PART IV | IMPLEMENTATION AND 41 COLLABORATION 16 | INTERMUNICIPAL PLANNING AND COOPERATION The County supports a proactive approach to fostering cooperation with its municipal neighbours and other levels of government, and improving communication on land use and related issues. Athabasca County GOAL wishes to maintain its productive working relationship with the Provincial departments and agencies responsible for transportation, resource development and Crown Land management. Athabasca County shall work with neighbouring municipalities to promote Within the County there are ten urban municipalities (a Town, a Village compatible and complimentary land use and eight Summer Villages). The County also abuts six rural patterns and infrastructure. Municipalities. Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement is located along the southeastern boundary of the County. TABLE 10: NEIGHBOURING MUNICIPALITIES AND MÉTIS SETTLEMENTS TOWN/VILLAGES SUMMER VILLAGES COUNTIES/MUNICIPAL MÉTIS DISTRICTS SETTLEMENT Town of Athabasca Whispering Hills Thorhild County Buffalo Lake Village of Boyle West Baptiste Westlock County South Baptiste MD of Opportunity Sunset Beach MD of Lesser Slave River Island Lake Lac La Biche County Island Lake South Mewatha Beach Bondiss Objectives and policies within this section are intended to support intermunicipal planning strategies that provide mutual benefit to all municipalities within the region. OBJECTIVE 1: ENHANCE REGIONAL COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH THE INTERMUNICIPAL PLANNING INITIATIVES CO-OPERATION Athabasca County and its urban and rural municipal neighbours have historically co-operated in planning future land use, development, and servicing within fringe areas around these municipalities in the County. The County shall continue to work closely with adjacent municipalities in the detailed planning of lands adjacent to municipal boundaries, with the goals being: the best utilization of land and the minimization of long range land use conflicts and servicing costs for both municipalities. INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS & INTERMUNICIPAL COLLABORATION FRAMEWORKS The County shall work with adjacent municipalities to develop Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) and Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs). Existing, approved IDPs shall be updated to ensure consistency with ICFs and the requirements for IDPs and ICFs in the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended (MGA). REFERRAL The County shall follow the referral process for redistricting, statutory plans, subdivision and development applications established within applicable Intermunicipal Development Plans. Where no Intermunicipal Development Plan has been adopted the County may, but is not required to, refer subdivision applications more than 1.6 km from the boundaries of the adjacent municipality to that municipality, and have regard to that municipality’s recommendation if the County determines that the proposal would significantly impact the adjacent municipality and have regard for the comments and recommendations received during the referral process. 42 RESTRICTIONS ON FRINGE AREA DEVELOPMENT Development of lands on the fringes of the urban municipalities (within 1.6 km of municipal boundaries) shall be allowed by the County provided such development does not unduly interfere with the ability of the urban municipality to expand in the future or negatively affect development in the urban municipality. Development shall not occur in these areas until the County is satisfied with plans for servicing, access, and the minimization of any potential land use conflicts. Notwithstanding that the use may be listed as a discretionary use in the District affecting the subject lands, the County shall discourage development within 1.6 km of an urban area that would adversely affect the urban centre unless, if in the opinion of the County, appropriate measures are taken to mitigate adverse effects and/or the use is provided for in an approved intermunicipal development plan. Development of lands on the fringes of the County with neighbouring rural municipalities (within 1.6 km of municipal boundaries) shall be allowed provided such development does not unduly interfere with the ability of either municipality to provide services to residents. Development shall not occur in these areas until the County is satisfied with plans for servicing, access, and the minimization of any potential land use conflicts. JOINT WATERSHED PLANNING INITIATIVES The County shares a mutual interest in lake health and lakeshore planning and development with the eight summer villages. The County shall cooperate with summer villages in watershed and lake planning initiatives. OBJECTIVE 2: WORK WITH THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO COORDINATE DEVELOPMENT ON CROWN LAND CROWN LAND The County shall respond to Crown referrals for forestry and resource development projects and to lease application referrals based on the relevant components of the Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw and related County policies. Development proposals on Crown Land leases, unless related to a provincially-approved project, require County development approval; any such development applications shall be subject to the relevant provisions of the Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and any other applicable statutory plan. UPPER ATHABASCA REGIONAL PLAN Where opportunities are provided, the County shall actively participate in the preparation and review of the Upper Athabasca Regional Plan that will be developed by the Land Use Secretariat. 43 17 | PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended (MGA), this Plan shall be adopted by Athabasca County, as the Athabasca County Municipal Development Plan. The subdivision, GOAL development, and re-development of lands within Athabasca County by the municipality and general public shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. Council shall encourage the Provincial and Federal The Athabasca County Municipal governments to have regard for the provisions of this Plan in the Development Plan shall responsibly guide development and re-development of crown lands, and in the land use and development decisions in formulation and implementation of Provincial and Federal policies and Athabasca County. programs within Athabasca County. OBJECTIVE 1: ENSURE THAT ALL COUNTY STATUTORY AND REGULATORY PLANNING DOCUMENTS ARE CONSISTENT AND UP-TO-DATE, AND TO CONDUCT REVIEWS AND CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE MDP AS REQUIRED AUTHORITY OF THE MDP This Plan has been prepared consistent with Sections 632 and 636 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended, and adopted by Athabasca County Council as the Athabasca County Municipal Development Plan, consistent with Section 692 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended. AMENDMENT TO THE MDP The Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. M-26, as amended, outlines the procedure for an amendment to the Municipal Development Plan. In order to ensure that the original intent of the Municipal Development Plan is protected and that a proper evaluation of the impact of a proposed amendment on the goals, objectives and policies of the MDP may be evaluated, the County shall require that the following information is submitted and reviewed: a. If requested by a resident or land owner or local organization a formal amendment request in writing shall be submitted to Council with the appropriate fee, studies and where required, areas structure plan or outline plan; b. If requested by County administration or Municipal Planning Commission, an administration report shall be prepared; c. The request shall include information about how the proposed amendment contributes to the vision, goals, objectives and policies of the MDP; d. During deliberation on the proposed amendment, Council may refer the request to such agencies as it considers necessary for comment; and e. Council may request additional information as it deems necessary to reach a decision on the proposed amendment. In reviewing the application the County may consult with any agencies or advisors it feels necessary for comment. LAND USE BYLAW The County Land Use Bylaw (LUB) is the primary Municipal Development Plan (MDP) implementation tool. Amendments to the LUB shall be consistent with the objectives and policies of the MDP. The subdivision of lands within the County shall be in accordance with MDP policies. ALIGNING OTHER CORPORATE PLANS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Council shall have regard for the Municipal Development Plan’s Vision, Principles, Objectives, and Policies when reviewing other corporate plans and priorities. 44 PERIODIC REVIEW Planning is a continuous process and it is important that the Municipal Development Plan be monitored, reviewed, and updated in order to ensure that the planning needs of the County are being met. A review may be appropriate when: a. Changes in economic, social or technical developments occur; b. A new Council is elected; or c. An amendment to the MDP is made. Rapidly changing economic, social, environmental and technological contexts make it necessary to review the MDP every ten years or sooner if economic and demographic trends and conditions change. MONITORING County Administration shall develop a method for monitoring, evaluating, and analyzing the effectiveness, viability, and relevance of this Plan. 45 .