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Following a multi-year collaborative process, including approximately 60 hours of community engagement and 20+ open houses and workshops, Parkland County’s new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) was adopted by Council following its third reading on February 25, 2025.

The MDP is a high‑level plan that establishes a clear vision for the County’s growth over the next 30 years. It sets future direction by identifying where different types of growth and development will occur, including residential, employment, recreation, and community service development. It also sets out policies to guide infrastructure, transportation, and environmental protection. 

A multi-phase, consultative process

The updated MDP reflects the outcomes of a Technical Growth Study and external and internal collaboration with the public, industry, agencies, interest groups, community associations and technical experts within Parkland County’s Administration. 
 
In phase one, a Technical Growth Study was conducted to analyze growth scenarios, which offered clear direction on areas of growth and areas of conservation.  

In phase two, new policies were developed to streamline processes. 

Throughout both phases, extensive engagement was completed to support policy development.  

Engagement for the project included the following events and public/industry input opportunities to address topics including growth opportunities, policy gaps and policy support, policy alignment, and policy education: 

  • 3 rounds of surveys 

  • 16 open house events, including a Cross County Roadshow 

  • 3 community workshops 

  • 3 industry workshops 

  • 2 chat with a planner sessions (virtual) 

Development of the draft MDP also coincided with the Land Use Bylaw ReDesign process to review conceptual schemes, master site development plans and redesignation of subdivision development permits, alongside review of applicable policies.  

Key updates to the new MDP 

Notable updates to the newly adopted Municipal Development Plan include:  

  1. The definition of six Shared Responsibilities that outline how Administration, industry and residents can work together:
    • Build safe and resilient places   
    • Protect natural functions 
    • Conserve agriculture 
    • Manage growth 
    • Deliver efficient infrastructure and services 
    • Support tourism and recreation
  2. A Decision-Making Framework tool that can be used by Administration and the public to set clear expectations on what is required to progress future proposed developments. 
  3. General agriculture policy updates to support the reduction of fragmentation and support diversifying agricultural operations for producers. 
  4. Strengthened protections for the County’s natural features and functions. 
  5. Alignment to the Land Use Bylaw ReDesign. 
  6. Strengthened policies to support economic growth, infrastructure and services to the key industrial and growth areas of Acheson and the Hamlet of Wabamun. 

Now adopted, the new MDP will guide growth for Parkland County going forward.  

Click here to read the adopted Municipal Development Plan in full. 

To find out more about the MDP update process, please visit yourparkland.com/mdp