The Town of Westlock and Westlock County are undertaking a joint review and amendment of the 2019 Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP).

The IDP is a statutory plan that guides how both municipalities coordinate land use, growth, infrastructure, and development along shared boundaries.

This review ensures the plan remains current, coordinated, and aligned with today’s priorities.

The project is being completed collaboratively through a Joint IDP Review Committee, with support from Administration from both municipalities. At the conclusion of the project, an amended IDP will be presented to both Councils for consideration and adoption.

The review is being undertaken to:

  • Meet the review requirements outlined in the existing IDP
  • Reflect current growth patterns and development activity
  • Align with updated servicing and infrastructure considerations
  • Ensure policies remain relevant and effective for both municipalities

This is a routine review to maintain an effective and coordinated intermunicipal framework.

This project is a targeted review and amendment, not a full rewrite of the IDP.

The review is focused on:

  • Growth management and land use coordination at municipal boundaries
  • Economic development policy alignment
  • Transportation and utility servicing coordination
  • Referral triggers, timelines, and dispute resolution processes
  • Implementation issues identified since adoption of the 2019 IDP
  • Policy refinements and map updates to support future development

All amendments will remain consistent with existing statutory plans, including Municipal Development Plans (MDPs), Area Structure Plans (ASPs), and Land Use Bylaws.

What this means:

  • The overall long-term growth vision for either municipality is not changing
  • The project is focused on improving coordination, clarity, and implementation

The project is led by the Joint IDP Review Committee, made up of representatives (Councillors) from both municipalities.

  • The Committee provides strategic direction and oversight at key milestones
  • Administration is responsible for technical review, analysis, and drafting
  • Work is being completed using existing municipal staff resources

This approach ensures the project remains efficient, coordinated, and aligned between both municipalities.

This project is focused on technical review and intermunicipal coordination.

Information will be shared throughout the project to keep the public informed, including:

  • Project updates
  • Key milestones
  • Availability of draft and final documents

A joint public hearing will be held prior to adoption, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. This is the formal opportunity for the public to provide input on the proposed amendments.

The IDP Review will result in:

  • An updated and jointly supported Intermunicipal Development Plan
  • Clearer policies related to growth, servicing, and referrals
  • Improved coordination between the Town of Westlock and Westlock County
  • A stronger framework to guide future development and decision-making