Wheatland and Rocky View counties collaborate

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County is a step closer to formalizing a collaborative agreement with Rocky View County, overseeing around 68,000 acres in the shared border area between the two municipalities.

Both counties passed second reading of their intermunicipal development plan (IDP). The IDP must now receive approval by the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board – once that is received, the plan will return to both county councils for third reading.

The IDP is intended to foster a collaborative planning approach in the areas one mile from the shared border between the two municipalities, explained Stefan Kunz, senior planner with Wheatland County.

As per the Municipal Government Act, municipalities with a shared border may enter an IDP. These agreements can apply to a range of issues, including land use, transportation, environmental matters and conflict resolution, among others.

One of the main outcomes of the plan is more communication between each municipality, so if a development application is received by one county in the area, the other will be notified. 

The plan was developed by an intermunicipal committee consisting of two councillors from each municipality and administration staff. Residents were notified about the plan, but feedback was minimal, said Kunz.

The overall goal of the plan is largely focusing on conserving agricultural lands in the area, while still allowing for some development in accordance with each municipality’s planning efforts, said Kunz. This is despite there being little development pressure in the area currently.