Intermunicipal development plan

The City of Airdrie and Rocky View County are updating the intermunicipal development plan (IDP), which guides how we grow together along our shared boundary.

This plan helps answer questions like the following:

• What will be built near me?
• How will traffic and roads be managed?
• Who provides services like water, roads and utilities?
• How do we protect farmland and natural areas?

This plan guides decisions that affect daily life and long-term investment, including:

• Neighbourhood growth and nearby development
• Traffic and commuting routes
• Business and industrial areas
• Protection of farmland and natural spaces

By planning together, Airdrie and Rocky View County can grow in a way that is coordinated, predictable and sustainable.

An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a long-term plan (about 20 years) that helps neighbouring municipalities coordinate growth.

It sets direction for:

• Land use and development
• Roads and transportation corridors
• Infrastructure like water, wastewater and utilities
• Environmental protection
• How the two municipalities work together

It does not deal with:

• Individual development permits or site design
• Annexation decisions
• Detailed cost-sharing agreements

The current plan was adopted in 2001. Since then, both Airdrie and Rocky View County have grown and changed.

Updating the plan will:

• Reflect current growth and development pressures
• Reduce conflicts between different land uses
• Improve coordination on roads, services and infrastructure
• Provide more certainty for residents, landowners and businesses

The update is also required under Alberta legislation.

Land use compatibility

Plan for different types of development to work well side-by-side to help avoid conflicts between uses like residential, industrial and agriculture.

Infrastructure and servicing

Clarify who provides services, where and when. Infrastructure decisions shape how and where communities grow.

Transportation and mobility

Improve how people and goods move across boundaries as boundary roads and corridors often see the most pressure as communities grow.

Agriculture

Respect and support agricultural land while planning for growth. Agriculture is a key part of the regional economy and identity.

Environment and natural systems

Protect shared natural areas like waterways and open spaces. Natural systems cross municipal boundaries and need coordinated protection.