FAQ's on new urban area development
Why are we planning for new urban areas?
We expect that within a decade or so, Sherwood Park is likely to be built out to the limits of its current boundary. This means that we need to look ahead at other areas in the County that would be suitable for urban growth. After a comprehensive review and consultation process, future growth areas were identified. These areas are the Urban Reserve, the Rural Urban Transition Policy Area and the Transition Urban Reserve Policy Area.
How soon can we expect to see construction start?
It is important to keep in mind that we are at the start of a long-term timeline. Providing a definitive timeline is difficult. Many factors affect the pace of development such as:
- How soon Sherwood Park reaches it's physical limits
- Cost and timing of infrastructure services
- Our population growth
Other factors include the stability and status of our regional and provincial economies. For Council, the first responsibility is the well-being of our citizens today. Any resources that are put towards new urban areas must be balanced against our current needs.
What are the next steps?
Further high level planning needs to be completed for each future urban area. This work will entail the completion of a growth management strategy to broadly set out how and when new areas will develop.
After the growth management strategy, more detailed planning (Area Concept Plans, Area Structure Plans) will be completed that will set out residential and commercial areas, amenities such as parks and schools, roads, interchanges and all of the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these uses.
Will there be further public input?
Definitely. As we begin planning the new urban areas, community input will be essential. There will also be input provided from other stakeholders such as the Capital Region Board. We will need to take into account regional plans and consult with neighboring municipalities.
How does the potential for an urban growth area affect me or my property today?
The Municipal Development Plan guides the future potential of these areas however, until the necessary planning has been done, the current land use regulations apply. The existing land use district will continue to provide the land uses and development that is considered today. To review the current land uses see the Land Use Bylaw.
What will the new urban area look like?
One thing that will set these new areas apart from typical urban development is the emphasis on sustainability. This means there will be a diversity of housing and employment opportunities that suit people of different ages and lifestyles. We will use technology to reduce energy and resources and provide an emphasis on the natural environment.
Currently we are using ideas like this in other projects such as Emerald Hills Urban Village, Salisbury Village and Centre in the Park. The sustainability practices developed in these projects will be applied in the new urban areas on a much larger scale.
What does creation of a "sustainable community" mean?
Sustainability for Strathcona County means developing in a manner that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development strikes a balance between economic prosperity, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. The County is committed to applying the principles and themes of sustainable development in our new urban area.
Quick reference links
Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
Land Use Bylaw
Emerald Hills Urban Village
Centre in the Park
Map - MDP Policy Areas (overall County)
Map - MDP Policy Areas (urban - Sherwood Park)
Further information
780-464-8080
planninganddevelopment@strathcona.ab.ca
780-464-8080
Last updated: Friday, May 13, 2011
Page ID: 2965