Municipal Development Plan

Drumheller's Municipal Development Plan is Under Review!

The Town of Drumheller is working with Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) to update the Town’s Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 17.20 in collaboration with the Drumheller Council, staff and flood office.

The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a high-level plan that guides and directs future growth, land use and development towards the long-term goals of the community. The MDP considers the current and future needs of the community, including housing, commercial goods and services, transportation systems, economic development opportunities, and municipal services like parks and recreation/

The Municipal Government Act requires that all municipalities in Alberta adopt a Municipal Development Plan. It is an important planning document to ensure the safety of Drumheller’s residents, that growth and development are orderly and economical, and that the services provided meet the needs of its residents.

 

Why does this plan need to be updated?

Alberta municipalities typically do a comprehensive review and update of the MDP approximately every 10 years. The current Drumheller MDP Bylaw 17.20, prepared in 2020, has a central focus on flooding and flood mitigation initiatives. Recognizing the successes of implementing the flood program in Drumheller, which has entailed a greater understanding and management of the hazard and risk of flooding in Drumheller, land purchases, expropriations, and berm construction. In addition to these successes, several contextual changes and implementation challenges have emerged, including updated provincial flood hazard mapping and other areas where MDP policies are no longer realistic or functioning as intended, such as flood-related terminology, berm-integrated trail networks, and adaptive mitigation strategies. The Town also adopted a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2023.

This review and update is intended to help the Town revise the MDP so it continues to serve as a relevant and effective tool in guiding land use decisions, supporting long-term community goals, and coordinating development with municipal infrastructure.

Stay Informed

The MDP guides essential decisions that are made by Council and other decision-making authorities in Drumheller, such as the Municipal Planning Commission and the Development Officer. Input from the public in preparing an update to the MDP is key to ensure it meets the needs of Drumheller residents and business owners. You can get involved by reviewing the MDP Amendment Bylaw 26.25, attending the public hearing or submitting written comments, and asking questions when you need more information.

  • MDP Amendment Bylaw 26.25
  • Redline Version – Amended MDP 17.20
  • No Redline – Amended MDP 17.20

The proposed MDP Amendment Bylaw will take effect after three readings of the bylaw, with a public hearing held prior to the second reading. First reading of the MDP amendment bylaw will occur on July 7, and the public hearing will be held on August 11, 2025.

To learn more about public hearings, or to register, please visit www.drumheller.ca/your-municipality/public-participation/public-hearings

Who is Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS), and why is PRMS involved?

PRMS was formed when the Province disbanded Regional Planning Commissions in the mid-1990s. It is a not-for-profit organization owned by its member municipalities, which serve as its shareholders. PRMS provides planning, subdivision, mapping and safety codes (i.e. building code) services to its member municipalities. PRMS has been providing these services to the Town of Drumheller for many years.

For more information about PRMS, please visit palliserservices.ca

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