Residents of Wheatland County are being asked to share their thoughts on the direction the county should take.
On Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wheatland County Office, residents are invited to an open house to discuss the county’s municipal development plan.
“It’s a good opportunity for ratepayers to let us know what they think,” said Glenn Koester, Reeve of Wheatland County. “Anything that’s near and dear to their heart. What they want to see done and what they don’t want.”
The municipal development plan is a long range document that outlines the county’s land use strategies into a single framework based on the goals of the county residents and business needs.
The meeting will address topics such as protecting agricultural land, rural economic development, transportation, water and wastewater, financial sustainability, recreation, and community enhancement.
The current development plan for the county dates back to 2006. Since then, the county has been preparing new area structure plans and a growth management strategy, and the current plan no longer reflects the current Council’s vision and philosophy.
As a result, Wheatland County has contracted Dillon Consulting to help develop a new plan.
“Since then [2006], there have been more pressures for development. It’s time. The province recommends we do it about every five years. It’s something that helps keep us current and makes sure we’re doing what the ratepayers want us to,” said Koester. “We’ve been doing area structures plans of some of our hamlets and our growth management study. Now we have to get it incorporated into one document.”
The open house is only the first step of the process. More involvement from residents will be needed before the municipal development plan is made into a bylaw. It is hoped the bylaw will be ready by June 2013.
“Everyone is welcome to come down. We want to hear what people think is the direction the county should be taking,” said Koester.