The Town of Bentley and Lacombe County are working together to encourage commercial and industrial growth opportunities in Section 23-40-1-W5M. The aim is to prepare lands for future development by providing critical information needed by potential investors who may be interested in establishing a business in the area near Bentley. This includes:
- Detailed plans for the types of land use that may be possible;
- Patterns of land use and future road connections; and
- Opportunities to access to municipal water and wastewater services.
The Project will create an area structure plan for Section 23. The process to prepare lands for investment also involves adjusting the Town boundaries to add commercial and industrial lands to the Town and cost and revenue sharing arrangements between the Town and County. On the page that follow you will find:
- Information about the background studies and materials that have been completed; and
- A draft land use concept and servicing concepts.
Why is the Project being undertaken?
In 2018, the Town and County adopted the Town of Bentley/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The IDP coordinates long term land use planning between the Town and County and covers expected land use patterns and future expansion/annexation by the Town. The Plan Area for the Project is identified for a combination of future commercial and industrial uses; some of which is to be developed as part of the Town and some within Lacombe County. The IDP speaks to preparing for the joint and cooperative development between the Town and County. (Click to see a copy of the Town of Bentley/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan).
The IDP was followed by the creation of the Town of Bentley and Lacombe County Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) in 2021. The ICF is an “umbrella agreement” that sets the stage for various sub-agreements between the Town and County to foster mutually beneficial development and delivery of services. It helps put the ideas of the IDP into action.
The Bentley-Lacombe County Joint Development Initiative builds on the work of both the IDP and the ICF. It seeks to create an overall development concept for the Plan Area that can be used to inform key decisions around:
Lands that should be added to the Town prior to development or developed in the County;
- Opportunity to extend municipal water and wastewater services to all or parts of the Plan Area;
- Coordination of shared infrastructure such as the road network and storm water drainage systems; and
- Arrangements between the Town and County for the sharing of costs and revenues as development occurs in the Plan Area.
The intent of the Project is to foster economic growth and development opportunities for the Town of Bentley and Lacombe County based on a solid set of plans and agreements.
One of the key outputs of the Project will be an area structure plan (or ASP) for the lands southeast of Bentley within Section 23. An ASP is a policy plan that, once adopted by a municipal council, provides a framework to guide future subdivision and development in the given area.
Materials to Review
Work on the Project to date has created background information and draft concepts relating to land use and how to service the Plan Area (Section 23) with roads, water, wastewater and storm drainage systems.
The Draft Southeast Bentley Area Structure Plan Background Sections can be downloaded here. This document summarizes many key factors that influence and shape the planning for the Plan Area (Section 23).
The Draft Southeast Bentley Area Structure Plan Concept Sections can be downloaded here. This document provides a drawing and text that describes the various land uses and road connections possible for the Plan Area (Section 23).
A summary of the Town of Bentley Southeast ASP Servicing Study can be downloaded here. This document contains the executive summary and highlights of a larger servicing study addressing the ability to service the Plan Area (Section 23) with municipal water, wastewater and storm drainage systems.
A summary of the Bentley Southeast ASP Transportation Impact Assessment can be downloaded here. This document is a summary of the study that looks at the road and improvements to five main intersections that will be needed to accommodate commercial and industrial development in the Plan Area (Section 23).
An updated Area Structure Plan, based on feedback received to date will be available by June, 2023. It is anticipated that further public engagement will be undertaken after that time. Stay tuned for further updates.
Want to discuss the Project?
You are welcome to send in your comments to us. If you wish to discuss your comments or have questions you are welcome to call. Emails and phone calls can be directed to:
Albert Flootman, RPP MCIP, Project Lead, Parkland Community Planning Services
403-343-3394
albert.flootman@pcps.ab.ca
The Draft ASP and other materials will be available for further public review in 2023. Dates for this part of the process have not been set. Further announcements on key dates and updated materials will be posted on this page.
