Richard Froese
South Peace News

Objectives and policy have been set in the Big Lakes County draft municipal development plan.
The plan sustains the county in various sectors:
Agriculture

* Support the long term viability of the agricultural industry in the county.
* Minimize the loss and fragmentation of prime agricultural lands.
* Responsibly guide development of non-agricultural uses within agricultural areas to reduce conflicts.
Parks, Trails and Recreation

* Maximize county recreation opportunities and promote economic opportunities related to tourism growth.
* Increase public access to Lesser Slave Lake.
* Accommodate diverse recreational needs of the county.
* Encourage partnerships and collaboration to improve operations and maintenance.
Housing

* Regulate and direct development of new residential subdivisions to areas that accommodate municipal servicing.
* Provide a variety of residential forms and types to meet the needs of the county’s population.
Commercial

* Facilitate commercial sector growth that supports both local and regional markets.
* Encourage commercial development in hamlets.
* Support the development of highway commercial nodes.
Industrial

* Reduce conflict of industrial land use with non industrial.
* Support a variety of industrial uses.
* Accommodate and encourage industrial uses that support existing industry[oil and gas, forestry].
Hamlets

* Support hamlets as the preferred location for residential growth in the county, including affordable and seniors’ housing.
* Encourage economic vitality and social well-being within hamlets.
Economic development and tourism

* Broaden the range of commerce and trade opportunities.
* Strengthen employment opportunities and attract new investment.
* Facilitate growth and management of tourism.
Natural environment

* Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas.
* Promote environmental stewardship.
* Mitigate the risks of hazard lands on development.
Transportation and infrastructure

*Maintain and expand transportation infrastructure.
* Manage development near rail and airports.
* Encourage co-ordination and collaboration between jurisdictions and private sector to facilitate safe and efficient connectivity and movement of goods and people.