COMMUNITY PLANNING

Planning is not just about the use of land but also the social, economic and environmental components of a community.  Planning documents help communities create a vision for the future and identify the steps needed to achieve that vision.  District Planning is one method of dealing with issues that cross municipal boundaries. The Calling Lakes Planning District Commission is developing a District Official Community Plan that will provide a coordinated approach for regional growth within the area.  The Planning and Development Act, 2007 sets out the Planning Districts responsibilities and also establishes the scope of the District Official Community Plan, individual Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws.

Calling Lakes District Plan

Land Use Policy Map

Recreation Map

Qu'Appelle Lakes Flood Risk Mapping - Echo Lake

Qu'Appelle Lakes Flood Risk Mapping - Katepwa Lake

Qu'Appelle Lakes Flood Risk Mapping - Mission Lake

Qu'Appelle Lakes Flood Risk Mapping - Pasqua Lake

 

Community Planning FAQ

What is an objective?

A statement that identifies a short-term, measurable step within a designated period of time that is moving toward achieving a long-term goal.

What is a policy?

A policy is a course of action or steps that will be taken in order to achieve objectives.

What is Land Use Planning?

The Canadian Institute of Planners defines planning as “the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities”.

Planning is not just about the use of land but also the social, economic and environmental components of a community.  Planning documents help communities create a vision for the future and identify the steps needed to achieve that vision.  District Planning is one method of dealing with issues that cross municipal boundaries. The Calling Lakes Planning District Commission is developing a District Plan that will provide a coordinated approach for growth within the area.  The Planning and Development Act, 2007 sets out the Planning Districts responsibilities and also establishes the scope of the District Plan, individual Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws. 

What is a District Plan?

Under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, a District Official Community Plan is required for the area defined as the Planning District. The District OCP only applies to land within the area of the District. The District OCP is adopted by each participating municipality as the guiding document for land in the District. Each municipality is able to adopt, apply and manage their own zoning bylaw and permit development.

Source: Ministry of Government Relations: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/Oflficial-Community-Plan/Planning-Districts

What is an Official Community Plan?

An Official Community Plan is a statement from Council(s) to residents about what the municipality wants to do in terms of growth management. It is a living, breathing document that should be the “guide” for the community. The OCP includes the goals, objectives and policies for land use, subdivisions, services, green space and public utilities. It specifies what types of development are appropriate and under what circumstance to meet the vision and goals of the community. Objectives are the goals which a municipality or group of municipalities set out to achieve.  The policies are the specific actions that are needed to achieve the objectives that have been established.

What is a Zoning Bylaw?

The Zoning Bylaw is the legal and administrative means of implementing the policies of the OCP. It includes regulations for specific land uses and sets criteria and standards such as the aesthetics, location and even landscaping for certain types of development.With a Zoning Bylaw, a municipality is able to establish districts and categorize certain lands in zones, issue development permits, set conditions for certain types of development; provide clarity to Council, Administration, landowners, potential investors and also provincial agencies; and  create harmony between current users and future users.

What is a Planning District?

Planning Districts are a tool for managing the growth of a region using intermunicipal communication, collaboration, capacity building and dispute resolution. By utilizing the strengths of the region, a Planning District can improve the quality of service to its residents.

Planning Districts are governed by an advisory District Planning Commission (DPC). The DPC is composed of representatives from each of the participating members of the Planning District. It may also include jointly appointed representatives from the community, a government agency, neighbouring First Nation or Métis communities, or other interest groups. The DPC is responsible to prepare the district official community plan and amendments for each councils’ consideration and review and advise each council on zoning bylaw amendments and development proposals.

Source: Ministry of Government Relations: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/Oflficial-Community-Plan/Planning-Districts

Did You Know?

The Calling Lakes District covers the boundaries of six municipalities: the RM of North Qu’Appelle, Town of Fort Qu’Appelle, Village of Lebret, and Resort Villages of Fort San, B-Say-Tah and District of Katepwa, however, the Commission includes a number of additional partners and stakeholders.

What is a Region?

A region is a more general term used to signify a larger and broader area.  When referring to a region, it is important to think outside of the Planning District’s definable area that is identified by specific municipal boundaries.

More information on Land Use Planning in Saskatchewan:

Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Government Relations -Community Planning Branch:
District and Intermunicipal Planning: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/Programs-Services/Community-Planning/District-Intermunicipal-Planning
Planning and Development Act, 2007: http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/English/Statutes/Statutes/P13-2.pdf

For more information about planning please contact our community planners or visit www.sarm.ca

Autumn Dawson - Planner
761-3728
adawson@sarm.ca
 
Robin Baxter - Planner
761-3734
rbaxter@sarm.ca