The hierarchy of documents within the Village of Barnwell’s land use planning framework is established by the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The MGA requires each level of planning to be consistent with the levels above and below it, and allows policies or regulations at higher levels to be implemented through decision-making at lower levels. The MGA provides the legislative authority for municipal land use planning, while the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) regional plan—or Provincial Land Use Policies where no regional plan exists—sets broad policy direction and principles. These are implemented through statutory plans, including Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) for lands at municipal boundaries, the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for the Village as a whole, and Area Structure Plans (ASPs) for smaller areas in greater detail.
The Land Use Bylaw regulates land use and development in accordance with statutory plan policies, while the Subdivision and Development Regulation governs subdivision planning in conjunction with the MGA, statutory plans, and the Land Use Bylaw. Other policies, bylaws, and supporting documents establish additional or more specific requirements for reviewing and deciding on development permit and subdivision applications, either generally or for particular types or locations of development. Where a conflict or inconsistency exists between planning documents, the higher-level document prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.
Municipal Government Act (MGA)
In Alberta, the Municipal Government Act (MGA) serves as the primary legislation that grants municipalities, including the Village of Barnwell, the authority to regulate planning and development matters. Through the MGA, Council and municipal administration are empowered to establish policies, prepare plans, and adopt bylaws that guide growth, development, and land use within the community.
Under the MGA, municipalities may adopt several statutory planning documents, including a Municipal Development Plan, Intermunicipal Development Plan, Area Structure Plan, and Area Redevelopment Plan, as well as a Land Use Bylaw. Together, these tools form Barnwell’s planning and development framework, supporting orderly and coordinated decision-making related to land use and development. The Act also provides municipalities with the authority to administer and enforce these documents, ensuring development occurs in accordance with approved policies and regulations.
Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA)
The Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) establishes a regional system for land use planning that supports the implementation of Alberta’s Land-Use Framework. Through ALSA, the Province provides strategic direction on current and future land-use objectives, including economic, environmental, and social priorities, while respecting private property rights. The Act encourages integrated and coordinated decision-making related to land, natural resources, human settlement, species, and the environment, and requires consideration of the cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes.
The Act divides Alberta into seven land-use regions, each intended to be guided by a regional plan. The Village of Barnwell is located within the South Saskatchewan Region. When adopted, the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan will establish high-level policy direction that must be considered and reflected in municipal policies, statutory plans, and land use regulations. As such, Barnwell’s planning and development framework is intended to align with provincial objectives and regional direction, ensuring that local land use and development decisions are consistent with broader provincial goals.
Land Use Policies
Alberta’s Land Use Policies were established under section 622 of the Municipal Government Act to provide provincial guidance for municipal land use planning. Introduced in 1996, these policies are intended to support consistency between provincial objectives and municipal planning initiatives, helping municipalities address land use matters in a coordinated and integrated manner at the local level.
The Land Use Policies set out broad, high-level principles to guide planning, subdivision, and development decisions across Alberta. They are intended to supplement the planning provisions of the Municipal Government Act and the Subdivision and Development Regulation, and municipalities are expected to consider and apply these policies when carrying out their planning responsibilities. Until regional plans adopted under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act come into force, the Land Use Policies continue to inform and support the Village of Barnwell’s planning and development framework.
Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation
The Matters Related to Subdivision and Development Regulation, enacted under the Municipal Government Act, provides detailed procedural and technical requirements that support the review and decision-making process for subdivision and development applications. The regulation clarifies where subdivision applications are to be submitted and establishes rules that guide how applications are evaluated by municipalities and other approving authorities.
In addition, the regulation sets out specific standards, conditions, and setback requirements for subdivision and development proposals located near certain types of infrastructure and land uses, including sour gas facilities, oil and gas wells (including abandoned wells), wastewater treatment facilities, landfills and waste management sites, and provincial highways. Provisions addressing variances and technical considerations are also included. The regulation further outlines training requirements for subdivision and development appeal board members and clerks. Collectively, these requirements inform and support the administration of the Village of Barnwell’s planning and development framework, ensuring that subdivision and development decisions are made in a safe, consistent, and legislatively compliant manner.
Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) & Agreements
An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a statutory planning document jointly prepared by neighbouring municipalities to guide land use and development in areas where municipal interests intersect. The purpose of an IDP is to promote coordinated growth, compatible land uses, and collaborative decision-making at and near shared municipal boundaries. IDPs typically include policies related to land use, environmental management, transportation networks, economic activity, and the coordination of infrastructure, services, and programs, as well as provisions for plan administration and amendment. All IDPs are required to align with applicable regional plans established under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act once those plans are in effect.
The Village of Barnwell shares boundaries and planning interests with adjacent municipalities. Where an Intermunicipal Development Plan is in place or developed in the future, it forms an important component of Barnwell’s planning and development framework by supporting intermunicipal cooperation and helping to ensure that development occurs in a coordinated and mutually beneficial manner.
Bylaw 01-16 Intermunicipal Development Plan
Bylaw 02-19 Chinook Intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
The Village of Barnwell’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is the primary long-range planning document that guides the physical, social, and economic development of the community. Adopted by Council pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, the MDP establishes a comprehensive policy framework to direct future growth, land use, infrastructure planning, and municipal decision-making over the long term. It reflects the shared vision of Council, residents, and stakeholders for the continued evolution of the Village.
The MDP envisions Barnwell as a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community that supports a high quality of life while accommodating appropriate growth and change. To achieve this vision, the Plan is guided by a set of core principles that inform municipal policies and actions, including responsible governance, environmental stewardship, efficient and orderly development, support for economic vitality, protection of community character, collaboration with partners and neighbouring municipalities, and the effective delivery of municipal services. Together, these principles express the values and priorities of the community and serve as the foundation for the policies contained within the Municipal Development Plan.
Land Use Bylaw & Amendments
Land Use Bylaw