The Town of Elk Point and County of St. Paul are partnering to develop an Intermunicipal Area Structure Plan (ASP). The ASP will guide future growth and development of lands located at the southern gateway to Elk Point, including lands in both the Town and County (see map below).
BUFFALO TRAIL SOUTH
AREA STRUCTURE PLAN
Introduction
The Town and County are undertaking a collaborative approach to address land use planning, engineering, and development issues, respond to market demand by providing the required land supply, provide a framework to address development proposals and land use concerns, create orderly and efficient development that meets municipal goals, and establish a framework to attract economic opportunities. The ASP is anticipated to take approximately one year to complete.
Community engagement will occur at major milestones during the plan development process. Plan area landowners, residents and other stakeholders will have key roles in the preparation of the ASP.
Where We Are Now
The County of St Paul (the County), Town of Elk Point (the Town) and ISL have completed a review of current Town and County policies, bylaws, prepared transportation studies and market analyses, and conducted environmental reviews to support the development of two Intermunicipal Area Structure Plans (IASP), one at the north gateway to Elk Point and one at the south gateway to Elk Point. In addition, we’ve had discussions with plan area landowners and interested parties to learn about their concerns and plans for the future to inform the development of the draft Buffalo Trail North IASP and Buffalo Trail South IASP.
We are now entering the final phase of the projects. Based on the background review and community feedback collected, the County, Town and ISL have prepared draft IASPs for both gateways which includes a development concept and policies that direct future development in the study areas.
Get Involved
Now, we want to gather your feedback to help us refine and finalize the IASPs.
Community Open House
We encourage you to attend the upcoming community open house to learn about the draft IASPs, ask questions to the project team, and provide your input.
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Seniors Recreation Centre, 5010 48 Street, Elk Point
Unable to make the open house? Share your feedback by completing a survey by June 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Area Structure Plan?
An Area Structure Plan (ASP) provides direction for long-term land use and infrastructure planning of a defined area. It is approved by the municipal Council by bylaw, and is prepared in accordance with Section 633 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The MGA requires ASPs to describe:
- the sequence of development proposed for the area;
- the land uses proposed for the area; and
- the general location of major transportation routes and public utilities.
Why is an Area Structure Plan needed?
The new ASP will provide detailed information relating to future land use, transportation, and servicing. The ASP will guide anticipated future growth, attract new development, employment, and increase and diversify the municipal tax base. The community engagement process will involve input from Plan area landowners, residents, and other stakeholders at key milestones throughout the project.
Does an Area Structure Plan affect my ability to continue to use my land as I am doing now?
The approval of the ASP will not affect current land use activities and does not affect your taxes. It only addresses future development over the long term.
If the ASP is approved, what happens next?
An ASP is a high-level land use planning policy document that provides a concept of how a given area can be comprehensively developed over time. Should the ASP be approved by Town and County Council, nothing occurs unless initiated by the landowner. Following approval of the ASP, if a landowner would like to change the current use of their land, they would likely need rezoning, subdivision and development permit applications, and associated detailed engineering studies that are prepared by developers for individual parcels. None of these more detailed plans are required unless the landowner initiates it.
Does the Town of Elk Point have any other ASPs?
No. However, the Town is currently preparing an ASP for the neighbourhood named Buffalo Trail North.
Does the County of St. Paul have any other ASPs?
Yes. The County has 3 ASPs (Lac Sante ASP, Garner Lake ASP, Upper Lower Mann Lakes ASP).
Contact
For any questions or comments about the Elk Point Intermunicipal ASP project, contact: