2021 DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’S ANNUAL REPORT

The MD of Wainwright had a prosperous year for development in 2021, despite the continued increase of construction costs and were fortunate to harbour some industrial green energy projects.  We issued 62 permits in 2021 with a total dollar value of $66,497,620.00.  A good portion of this total was from the battery energy storage system, power metrological tower and 22.5-megawatt solar farm which all bring diversity to the MD’s industrial tax base.  In addition to these industrial developments there were 3 permits issued for new and expanding gravel pits, 21 new and manufactured home starts, 18 shops and garages, 5 decks, a few residential solar power panels and 13 permits were issued for the Clear Lake area which included new cottages/homes, numerous shoreline improvements, decks, parking pads and some major earth work projects.

With the Provincial Government changes the MD of Wainwright no longer receives the revenue from oilfield drilling permits however; oilfield activity remained steady compared to 2020 with the MD issuing 14 new pipeline road crossings, notification of 7 new wells were received and numerous existing approaches, haul route and proximity permissions were issued for various reclamation and pipeline maintenance projects.

The MD received 18 applications for subdivision during 2021, and there was a total of 17 approvals issued.

Inspections Group Inc. continues to be the accredited inspection agency and sole provider of the Safety Codes Compliance Services within the MD of Wainwright.  All provincial regulations shall be adhered to and permits for building, electrical, plumbing, gas and private sewage disposal systems shall be obtained as required.  Contact Inspections Group Inc. at 1-866-554-5048 or obtain permit applications on their website at www.inspectionsgroup.com.

The MD of Wainwright would like to remind ratepayers that they will be updating their Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw this year so please stay tuned for upcoming opportunities for the public to contribute to these updates.  Please remember that development permits are not only required for building, but also for the change in use of land or buildings.  Clear Lake residents are reminded that any type of development, including grading of your lot and retaining walls, require development and building permits which could entail an engineered design.  All shoreline modifications must be approved by Alberta Environment.  If you have any questions regarding development, please contact our office at 780-842-4454.  Development permit and subdivision applications can be picked up at the MD of Wainwright office or downloaded from our website at www.mdwainwright.ca.

The MD of Wainwright continues to encourage development and we welcome the opportunity to discuss all new proposals.

Respectfully submitted,
Kim Christensen
Development Officer