PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BRANCH

Economic Development

With a contractor, Economic Development created three marketing videos to use in the #TakeItToTheLake marketing and advertising campaign. These videos received a national marketing award from the Economic Development Association of Canada.

Staff helped organize the Lac La Biche Museum and Visitor Information Centre Grand Opening.

The County hosted the Power Up North! Conference for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners with several regional partners. This event had more than 100 attendees. The County also hosted the Travel Alberta Experience Essentials workshop.

Economic Development completed the Lac La Biche Region Tourism Strategy and Product Development Plan and the Lac La Biche County Retail Gap Analysis.

offerings in our community.

With the Communications department, Economic Development completed the 2020 Visitor Guide to showcase the County as a tourism destination.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Services

GIS updated the County’s mapping tools to ensure that the data continues to be accurate.

Staff updated mapping in the Municipal Development Plan and began updates to mapping in the Land Use Bylaw. This work will ensure that the County’s two most important planning documents include relevant and accurate data.

Planning & Development

In 2019, the department processed 134 development permits and 33 subdivision applications. They issued 545 safety codes permits, ensuring that construction meets legislated standards.

Council passed the Land Sale Policy and Procedure. This policy will provide clear direction and guidance on selling County-owned lands in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.

Planning & Development hosted a planning café to educate the public on when development permits and building permits are required, how the application process works, and the importance of municipal and environmental reserves.

Staff coordinated with Transportation Services to install municipal and environmental signs throughout the County. The Sunset Bay and Young’s Beach areas are completed. The department completed the Main Street downtown trial in Lac La Biche, and compiled public feedback into a report for Council.

Planning & Development organized a survey and information session on the draft Environmental Reserve Bylaw. They prepared a report with public feedback for Council’s consideration.

Council updated the Land Use Bylaw with a variety of amendments throughout the year, keeping the Bylaw relevant and in accordance with the Municipal Government Act.