News Release – Intermunicipal Development Plans Underway between County of Grande Prairie, Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, and Village of Hythe

The County of Grande Prairie, in partnership with the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe, has engaged ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. to prepare Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) between the County and each of the partner municipalities.

The Province of Alberta is implementing new changes to the Municipal Government Act, which now requires all municipalities that share a boundary with another municipality prepare a joint IDP by April 2020.These plans are intended to address future growth opportunities and other development-related matters of joint interest between the municipalities. An IDP between the County and the City of Grande Prairie has been in effect since 1982 and is updated as needed.

“Each municipality makes significant contributions to the overall success of our region,” said County Reeve Leanne Beaupre. “The County is committed to capitalizing on those strengths and to advancing our shared interests throughout the IDP process by maintaining municipal autonomy and fostering ongoing collaboration.”

“The IDP is a good tool for municipalities to project proper development”, said Sexmith Mayor Claude Lagace. “Also, it provides a channel for residents to voice concerns on applications on zoning that might not be compatible to certain areas.”

“In keeping with the changes to the Modernized Municipal Government Act, Wembley is looking forward to working towards completing an IDP with the County of Grande Prairie”, said Wembley Mayor Chris Turnmire. “To identify future growth for Wembley, and how that fits in with the overall regional growth in the County is vital for Wembley. I look forward to working through this process in developing a plan that is beneficial to both parties.”

“The planning for growth and sustainability of communities is core to future success, the continued partnerships and progressive working relationships with our municipal neighbours will serve the IDP process well,” said Beaverlodge Mayor Gary Rycroft.

"The Village of Hythe looks forward to discussions regarding the Intermunicipal Development Plan for our area" said Hythe Mayor Brian Peterson. “Council welcomes this collaborative approach in dealing with the development of the land surrounding our community."

IDPs are beneficial tools for neighbouring municipalities to provide guidance for future growth areas, development of policies that are mutually beneficial, facilitate joint economic development initiatives, and provide mechanisms for cooperation in delivering services.

Throughout the process of preparing the IDPs, landowners located within the plan areas, stakeholders and residents of the County, Beaverlodge, Hythe, Sexsmith and Wembley will be provided with multiple opportunities to share their input on land use policies, land-use concepts and their long term vision for their community.

More information will follow about the first round of landowner and public engagement, anticipated to begin in April-May 2018.

To learn more about the project and the purpose of the IDPs, visit engage.countygp.ab.ca or contact Planning & Development Services at 780-513-3950.

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Media Contacts:

Reeve Leanne Beaupre
County of Grande Prairie
780-814-3121

Mayor Claude Lagace
Town of Sexsmith
780-512-4904

Mayor Brian Peterson
Village of Hythe
780-228-0034

Mayor Gary Rycroft
Town of Beaverlodge
780-933-4954

Mayor Chris Turnmire
Town of Wembley
780-766-2269