Planning and Development

Morinville carefully guides development and land use to ensure functionality, liveability and sustainability. This process is governed by federal, provincial and municipal statutes, and guided by community input.

In order for a community to be a safe, healthy and productive, certain rules, regulations and standards must be followed. Morinville’s Planning Development and Land Use policies ensure that growth and development take place in a way that respects the rule of law and the community’s decisions about how Morinville should grow.Land use planning in Alberta must follow plans and regulations at both the provincial and municipal levels of government. Planning decisions are informed by a hierarchy of planning documents, the multiple documents provide guidance and direction

The Municipal Government Act

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the enabling legislation for all municipalities and their operations in Alberta. Part 17 of the MGA provides legislation for all planning in the province from the intermunicipal level, down to the details of development permitting, this legislation guides the municipality in the must haves and the can haves. The legislation requires statutory and non statutory documents, but each community has the right to plan and interpret their places and spaces to fit their needs and wants. But does ensure safety and community and public health are top considerations.

The Alberta Land Stewardship Act, Land Use Framework and Regional Plans

In 2009 the Stelmach Government enacted the Alberta Land Stewardship Act and the Land Use Framework (2008). This legislation provided additional guidance, particularly around environmental and water resource considerations in Alberta. The Province was split into seven (7) different planning regions based around the natural watershed systems. These basins include the Lower Athabasca, Lower Peace, Red Deer, South Saskatchewan, Upper Athabasca, Upper Peace and the North Saskatchewan which Morinville is included in – this plan is currently in development by the Land Use Secretariat.

The Edmonton Metropolitan Region Growth Plan (EMRGP) lays out policies for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.

Dissolution of the EMRB

On November 22, 2024, the Government of Alberta informed the EMRB that its funding would not be renewed in Budget 2025. Further to that, the government announced that membership would be voluntary moving forward. This unexpected decision necessitated action by member municipalities, which held discussions and voted on future participation. Member municipalities voted to not participate in a voluntary growth management board (EMRB) going forward.

As a result, on January 23, 2025, the Board of the EMRB voted unanimously in favour of a motion to wind down the operations of the EMRB by March 31, 2025. The Minister of Municipal Affairs has endorsed this decision. 

Consequently, on February 18, 2025, the Regional Evaluation Framework process was repealed through Ministerial Order MSD:016/25 suspending the requirement for EMRB members to submit new or amended statutory plans to the EMRB for approval.

On April 1, 2025, the Government of Alberta repealed the EMRB Regulation, effectively dissolving the organization. 

EMRB members are committed to moving forward together. How that will look may be a little different, but the shared direction—building a globally competitive Region that offers an unparalleled quality of life—will remain the same.

Below lists the Town of Morinville's land use planning documents:

Municipal Development Plan

The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires each municipality to have a Municipal Development Plan (MDP). The MDP is an important municipal-wide policy document which outlines long-term policy direction for growth and development. It must conform to the Municipal Government Act. The MDP addresses future land use and development within the municipality and coordinates land use, future growth patterns, transportation systems, municipal services and facilities within the municipality as well as other infrastructure that relates to adjacent municipalities.

Area Structure Plan(s) & Area Re-development Plan(s) 

Area Structure Plans (ASPs) plan new neighbourhoods in undeveloped (green field) areas. They contain policy direction for land use, density, transportation, servicing, parks, commercial and industrial activities, sequence of development, and more.

A municipal council has the option to adopt an ASP to provide a framework for developing a specific area within the municipality. An ASP must describe the proposed development sequence, proposed land uses for the area, proposed population density of the area, and the general location of major transportation routes and public utilities.  Morinvilles ASP’s are:

• The Champagne District ASP
• Coal Creek ASP
• Coeur de Morinville ASP
• Juniper Heights ASP
• South Business Commercial ASP
• South Glens ASP
• Westmore Development Park ASP
• Westwinds ASP

Conceptual Schemes

Morinville also uses a type of land use plan called Conceptual Schemes. These documents are recognized by the MGA as a land use plan that sets out the development for an area smaller than what would be considered in an Area Structure Plan but are not approved through a formal Public Hearing. Morinville has two (2) Conceptual Schemes: 

• Meadows of Morinville Conceptual Scheme
• Morinville 10 Acre Site Conceptual Scheme

The MGA requires Morinville to have a Land Use Bylaw. The LUB outlines land use districts (zones) that allow several types of land uses and have different rules.

This document of rules and regulations is used to implement policies within statutory plans. The LUB outlines different categories of land uses throughout the municipality, called districts.

Each district identifies compatible land uses and activities and has standards for lot size, building type and height, building setbacks, site coverage, densities, parking, landscaping, signage, and other elements of the built form. These standards provide for the amenity and safety of the area, and keep the location and form of physical development compatible.

The Subdivision and Development webpage provides further information for applications, licences, permits, agreements and other development service documentation. 

The Town of Morinville’s planning policies ensure detailed guidance and direction for current and future development. These policies support one another and higher-level planning documents and Bylaws.

The following are the Town’s planning policies published in accordance with the requirements of the MGA:

• Municipal Naming Policy
• General Terms of Reference for the Preparation of Area Structure Plans and Conceptual Schemes 
• Historic & Cultural Heritage Policy
• Land Management Framework 
• Sustainable Growth

Stay tuned - for a list of current planning projects 

View current public engagement opportunities. 

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