Land-Use Framework Meetings

Albertans' input needed to develop Land-use Framework

Public sessions across the province kick off May 14

Edmonton... Albertans are invited to give their input on the future of land use in Alberta through provincewide public sessions during the last two weeks of May.

The public sessions will seek Albertans' input on a vision, guiding principles, land-use issues of greatest concern, directions and outcomes. This will build on what the government has heard at stakeholder sessions.

In launching the public phase of the Land-use Framework, Sustainable Resource Development Minister Ted Morton encouraged Albertans to become involved. "This is your province and your opportunity to help shape how Alberta grows over the next 100 years," said Morton. "We need to find a way to better balance all the competing demands on the land."

The Land-use Framework will provide the context, overall direction and decision-making framework to govern and manage land use in the province. It will guide land-use decisions on all land, except federal such as national parks and Indian reserves. The framework is intended to meet Albertans' long-term social and economic goals based on good environmental management.

A resource publication, Understanding Land Use in Alberta and the Land-use Framework Workbook are available to all Albertans at a number of locations around the province, including all MLA constituency offices, most municipal and provincial/regional government offices, as well as online. Albertans can check the website at www.landuse.gov.ab.ca or call 310-4455 toll free to find the nearest pick-up location.

Albertans can participate by attending one of the public sessions or by completing a workbook questionnaire in person or online. Albertans' input will be used in the next stage of the framework development. The government's goal is to have a draft framework completed by the end of the year.

Completion of the Land-use Framework is a priority outlined in Minister Morton's mandate and is also one of the key actions identified under Premier Stelmach's plan to manage growth pressures. Other government priorities are to govern with integrity and transparency, improve Albertans' quality of life, build a stronger Alberta and provide safe and secure communities.

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Attachments:

Public information and input sessions on Land-use Framework in 15 locations across Alberta; Public sessions continue consultations on Land-use Framework; Land-use Framework Quick Facts.
Media enquiries may be directed to:

Annette Bidniak, Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton
(780) 427-8122


To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Backgrounder



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April 30, 2007

Public information and input sessions on Land-use Framework in 15 locations across Alberta

Edmonton... Albertans are invited to contribute to the development of the Land-use Framework at public sessions in 15 locations across the province in May.

The sessions will feature information displays on land use in Alberta. Government staff will be available to answer questions on the Land-use Framework process and land use. Participants will be given a package containing the resource book Understanding Land Use in Alberta and the Land-use Framework Workbook questionnaire to help them provide input.

The dates and locations are listed below.

Edson

May 14, 2 - 9 p.m., Weyerhaeuser Room
Edson Recreation Complex, 1 Golf Avenue

Wainwright

May 15, 2 - 9 p.m., Main Hall - Elks Hall
1499-1st Avenue

Peace River

May 15, 2 - 9 p.m., Ballroom
Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, 9510-100 Street

Lloydminster

May 16, 2 - 9 p.m., Crown Ballroom
Best Western Wayside Inn & Suites, 5411-44 Street

Edmonton and Area

May 16, 2 - 9 p.m., Trade Centre - Rooms A, B & C
Mayfield Inn & Suites, 16615-109 Avenue, Edmonton

May 17, 2 - 9 p.m., Royal B Ballroom
Best Western Sherwood Hotel & Conference Centre, 2100 Premier Way, Sherwood Park

St. Paul

May 17, 2 - 9 p.m., Multi-purpose Room
St. Paul Recreation Centre, St. Paul Recreation & Exhibition Grounds (50th Avenue and 55th Street)

Grande Prairie

May 23, 2 - 9 p.m., Richmond Room
2nd floor - Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, 11201-100 Avenue

Slave Lake

May 23, 2 - 9 p.m., Large Ballroom (upstairs)
Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, 1200 Main Street South

Fort McMurray

May 24, 2 - 9 p.m., Balsam Room
Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre, 530 MacKenzie Boulevard

High Level

May 25, 2 - 9 p.m., Banquet Hall
Star Dust Motor Inn, 9704-97 Street

Lethbridge

May 28, 2 - 9 p.m., Birch and Cedar Ballrooms
Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, 320 Scenic Drive

Medicine Hat

May 29, 2 - 9 p.m., Saamis C & D
Medicine Hat Lodge, 1051 Ross Glen Drive Southeast

Hanna

May 30, 2 - 9 p.m., Auditorium
Hanna Community Centre, 503-4th Street West

Calgary and Area

May 30 & 31, 2 - 9 p.m., Trade Centre
Radisson Hotel Calgary Airport, 2120-16 Avenue NE

Red Deer

May 31, 2 - 9 p.m., Monaco Board Room
Capri Centre Hotel, Trade and Convention Centre, 3310-50 Avenue


In addition to the public sessions, Albertans can provide input by completing the Land-use Framework Workbook questionnaire, available at a number of locations throughout the province, including MLA constituency offices, most municipal and provincial/regional government offices and online. Albertans can check the website at www.landuse.gov.ab.ca or call 310-4455 toll free to find the nearest pick-up location. The workbook can be completed in person or online.

The deadline for submitting the workbook is June 15, 2007.

More info here.....

www.landuse.gov.ab.ca:80/index.html