Alberta's Land-use Framework
Tar sands, parks, clear-cuts, farms… how will we use our land and water?
Planning how to use Alberta's land and water
In December 2008 the Government of Alberta released the Land-use Framework. The proposed framework is to balance Alberta's growing economy "with Alberta's social and environmental goals."
Time for change: ‘Business as usual’ no longer an option
There is now a broad consensus among Albertans that the current system of land-use planning is broken. A survey of over 3,000 concerned Albertans indicated their top three concerns were:
- The failure to consider the combined (or cumulative) effects of land-use activities;
- Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat;
- Failure to consider the impacts on water supply during land-use planning.
In this same survey, 95% of respondents said the government must establish new approaches to land use; 80% said they would be willing to set limits for growth and resource development.
Land Use Planning Regions
The land use framework divides the provice into 7 regions (see map). Land use plans will be developed for each region. Planning for the Lower Athabasca Region and the South Saskatchewan Region is currently underway.
Shaping the Landscape in Northeast Alberta
The Lower Athabasca Land Use Plan
The first of seven land use plans that will be undertaken in Alberta is the plan for the Lower Athabasca Region. On August 26, 2010 the government released their draft plan. It suggests protecting only 20-32% of the area from industry. Far more protection is needed for endangered caribou, ecosystems, and public use.
The deadline for public input is October 8, 2010. Please sign the petition.
More...
- To read the LUF go to: www.landuse.alberta.ca
- CPAWS In-depth view of the LUF click here
- Independent LUF website: Alberta By Design
