Alberta Record

· Order in Council / South Saskatchewan Regional Plan amendment · in-force

Incorporation of Upper Smoky Subregional Plan into South Saskatchewan Regional Plan

Amends the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) to incorporate the Upper Smoky Subregional Plan and its Regulatory Details. This extends the SSRP's land use management authority to the Upper Smoky subregion, an area previously outside th

High impactCentralization of powerInstitutional independenceMunicipalitiesThe public, directlyIndependent watchdogs

What changed

  • The South Saskatchewan Regional Plan (SSRP) is amended to adopt the Upper Smoky Subregional Plan and its Regulatory Details.
  • The SSRP's regulatory authority extends to the Upper Smoky subregion, an area outside the original SSRP planning region but within the Upper Peace planning region.
  • The Upper Smoky Subregional Plan and its Regulatory Details apply to the Crown, decision-makers, local government bodies, and other persons within the Upper Smoky subregional area.
  • The Upper Smoky Subregional Plan is designated as policy, while its Regulatory Details are binding.
  • The Upper Smoky Subregional Plan and its Regulatory Details take effect on January 1, 2026.

Why it matters

  • Centralizes land use planning by integrating a new subregional plan into an existing regional plan, expanding the scope of provincial oversight.
  • Extends binding land use regulations to a new geographic area, the Upper Smoky subregion, affecting various stakeholders including local governments and the public.
  • Establishes an interim regulatory framework for land management in the Upper Smoky subregion until a dedicated Upper Peace Regional Plan is established.
  • Reduces the discretion of local government bodies and decision-makers in the Upper Smoky subregion by requiring compliance with the new regulatory details.

Rights affected

  • Local self-government — The authority of local councils and boards to decide local matters.

Other governance concerns

  • Expansion of provincial regulatory authority into a new subregional area.
  • Binding nature of land use regulations on local government bodies and decision-makers.
  • Potential for reduced local autonomy in land use planning within the Upper Smoky subregion.

Primary sources (1)

Secondary sources (1)