MD OF BIGHORN – As the MD begins to review its Municipal Development Plan (MDP), it is looking to residents to provide their own thoughts on the direction they want to see the MD move towards.
To that end, a series of visioning sessions will be held throughout the MD.
“The visioning process is an essential foundational step in the MDP revision work,” said Peter Sholz, director of planning services. “It functions much like the project charter or terms of reference for the remainder of the MDP.”
The MD of Bighorn MDP was adopted in 2012 and as new challenges arise, it requires updating to address these changes. A review of the MDP provides the opportunity for public engagement from residents, stakeholders and government agencies.
“The goals of the visioning sessions are to get a clear understanding of what residents and ratepayers see as the preferred long-term outcomes for their communities, without delving into the ‘how’,” said Sholz. “The visions' statements give staff the 'what' as they can figure out the option on ‘how’.”
Multiple consultations will be held in 2022 and 2023, beginning with the visioning sessions.
“I hope we get a renewed sense of what the community is looking for,” said Reeve Lisa Rosvold. “What our residents are looking for, coming from the conversations the visioning sessions will invoke.”
The first two visioning sessions were held at council chambers on Oct. 5, and at the Beaupre Community Hall on Oct. 11.
Residents are requested to RSVP but this is not required to attend a visioning session.
As for how long before residents can see the revised MDP, it will be upwards of one year.
“A firmer project management schedule can be derived after the visioning sessions are complete,” Scholz said. “Staff will then be able to assess how significant will be the modifications to the MDP requested by the public. At this stage, mid-2023 is anticipated.”
“I hope that [the MDP] is an honest reflection on what those high-level goals are coming from our residents,” said Rosvold.
The next visioning sessions will be held at the following from 6 to 9 p.m.:
- Oct. 13: Jumpingpound Hall
- Oct. 17: Harvie Heights Community Hall
- Oct. 25: One98Eight Restaurant
- Nov. 2: Ghost (Benchlands) Firehall
- Nov. 15: Water Valley Community Hall
