In accordance with MD of Peace No. 135 Fire Protection Bylaw 6/2025 section 12, and under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, a Fire Control Order is now in effect for lands within MD of Peace No. 135 Jurisdiction located outside the Forest Protection Area.
2025 Municipal Development Plan (MDP) Refresh Survey
The Municipal District of Peace No. 135 is in the process of developing a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP). The goal of the project is to develop a plan that reflects the current socio-economic, environmental, and cultural conditions and aspirations of the M.D.
A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is essentially a blueprint for how the Municipal District will evolve, thrive, and grow over the next 10 to 20 years. The MDP is the primary, long-range, comprehensive municipal planning document. The MDP sets the future direction for the community and provides a framework for decision-making on land use planning and other matters. A MDP is required under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act and must address specific issues defined by legislation.
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The current MDP was adopted by the Council in 2009. Since then, the Municipal District has witnessed several changes in its population composition, housing, physical environment, land use, growth patterns, and other areas. Some of these changes reflect the vision, policies, and goals contained in the current MDP, while others do not. Changes in Council has also underscored the need for a new community vision. These and other factors have, therefore, necessitated the need for a new MDP.
The process of developing the new MDP provides an opportunity to reset the vision and direction for the community, taking into account emerging community needs, issues, concerns (such as climate change, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness), challenges, opportunities, priorities, and aspirations.
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The plan preparation is being anchored on a people-first, community-centred approach that recognizes the important role of residents and other stakeholders as key actors, both in the development and implementation of the plan.
Having a new MDP will, among others, help:
Define how the MD will grow and look like within the next 10 to 20 years, impacting how residents live and work;
Identify and capitalize on our strengths and opportunities, while adapting to our weaknesses and challenges;
Understand and address the concerns and priorities of residents, farmers, businesses, and other groups;
Promote economic development by improving and diversifying our local economy;
Showcase and preserve our cultural heritage, recreation, and natural assets, attracting new residents and businesses;
Ensure a more efficient, responsible, and sustainable growth and land use planning, balancing the different needs of the community today, while protecting the needs of future generations;
Preserve our agricultural land base, contributing to food security;
Improve the relationship between residents and the municipal government; and
Ensure overall community wellbeing.
Following is a summary of the key phases and timelines associated with the MDP refresh.
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The community-centred approach to the MDP development is guided by the belief and understanding that planning, decision-making and implementation work best when they focus on the community, and respond to the relevant economic, social, cultural and context that shapes the community and wider region. The approach considers local values, opportunities and challenges in an intentional way.
Without the active involvement of residents and other local actors in the plan process, the MDP’s vision and policies may not fully reflect the desires and aspirations of the community, potentially rending the plan less effective.
There are a number of ways you can meaningfully engage in the MDP process as a resident, landowner, business owner, or stakeholder. The following are some of these:
Stay Tuned! Visit the MD’s website and social media page for information and updates on the MDP project.
Take the Surveys! One of the easiest ways to engage in the MDP process is by completing surveys. Surveys are short, easy to complete, confidential, and, by their nature, anonymous. They provide an opportunity to share your views and bring forward any of your concerns and suggestions, devoid of the “pressures” associated with group or public settings.
Print copies of the survey are also available at the MD Office in Berwyn at the following address: 5240 – 52 Avenue, Berwyn, AB, T0H 0E0. Please return completed surveys in person or by mail to the MD no later than July 23, 2025.
Attend Future Open House: Once the MDP draft is complete, it will be presented for public feedback at an Open House in the fall. The date, time and location of the Open House will be communicated in due course.
Contact the Project Coordinator: You can also reach out directly to the Project Coordinator at the contact below to ask any questions you have, or share your ideas, comments or suggestions about the MDP Refresh.
You can also reach out directly to the Project Coordinator at the contact below to ask any questions you have, or share your ideas, comments or suggestions about the MDP Refresh.
