District and Intermunicipal Planning

As Saskatchewan municipalities grow there is an ever increasing need for communities to consider how to facilitate the kind of growth that they want.  Increasing economic opportunities, an influx of new residents, greater demands on aging services, rising costs for new infrastructure and more interest in land development are just some of the issues that municipal councils are required to consider. 

District and intermunicipal planning consider broad issues that cross municipal boundaries.  Such as watershed management, utility servicing, economics, recreation, drainage, and transportation networks.  Intermunicipal planning is most effective when councils commit to the process, often by entering into an agreement.

One option under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 is for two or more municipalities to form a Planning District to connect neighbours and build on regional strengths.  The district planning commission, the advisory board for the Planning District, can address issues affecting the economic, environmental or social well being of member municipalities and can often act as a sounding board for councils. To address district planning issues, the participating municipalities create a District Official Community Plan and adopt local zoning bylaws to provide each council with the tools to coordinate new development and their infrastructure.  The District Official Community Plan allows councils to coordinate regional strategies to address economic development, social needs, municipal goals and servicing. The District Planning Commission can work together to strengthen local identities, manage environmental hazards, capitalize on economic opportunities and facilitate a resilient, attractive and prosperous region. 

These kinds of "big picture" results are possible when neighbouring municipalities work jointly to plan and develop their region.