Town discusses Intermunicipal Development Plan
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Town of Strathmore Council discussed their Intermunicipal Development Plan Bylaw, 24-15, during the Oct. 2, regular meeting, which began with a public hearing before moving into its readings.
Following advertising of the bylaw giving notice to Strathmore residents, it was noted to council that one written submission in opposition had been submitted prior to the regular meeting.
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires all municipalities that are not members of a growth region that have common boundaries to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan.
Strathmore and Wheatland County both vacated the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB), being such a growth region, in March 2022, triggering the necessity to develop an IDP.
The deadline set for the Town of Strathmore to adopt an IDP has been extended by the Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs to Dec. 31.
Wheatland County Council and the Town of Strathmore council both adopted the same IDP document.
Town of Strathmore administration had recommended that council pass first and second readings of the IDP, with the third reading to be returned before council, Oct. 16.
Development of the IDP was broken down into six phases. The first of which occurred from September to October 2023, and focused on building an understanding of the interface between the town and county, as well as identifying the study area.
Phase 2, which occurred from October to December 2023, consisted of a technical analysis of the IDP study area in order to inform decisions regarding opportunities and constraints within the area.
Between December 2023 and January, public feedback was collected during Phase 3 of the IDP development. This included public engagement regarding findings from earlier stages.
During Phase 4, which operated from February to March, the IDP plan area was identified, policies were drafted, and a preliminary Future Development Scenario was prepared.
Public feedback was collected between May and June, which saw the drafted IDP shared with local residents. The plan was also circulated to referral agencies for a formal review. During this phase, a public engagement session was held in Strathmore, June 18.
Appearing before councils, the IDP is now in its sixth and final stage of development, pending final readings by both the town and county.
Following the public hearing, Coun. Denise Peterson motioned for council to grant first and second readings to Bylaw 24-15, being the bylaw to adopt the IDP.
First reading was passed unanimously. Discussion regarding second reading was differed to a later council meeting.