Draft New Municipal Development Plan – March 17, 2023 Update

Open House Summary

Palliser and the Village of Carbon would like to thank everyone for their attendance at the Open House held on March 15, 2023. We had approximately 25 people drop in throughout the evening. If you were not able to attend, you can view a copy of the poster boards presented at the Open House here.

Carbon residents and businesses are encouraged to take additional time to review the new Draft Municipal Development Plan. Palliser staff remain available to answer questions and discuss any concerns of Carbon residents or business owners. You can download and complete a copy of the Draft Municipal Development Plan survey form here.

You can submit your written comments directly to Tracy at twoitenko@palliserservices.ca. You can also deliver your written comments to the Village office in Carbon. Comments must be received by March 31, 2023.

What are the next steps in the process?

Palliser staff will consolidate all comments and feedback received into a “What We Heard Report”. The report will be used to direct revisions to the Draft Municipal Development Plan.

How is the Municipal Development Plan approved, and when will it come into effect?

Council considers the approval of a Municipal Development Plan through three readings of a bylaw. A formal public hearing is also required after first reading of the bylaw. Council can make amendments to the bylaw at any of the three readings of the bylaw. The Municipal Development Plan comes into effect after it receives three readings.

The Village of Carbon is working with Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) to update the Village’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) in collaboration with the Village Council and its residents and businesses. The new MDP will replace the current version of the Carbon MDP Bylaw 2002-734 to ensure that the plan is up to date and meets the needs and desires of the community.

WHAT IS MDP?

The MDP is a high-level plan that guides and directs future growth, land use and development towards the long-term vision of the community. The MDP will consider the current and future needs of the community, including housing, commercial goods and services, transportation systems, economic development opportunities, and municipal services like parks and recreation.

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR CARBON?

The Village of Carbon is a safe, beautiful and welcoming community for residents and visitors. Carbon strives to be a forward-thinking and innovative Village with a bright future where businesses thrive, and residents experience a healthy quality of life.

WHAT IS THE REVIEW PROCESS AND TIMELINES?

The MDP review process will confirm the Village’s vision and explore the tools it needs to get there. The vision for the Village was created from the feedback received from residents during preparation of the Council Strategic Plan.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE CARBON MDP? 

• To develop and maintain a growth strategy and phasing for the Village that promotes efficient land use patterns and accommodates appropriate future land uses.
• To promote and improve existing developed areas within the Village.
• To encourage growth that promote a safe, livable and sustainable community.
• To develop, preserve and enhance the physical environment within the Village.
• To efficiently maintain and improve existing utility and transportation infrastructure, and to plan for future infrastructure needs to accommodate growth projections.
• To maintain a financially sustainable and viable community.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IN THE PROCESS?  

Following the open house, PRMS will compile all the concerns and comments received at the into a “What We Heard” report. This report will be made available to the public and used to make revisions to the draft MDP. The MDP will then be finalized and presented to Council for approval by bylaw. A bylaw to adopt an MDP requires three readings of the bylaw with a public hearing held prior to second reading of the bylaw.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? 

You can contact Tracy Woitenko, Senior Planner at twoitenko@palliserservices.ca or by phone at 403-854-3371.