Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks & Intermunicipal Development Plans Project
Project Description
The Alberta Government Regulates the operations of all municipalities through the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Recent amendments to the MGA required municipalities which share a common boundary to prepare Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) and Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs). The purpose of these Plans is to collaboratively plan and support sustainable development and service delivery to residents of Alberta municipalities.
A collaborative Initiative is has been undertaken by Leduc County and the Towns of Calmar, Thorsby and the Village of Warburg to respond to these new provincial requirements to prepare ICFs and IDPs. ICFs and IDPs have been prepared between:
- Leduc County and the Village of Warburg
- Leduc County and the Town of Calmar
- Leduc County and the Town of Thorsby
Download ICF
Download IDP
What is an ICF?
An lntermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) is a tool to facilitate cooperation between neighbouring municipalities to ensure municipal services are provided to residents efficiently and cost-effectively. ICFs reinforce existing collaborations and formalize a process for municipalities to work together. Areas of municipal operation which benefit municipalities should be considered, and include at minimum:
- transportation
- water and wastewater
- solid waste
- emergency services
- recreation
ICFs must also contain a dispute resolution process to manage disagreements arising from delivery and cost sharing of services after the ICF has been adopted. All municipalities party to the ICF must also have an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) that is compliant with the new MGA requirements.
What Is an IDP?
An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a collaborative land use planning process for identified lands of mutual interest between two or more municipalities. Objectives of IDPs include:
- ensuring that desired long-term growth and development looking 20+ years out is not compromised by land use and development decisions made today or by future municipal councils
- assuring residents that live within the Plan area of future development plans
- ensuring both municipalities agree with and abide by policy direction
- providing a dispute resolution process for disagreements on whether the proposed land use and development proposals are consistent with the agreed upon vision
Above is a map showing the IDP Boundary between Leduc County and Warburg.
Having an IDP and ICF in place provides clarity for businesses and residents regarding potential future land uses, and contributes to the Village's supportive business environment.