Wetlands on Your Land

Are you planning to subdivide or develop your land in the future?
It is important to understand that wetlands are protected under the Alberta Wetland Policy and the overarching Water Act.

What is a wetland?
The Alberta Wetland Policy defines wetlands as “…land saturated with water long enough to promote wetland or aquatic processes as indicated by poorly drained soils, hydrophytic (water loving) vegetation and various kinds of biological activity that are adapted to the wet environment.” It is estimated that Alberta has lost approximately 60 – 70% of the wetlands in settled areas and Parkland County has lost approximately 56% of its wetland area since the 1950s.

Why are they important?
Wetlands play an important role in improving water quality and quantity of water supplies, providing critical wildlife habitat, supporting biodiversity, recharging groundwater and reducing the effects of drought and flooding.

How do you know if you have a wetland on your land?
If you use the terms slough, swamp, swampy area, muskeg, low area or marsh to describe an area on your land, then you likely have a wetland. Water may not always be present in these areas due to natural fluctuations; however, they are still protected!

How can this impact your subdivision or development plans?
Upon review of your application, Parkland County may require the use of setbacks from or avoidance of wetlands. Land dedication or technical studies may also be necessary to protect these environmentally sensitive features.

For more information, please view our overview of Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds in Parkland County.