Communities across the County of Grande Prairie are looking for public feedback on multiple plans meant to help them work better together. Four separate Intermunicipal Development Plans are in the works between the County, the Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe.
Open houses are being held in each municipality for land owners, residents, and business owners to give their thoughts on what the plans will mean for their long-term vision. County reeve Leanne Beaupre says the input is important to them.
“We strongly encourage community members join us at the open houses. Their input is essential in helping prepare IDPs that are truly reflective of each community’s needs, interests and future vision.”
That sentiment is echoed by the leaders of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley, and Hythe.
“It is important that the public understand and have a voice in our future,” maintains Beaverlodge mayor Gary Rycroft. “We hope Beaverlodge and area residents and businesses make it out to the open house as our
IDP with the County will affect our future for decades to come.”
“Sexsmith and area landowners, residents and businesses play a vital role in providing input on the future of their community, as the IDP created between the Town of Sexsmith and the County will help guide the future development of the lands surrounding the community,” says Sexsmith mayor Claude Legace. “Please come to make your views for the future use of these lands heard.”
“It is important when planning for future growth of our community that we have input from our residents as well as surrounding rural residents,” continues Wembley mayor Chris Turnmire. “I encourage all residents to come out to the open house and be a part of our IDP that is beneficial to Wembley and the County.”
“Village of Hythe Council hopes to see a good turn-out at the open house in Hythe,” adds Hythe mayor Brian Peterson. “Long-term planning is a significant part of Council’s mandate and key to the sustainable
growth of our community. We would certainly appreciate the community’s input.”
All Alberta municipalities that share a boundary with another have to create a joint IDP by April 2020. The open houses are scheduled for:
• Monday, June 11, 2018, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Hythe Legion
• Tuesday, June 12, 2018, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Beaverlodge Recreation Centre
• Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Wembley Community Hall
• Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Sexsmith Civic Centre
People who can’t attend can give feedback online through the project website.