Woodlands County council has passed first reading of a newly drafted Land Use Bylaw (LUB) and scheduled a public hearing to discuss the document.
Two public hearings will take place to give residents a chance to share feedback on the proposed bylaw:
- Sept. 9 — 5:15 p.m. in the Fort Assiniboine council chambers
- Sept. 10 — 5:15 p.m. in the Woodlands County Whitecourt administration office council chambers
From May 2024 to June 2025, three public engagement sessions were held throughout the development process, and four dedicated ad-hoc LUB Committee meetings took place. County officials say the draft bylaw was also circulated to adjacent municipalities, First Nations and provincial agencies.
County administration has highlighted 11 of the most significant changes, some of which primarily streamline processes or address needed compliance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Under the draft bylaw, the number of permitted dwellings per parcel has been increased, subject to applicable zoning and regulations. Similarly, a more flexible framework has been introduced for secondary suites, which are categorized as internal or external based on their location and zoning context.
A requirement to provide an affidavit for a garden suite has been removed. Instead, applicants can apply for permanent second homes, an effort to increase flexibility for homeowners.
On the more administrative side, a Subdivision Authority and Development Authority have been established as necessitated by the MGA. Additionally, a new clause enables the chief administrative officer (CAO) to delegate authority to the Planning and Development Department to approve subdivisions of four lots or fewer to allow for quicker turnaround on minor applications.
Also, the development officer has been authorized to consider discretionary use permits, while complex or sensitive applications can be referred to the Municipal Planning Commission as necessary.
To reduce redundancy, similar districts have been merged into one. For example, the former A1 and A2 districts have been combined under the “A” Agricultural District. Similar overlapping land uses have also been condensed to reduce complexity in their understanding and application, officials say.
In an effort to promote responsible land management, tree clearing projects will require a development permit.
Another change is the introduction of a new overlay district to incorporate noise exposure considerations around CYZU Airport.
Looking forward, a dedicated section has been included to support and regulate renewable energy developments. Similarly, the new LUB introduces regulations to manage new technological projects like data centres and cryptocurrency mining operations to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
The new bylaw, if passed, also updates provisions for flood-prone areas, steep slopes and fire hazard zones to reflect risk assessments and best practices.
The bylaw would go into effect following third reading, if it occurs. The full draft of the bylaw is available in the Aug. 13 council agenda.
