A public hearing on the M.D. of Bonnyville’s draft Land Use Bylaw will be held on February 10, allowing residents to provide feedback before the bylaw moves forward.
The M.D. says while some amendments have been made since the last full review in 2017, a comprehensive update was needed to ensure the Land Use bylaw aligns with regional and provincial legislation and policies that have since come into effect.
The Land Use Bylaw establishes development and building regulations for every parcel of land through land use districts and zoning. It is the tool used to implement policies outlined in Intermunicipal Development Plans, Municipal Development Plans, and Area Structure Plans. The MD also says an updated bylaw will help address emerging trends and respond to development demands.
They hired Stantec Consulting Ltd. to help with he review and in April 2024 announced two open houses held in May to gather public input. Residents were also encouraged to provide feedback through an online survey.
Council gave first reading to the proposed bylaw in December of 2025. Administration advised at the time that public engagement has been conducted in person during the 2024 open houses and online through the survey.
According to the review report summary, all comments received during the two open houses and the online survey, 93 comments were relevant to the review and update of the land use bylaw. 24 percent of the comments focused on keeping of animals, the next recurring topics included 15 percent for beekeeping, 15 percent for solar panels and wind farms.
Rural lifestyle and sea cans were also prominent, each accounts for 14 percent of the feedback. Comments on residential development represented 12 percent, while those concerning setbacks, grading and landscaping accounted for four percent.
During the public hearing, members of the public may speak to the draft Land Use Bylaw and raise any concerns. Following the hearing, the bylaw will return to council for second reading, where potential changes may be considered.
The public hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. in the M.D. council chambers. Both written and verbal submissions will be accepted. Written submissions must be received by noon on February 2 to be included in the council agenda, and anyone wishing to make a verbal presentation must register by February 3.
