What is a Municipal Development Plan?
What is a Municipal Development Plan? Understanding the Future of Crowsnest Pass
Every municipality in Alberta is required to adopt and implement a Municipal Development Plan (MDP)—a long-range plan that helps guide how communities grow and evolve over time.
An MDP sets the framework for the future of municipal things such as:
- Land use
- Growth patterns
- Transportation systems
- Municipal services
It also ensures coordination of these areas with neighbouring municipalities, creating a more cohesive and sustainable region.
Beyond these core elements, an MDP may also address:
- Programs and financing for municipal infrastructure
- Social and economic development
- Environmental protection
- Municipal and school reserves
- Agricultural operations
- Conservation initiatives
- And other local priorities
At its heart, the MDP helps establish the policies, goals and objectives that shape the municipality's future.
The Crowsnest Pass MDP
In 2020, Council adopted the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Development Plan, a comprehensive document built through extensive consultation with the public, stakeholders, Council, and municipal staff.
The plan emphasizes efficient land use—a cornerstone of building a complete community. This means:
- Housing options for all ages and income levels
- Accessible employment opportunities
- A full range of local amenities and services
Together, these priorities lay the foundation for a thriving and inclusive Crowsnest Pass.
View the Municipal MDP here.
Stay tuned! Next week, we’ll explore the specific visions for each community in our municipality—and what those visions could look like in action.