Development permit applications saw a subtle decline throughout the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 (MD) for the 2023 year. The MD issued 35 permits in 2023 down from 44 permits in 2022. The dollar value of developments however, increased significantly at $308,489,803 up from $13,089,260 in 2022. The vast majority of this value is attributed to industrial development – more specifically Solar Energy. Comparatively, in the last 5 years, development permits have averaged 50 per year valuing $22,602,829.
The 2023 development permits included 8 single family dwellings with garages, 3 substantial additions to existing dwellings, 2 manufactured homes and 10 shops/garages/barns. A total of 4 permits were issued for the Clear Lake area which included new cabins/dwellings and retaining walls/sheds. Three permits were issued for a 200 MW Solar Power Plant. It is noted that these permits were all issued for the same project but issued to each independent landowner. Five additional permits were issued for other or accessory uses and included roof mounted solar panels, sea cans, a perimeter fence for the Wainwright Landfill and a 6-unit residential multiplex.
Applications for subdivisions declined from 13 in 2022 to 6 in 2023. 6 subdivision approvals were issued in 2023, down from 15 in 2022.
After extensive public consultation and engagement, the MD adopted Municipal Development Plan No. 1694 and Land Use Bylaw No. 1695 on June 20, 2023. It should be noted that development permits are not only required for construction, placement, replacement, repair, or addition to a building, but also for demolition. When there is a change in use of land or buildings, including changes in intensity of use of land or buildings, a development permit is necessary. This includes any excavation or stockpiling activities.
Clear Lake residents are reminded that any type of development, including grading of your lot, extensive landscaping, and retaining walls, require development permits and may entail an engineered design or geotechnical report. All shoreline modifications must be approved by Alberta Environment: Forestry and Parks.
Development permit and subdivision applications can be picked up at the MD Administration office or downloaded from our website at www.mdwainwright.ca. If you have any questions regarding development, please contact our office at 780-842-4454.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Director of Development Services