Edson’s town council has unanimously passed first reading of Bylaw No. 2339, which would update the town’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP).
A Municipal Development Plan guides community growth, development and infrastructure needs. It can include policies on future land use, sustainability, transportation, utilities and municipal facilities. The town’s current MDP was adopted in 2016, and it began the update process in 2025.
Town officials say the updated draft retains components of the 2016 edition while modernizing the document’s structure, updating policies to address current and future community needs, incorporating feedback from council, administration and the public, and ensuring alignment with provincial legislation.
The town conducted three rounds of engagement sessions between Jan. and July of this year to inform the update. Based on that feedback, the following vision statement has been proposed in the document:
“Edson is a beautiful community where people, nature and opportunity thrive. With a strong and diverse local economy, an extensive network of accessible parks, trails, and recreation facilities and a lively downtown, we celebrate our people-focused mindset and strong community spirit. Our services and amenities enrich everyday life and provide opportunities for community connection.”
The vision statement also says the town is committed to sustaining the identity, programs, services, amenities, infrastructure and relationships that make Edson “an attractive, welcoming and safe place for people of all ages and abilities to live, work and visit,” as well as positioning itself for growth through responsible asset management.
Next, the item will be presented for feedback at a public hearing in early September. Feedback received at the hearing will inform further council discussion and second and third readings.
First reading was passed during council’s regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 18.
