Land-use Framework of Alberta


Alberta's Land-use Vision: "Albertans work together to respect and care for the land as the foundation of our economic, environmental, and social well-being."

Click each collapsible row to view more information.

Alberta's population is growing faster than ever. Its recent population boom has made it the fastest growing province in Canada. To accommodate this growth, and to sustain our quality of life for future generations, land-use decisions need to consider what is healthy for the economy, the environment, and our social lives.

We plan because we need to look ahead and consider where people will want to live, work, and play; we also plan to maintain the ecosystem, environmental integrity, and sustainability.  Regional planning is the best way to accomplish this by addressing the unique aspects of each region, within our province's land-use vision.

 

In December 2008, Alberta issued its Land-use Framework, thereby ushering in a new era of land-use planning within the province. It applies to all types of land, private and public, including forested lands.

The Framework's intent is to promote efficient use of the land for conservation purposes and to reduce the footprint of human activity on Alberta's landscape. It is about smart growth.

  1. Develop seven regional land-use plans based on seven new land-use regions.

  2. Create a land-use "Secretariat" and establish a Regional Advisory Council for each region.

  3. Use cumulative effects management at the regional level to manage the impacts of development on land, water, and air.

  4. Develop a strategy for conservation and stewardship on private and public lands.

  5. Promote efficient use of land to reduce the footprint of human activities on Alberta's landscape.

  6. Establish an information, monitoring, and knowledge system to contribute to continuous improvement of land-use planning and decision-making.

  7. Inclusion of Aboriginal peoples in land-use planning.


              Click on the image above to read Alberta's Land-Use Framework, courtesy of the Government of Alberta.


              Before we look more closely at the Land-use Framework of Alberta, it is important to know what a watershed is. If you are unsure, watch a short video that explains a watershed.




               

              Caring for Alberta's lands and forests the seven land-use regions.
              Government of Alberta

              Seven regions have been created under the Land-use Framework. These regions are based on Alberta's seven major watersheds, with boundaries aligned to fit existing municipal boundaries as well as natural regions.

              Alberta's Land-use Framework was a 2008 government initiative; to date, only two regional plans have been implemented. The chart below indicates the status of each regional plan as of 2020.


              Land Use Learning Hub

              Region Status Link to Information
              Lower Athabasca Regional Plan
              		 Approved in 2012 Lower Athabasca Regional Plan
              South Saskatchewan Regional Plan Approved in 2014
              Amended in 2017 and 2018
              		 South Saskatchewan Regional Plan
              North Saskatchewan Region
              		 Phase 2 in progress as of 2020
              		 North Saskatchewan Region
              Upper Peace Region
              		 Not started as of 2020
              		 Upper Peace Region
              Lower Peace Region
              		 Not started as of 2020
              		 Lower Peace Region
              Red Deer Region
              		 Not started as of 2020
              		 Red Deer Region
              Upper Athabasca Region
              		 Not started as of 2020
              		 Upper Athabasca Region

              The Alberta government must assess the regional planning progress to ensure objectives and outcomes are met. A system of monitoring, evaluating, and reporting is undertaken to determine the effectiveness of regional plans; for example, to determine if land-use strategies actually fulfill the regional plans' objectives and outcomes.

              Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting is an on-going cycle. It encourages continuous improvements in decision-making and actions to ensure future generations achieve the desired economic, environmental, and social outcomes in each planning region.

              At least once every five years, the regional plans will be reviewed to ensure they are meeting the outcomes and objectives; at least once every 10 years the plan undergoes an extensive review with possible outcomes of the plan being amended, replaced, renewed, or repealed.

              Courtesy of Inside Education