Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA) Open House and Final Steps

Over the last two years, the ESA project has identified those areas of Red Deer County that are vital to long-term protection of our land and water.  Working with the public, the County’s ESA team has helped to develop workable policies that respect landowners as the primary stewards of the land and also protect the environment for future generations.  We would like to thank everyone who attended the final Open House on December 13, 2011, attended by 24 County residents.

What Does This Mean For Me?
Environmentally significant areas (ESAs) policies will not dictate how producers will farm or ranch their land.  Nor will existing developments and land use practices be affected by the proposed ESA policies.  Land use changes and new developments, however, may require an environmental review in order to ensure that they are appropriate within the ESA(s) as these areas are vital to the long-term protection of land and water in the County. 

Next Steps
-  January 24, 2012 - Preliminary presentation of the Inventory and the proposed MDP amendments to Council (note this will be for information only)
-  Early 2012 – ESA policies will be incorporated verbatim into the draft 2012 Municipal Development Plan (MDP)
-  Mid to Late 2012 – ESA policies will become law as the 2012 MDP is adopted.
-  Late 2012 - Staff will undertake the process necessary to update land development regulations, as directed by the MDP.

Please view copies of the ESA Inventory and the draft Municipal Development Plan policies documents on the Planning and Development Services' Projects and Studies page. You can also view them at the following locations, until the end of February:

Note: Hours of operation may be subject to change.