This past spring, Lethbridge County’s Residential Strategy Survey provided feedback, which was compiled in the report What We Heard.
Some key themes that emerged from residents include:
- A desire to protect agricultural land and the rural character of the County
- Growth should be directed in the right places, such as adjacent to hamlets instead of on prime farmland
- Infrastructure should keep up with growth, with water access as a current concern
- Allowing more flexible property use, such as home-based businesses, hobby farms/small-scale agriculture, secondary and garden suites, and mixed-use opportunities
- Rules and regulations should be consistently applied, fair, and easy to navigate
The County also hosted workshops with developers, builders, and realtors.
Themes that emerged from these sessions are:
- Emphasis on the importance of collaboration, consistent rules, and streamlined processes
- Water access is a major barrier, and creative servicing solutions are needed
- Residential growth is concentrated near urban fringes, but complex jurisdictional issues slow projects
Despite coming from different perspectives, residents and the development industry shared relatively consistent messages indicating prime farmland should be protected, growth should be directed strategically, rules should be consistent and clear, adequate infrastructure needs to be in place, and flexibility around residential uses is important.
Planning and Development Manager Kaylyn Franklin said as there is continued growth, the County must move forward thoughtfully and with due consideration to the community’s needs.
“We must also equip the County with smart, sustainable plans that will serve us well into the future. Gathering feedback from residents and those involved in residential development is critical in creating these long-term strategies,” Franklin added.
This feedback will directly shape the County’s Residential Strategy, as County staff and Council will use it alongside technical analysis to develop policy recommendations, which are anticipated to be presented to Council in the fall.
“I think the most important part of conducting the survey and hearing from industry is knowing the County is listening. We’re open to feedback and ideas, and it was really validating to have so many people respond and being involved in the project,” noted Franklin.
According to Franklin, the strategy is in no way finalized. “We’re developing policy at this point and we’re always open to continuous improvement and feedback on our policy documents.”
“We’re always open to hearing from industry and people trying to build in the County. It’s helpful for us to have that continuous conversation and dialogue with our residents,” Franklin said.
For more information about the report, visit online at lethcounty.ca.
