The Land Use Framework - Regional Planning

Purpose of Regional Plans

Define regional outcomes (economic, environmental and social) and a broad plan for land and natural resource use for public and private lands

Align provincial strategies and policies at the regional levelDetermine specific trade-offs and appropriate land and natural

resource management for specific landscapes within a regionDefine the cumulative effects management approach for the

region and identify targets and thresholds

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Alberta Land Stewardship Act

The Alberta Land Stewardship Act was proclaimed to ensure that we have responsible, coordinated, long-term planning in the province.

Alberta Land Stewardship Act

Proclaimed October 1, 2009 Amendment of 27 Provincial ActsLieutenant Governor in Council has authority to:

Align planning, policy and decision making with that direction

Requires officials under other Acts to follow direction in regional plans and implement under their legislation eg. provincial departments, municipalities, boards (eg.

ERCB, NRCB, MGB)

Amended May 2011: Re Confirm Protection of Property Rights

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LARP is the first regional plan to be developed under the Land-use Framework.

Draft released August 2011

The Lower Athabasca Regional plan

The Canvas????

The Canvas!!!!!

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Regional Plans Consultations Sequence

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Strategic and Implementation Plan: Strategies and Actions that will be undertaken to

support achieving the Vision and Outcomes and includes indicators to measure and evaluate progress. (Policy Direction - must be considered by decision makers but not binding)

Regulatory Details Plan: Enables the achieving the strategic direction and

strategies and actions. (Is binding on decision makers)

LARP structure

1010

Six per cent of region conserved today – Wildland Parks.

New conservations areas would legislatively protect ~22 per cent or two million hectares.

Have minimal existing disturbance.

Managed to achieve the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecosystem processes.

Conservation areas

111111

9 new provincial recreation areas to be included in the provincial parks system.

Generally small parcels of land surrounding lakes or rivers.

Will help address growing demand for recreational opportunities in the region.

Will allow for future growth in the region and provide recreation opportunities such as:- campgrounds and boat launches; - motorized staging areas and trails;

- private sector lodges and cabins.

Provincial recreation areas

121212

Five areas chosen because of their unique features or settings for recreation and tourism sectors.

On a case-by-case basis, minimize negative impacts to recreation/tourism values (e.g., features, recreation/tourism leases and recreational settings).

Up-front planning and design could create better long-term opportunities for future recreation.

Public land areas for recreation and tourism

1313

Management Frameworks Complete:

Air Quality Management Framework for the Lower Athabasca Region;

Surface Water Quality Management Framework for Lower Athabasca River.

Approved approach with triggers and limits to be developed: Groundwater Management Framework for the Lower

Athabasca Region.

Approved for development: Updated Surface water quantity management framework

for the Lower Athabasca River by 2012; Biodiversity Management Framework and Land

Disturbance Plan by 2013 (green area).

Management Frameworks

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Bending the Curve

Time

threshold (limit)

Am

bien

t C

once

ntra

tions

Potential trend – no action

Potential trend – applicationof strategic actions

target

trigger(s)

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Concept of a Binding Management Framework in LARP Levels

NaturalConditions

Shift Away from Natural Conditions

Degradation ofNatural

Conditions

Approvals Implemented;

All Water, Wastewater and

Aquatic Ecosystem Policies Apply

Investigation of Cause and Risk;Development of

Management Options

Management Plan ImplementedLikely Effects

Ambient WaterQuality Limit

Most sensitive water use may no

longer be protected

Ambient Water Quality Trigger

Possible Effects

No Effects

Condition ManagementRisk

Early warning system

NaturalConditions

Shift Away from Natural Conditions

Degradation ofNatural

Conditions

Approvals Implemented;

All Water, Wastewater and

Aquatic Ecosystem Policies Apply

Investigation of Cause and Risk;Development of

Management Options

Management Plan ImplementedLikely Effects

Ambient WaterQuality Limit

Most sensitive water use may no

longer be protected

Ambient Water Quality Trigger

Possible Effects

No Effects

Condition ManagementRisk

NaturalConditions

Shift Away from Natural Conditions

Degradation ofNatural

Conditions

Approvals Implemented;

All Water, Wastewater and

Aquatic Ecosystem Policies Apply

Investigation of Cause and Risk;Development of

Management Options

Management Plan ImplementedLikely Effects

Ambient WaterQuality Limit

Most sensitive water use may no

longer be protected

Ambient Water Quality Trigger

Possible Effects

No Effects

Condition ManagementRisk

Early warning system

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Provincial and Municipal Alignment

Once Regional Plan is approved: Provincial Government Departments must

review and align their local planning and decision making within 2 years

Within 5-years municipalities must review and if required align their local plans

Questions

Website: http://www.landuse.alberta.ca