Why Update the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw

 

Town of Maple Creek experienced a 4.4% population increase from 2016 to 2021, which is indicative of a growing and stable community. While this is thrilling news, our Town needs to be prepared to address the anticipated challenges that accompany growth and continue to lead the charts of growth and development in southwest Saskatchewan.

Our current Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw were adopted in 2009 and 2011 and need to be updated. The new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw shall recognize the community's needs, meet all provincial regulatory requirements, and serve as the tools to move the community forward.

In Saskatchewan, The Planning and Development Act, 2007 enables municipalities to manage land use and development through the adoption of official community plans and zoning bylaws. In general terms, a municipality’s official community plan and zoning bylaw aims to meet the following objectives:

 

• Establish a framework for land use, growth and development for all parties to follow, thereby creating certainty for the future of the community;
• Set out a desired framework for development by defining goals, objectives & policies;
• Inform residents of a community about how Council intends to direct and manage the community’s needs and expectations;
• Provide opportunities for input by all affected interests in community planning;
• Clarify the municipal role in the development process;
• Guide Council in making municipal decisions; and
• Empower Council to enforce land use decisions and reduce land use conflicts.