Unit 5 - Alberta's Land-Use Framework


Lesson 1: Overview

An Overview of Alberta's Land-use Framework

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.

To achieve its goals, the Framework encompasses the following seven strategies:

  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. Include Aboriginal peoples in land-use planning.


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


Why is Land-use Planning Necessary?


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. Regional planning will best do this by addressing the unique aspects of each region, within our province's land-use vision.

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."