisions being developed, and three that are being planned. The three subdivisions that are currently being developed vary in size from: 7 lots to over 70 lots. 30 30 Land + Development Village of Loon Lake • There are currently 15 residential lots available for purchase from the village.
• This number includes a new subdivision located on Dorothy Street.
• The village currently has 20 plus commercial lots available for purchase.
• Land predominately residential.
• Lack of commercial/industrial land lends to Loon Lake’s position as a primarily residential suburb.
• Adjacent to First Nations village which contains a higher level of servicing.
31 31 Land + Development Village of Dorintosh
• There are currently 10 new residential lots being developed and will be finished in 2011.
• Currently there are three commercial lots available.
• Main street has mixture of commercial, residential and industrial.
• Vacant land remains available for development but not in large quantities.
32 32 Land + Development Village of Goodsoil
• There are no major developments underway in the Village at this time; however there are significant cottage subdivisions being developed in close proximity to Goodsoil.
• Housing shortage in that no rentals available –look at different options for affordable/rental housing.
• Opportunity to benefit off of increased recreation and tourism activity. 33 33 Land + Development Village of Pierceland
• Existing residential lots are for sale privately.
• Subdivision with 60 lots has been surveyed and will be available.
• Limited number of commercial lot is available.
• Employment land under utilised with recent developments focused on Highway # 28 to Cold Lake.
34 34 Land + Development Key Considerations – First Nations • First Nations have highest growth rates in the Province
• First Nation lands contain self served with infrastructure including water, wastewater and community amenities
• Opportunities for cost sharing within settlement areas
35 Land + Development NoDCA – Elevation
36 Land + Development NoDCA – Environment and Culture
37 Land + Development NoDCA – Watersheds
38 Land + Development NoDCA – Forestry
Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp
Meadow Lake OSB Mill
39 Land + Development NoDCA – Extraction
40 Land + Development NoDCA – Agriculture
41 Transportation Transportation NoDCA Transportation Network
43 Transportation Regional Transportation • Rural Road Network
• Highway 4 –Paved Class 1 Primary Weight highway
• Highway 55 –Paved Class 2 –9 month Primary Weight Highway
• Highway 26 North –Thin Membrane Class 4 Secondary Weight Highway
• Highway 26 South –Paved Class 2 –9 month Primary Weight Highway
• Enforcement of weight restrictions is needed.
• Airstrips are located near Meadow Lake, Goodsoil and Loon Lake.
• One railway runs to Meadow Lake but is currently not in use. Closed in 2009.
• Daily Bus Service between Meadow Lake and Saskatoon. Includes a Loon Lake loop M/W/F/Sun
• No other Inter City Bus Service in the area.
44 44 Transportation Traffic Trends on Major Routes
45 Transportation Traffic Trends on Major Routes
46 Transportation Capital Works by the Province • Hwy 4 –Widening and rehabilitation to be completed in 2011. Once complete, all sections north of Glaslyn will have been rehabilitated in the last 5 years. (16 km south of Meadow Lake)
• Hwy 55 –Rehabilitation and upgrading to 12 month Primary Weight Highway
Peerless to Beacon Hill –on 5 year capital plan (pending property acquisition)
Beacon Hill to AB Border –2012 completion
• Hwy 55 at Beaver River –Bridge Rehabilitation on 5 year capital plan
• Hwy 55 at Morin Creek –multi plate culvert to be replaced on 5 year capital plan
• Hwy 26 –Rehabilitation and upgrading –Highway 55 to Goodsoil
47 47 Transportation Municipal Road Projects • RM of Beaver River –Plans to upgrade Deer Haven Road from Pierceland to AB border
• RM of Loon Lake –No plans identified
• RM of Meadow Lake –No plans identified
• Dorintosh – Constructing 3rd Ave West
• Goodsoil – New gravel roads in conjunction with approved subdivision
• Pierceland – Developer to construct paved roads in conjunction with subdivision
• City of Meadow Lake Traffic studies in 2009 and 2003 and plan to pave gravel roads within city in conjunction w/ water and sewer main upgrades (5 to 10 years)
48 48 Transportation NODCA –Key Considerations • Travel distance and access to the region are a concern for local and regional economic development.
• Several municipalities and businesses are working to try and re establish the Speers short rail line since its closure in 2009. This closure has also increased truck traffic on municipal roads. Rehabilitation cost is estimated at $8 million.
• RM of Loon Lake –Road works needed.
• City of Meadow Lake has concerns with access onto Hwy 4 and Hwy 5 and Woodman Ave is too narrow.
• RM of Meadow Lake would like to see Matchee Road (Grid 698) classified as Primary Weight and it is Secondary Weight, Sundance Road is not on a public road right of way.
• Need for Servicing Standards.
• Minimal Trails motorized and non motorized (TransCanada Snowmobile Trail)
• No local Transit but sporadic seniors bussing.
49 49 Infrastructure Infrastructure NoDCA
51 Infrastructure Overview • Several of the water and wastewater facilities within the NoDCA are nearing or at capacity and will require upgrading should growth continue in the future.
• The Village of Loon Lake shares its water treatment facilities with Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation while the City of Meadow Lake has common facilities with Flying Dust First Nation.
• Although communities are spread out throughout the District there may be additional opportunities for regional servicing, particularly related to some of the new recreational subdivisions in rural municipalities.
• Loon Lake and Meadow Lake are both looking to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities in order to accommodate growth and development.
• Concerns regarding the functionality of the Meadow Lake Power Plant.
52 52 Infrastructure Water and Wastewater Treatment Capacities
53 53 Infrastructure NoDCA
Garbage Collection
• Northwest Regional Waste Management Authority
• The regional landfill opened on October 1, 2008.
• Joint effort between:
• City of Meadow Lake • RM of Meadow Lake No. 588 • Village of Goodsoil • RM of Beaver River No. 622 • Village of Dorintosh
54 54 Services Services NoDCA – Key Issues • Services widely distributed within the region
• Availability of services to accommodate growth / retain workers
• Recruitment and retention of Doctors is a key issue facing the region
• Recruitment and retention of teachers also a difficult process / classes under capacity in certain areas
• Elementary and secondary schools are located throughout the District with bussing in place for rural students.
56 56 Services Health Care Facilities
57 Services Post Secondary Education Highest Level of Education in NODCA Region • Of the adult NODCA population: • 39% have less than high school education equivalent. • 24% have up to a high school equivalent • 37% have achieved some level of post secondary training
• Apprenticeships, trades, and college diplomas/certificates make up majority of postsecondary training.
• North West Regional College now offer a 4 year Bachelors of Education degree.
• Saskatchewan universities are located south of the region, therfore access to university training requires pursuing online education, attending community college, or moving out of the region.
From: NODCA Regional Socio Economic Profile (StatCan Census, 2006)
58 Services Emergency + Police
• Ambulance/First Responder and Fire Services are based out of Pierceland, Goodsoil, Loon Lake and Meadow Lake. Dorintosh also has First Responder capacity.
• Primarily volunteer based fire and first responders outside of Meadow Lake
• Service sharing amongst constituents within NODCA presents good opportunity to consolidate infrastructure investments.
• Fire fighting can be shared with Provincial agencies such as park management.
• Many of the First Nation communities have their own health centres and often share emergency response with surrounding municipalities.
• RCMP services the District out of detachments in Pierceland, Loon Lake and Meadow Lake.
59 59 Conclusions + Next Steps Conclusions District Opportunities for Growth and Development • The NoDCA District is strategically located adjacent to increased resource development activity in Alberta and to the north, east and south in Saskatchewan.
• The District contains significant park and recreation amenities including Meadow Lake and Makwa Provincial Parks which draw visitors from within and far outside the area.
• Several communities within NoDCA, including the City of Meadow Lake, could act as service hubs to increasing resource and tourism development as well as to the growing Aboriginal population in the region.
• There is a diverse economy within the District focusing on agriculture, tourism and forestry –an industry that has recently seen increased investment.
• Although regional collaboration and shared services are already present through facilities such as the regional landfill and the City of Meadow Lake Flying Dust First Nation water treatment plant, there are further opportunities for community cooperation.
• There is a strong education system with the North West Regional College serving as an important cornerstone.
• Long term health care facilities for seniors are located throughout the District and enable residents to continue to live within their home community.
• NoDCA prides itself on its affordable cost of living, high quality of life and entrepreneurial spirit.
61 61 Conclusions District Constraints to Growth and Development • Several municipalities are near or at the existing capacity of their water and wastewater treatment facilities and will require upgrading to accommodate further growth.
• Concerns that Increased truck traffic on municipal roads and highways will affect road conditions.
• The absence of a rail linkage is seen as a barrier to increased industrial and forestry service development.
• Increasing recreational development has exceeded municipal management capacity resulting in ad hoc development in some situations.
• There is a shortage of doctors, first responders and other health service personnel in the District.
• Young people often have to leave the region for certain types of post secondary education and sometimes do not return to their home community.
• Aging demographics are predominant in several of the smaller centres resulting in declining populations and the need to attract new residents.
• Rental and affordable housing is scarce throughout the District.
• Meadow Lake, and the area as a whole, is not well known outside the District so is often passed over as a service centre for larger communities such as Prince Albert and Cold Lake, which also offer larger scale commercial amenities.
62 62 Conclusions Opportunities + Constraints
63 Next Steps
64 64 Small Group Discussion #1
• Were there any gaps in information or errors that you noticed in the presentation?
• What are your organizations future plans for growth in the District?
65 65 Small Group Discussion #2
• Utilize the District Map to draw and record notes while working your way through the following series of questions focused on opportunities and constraints:
• GROWTH: Where do you see growth occuring in the future? Where do you not want to see growth in the future? What opportunities are there to encourage growth in communities? (Housing, Infill Development, Services, Employment)
• INFRASTRUCTURE + TRANSPORTATION: What do you see as the most critical gaps or capacity constraints that need to be addressed in order to accommodate future growth? What opportunities do you see for community collaboration to address these needs?
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: What new economic development opportunities would you want to see in the future? What do you see as your individual communities role in the District in the future?
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