Ponoka County Intermunicipal Development Plan Rescindment

Lacombe  County has rescinded the Ponoka County/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan.

Third Reading to Bylaw 1456/26 was given April 9, 2026 by Lacombe County Council.

What was the purpose of the Ponoka County/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan?

The Ponoka County/Lacombe County Intermunicipal Development Plan was created in 2020 to guide the future planning and development of lands within 1 mile of the intermunicipal boundary pictured below.

The Plan was created at a time when all municipalities with shared boundaries were required to adopt Intermunicipal Development Plans by the Municipal Government Act. 

Why was the Plan rescinded?

The Municipal Government Act requirement for municipalities with shared boundaries to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan no longer exists, and the bylaw to rescind the plan is a red tape reduction effort by the County.

Almost all of the policies outlined in this Plan are also included in the County’s Municipal Development Plan, and the County has adopted several other plans within the existing Intermunicipal Development Plan area to guide development in areas where future development is anticipated.

While the rescindment of the Plan would remove a policy prohibiting the development and expansion of Confined Feeding Operations within 1 mile from the boundary of Chain Lakes, County staff has adopted a 1 mile buffer around Chain Lakes, as part of the 2025 annual review of Lacombe County’s Municipal Development Plan. Additionally, the County will have the opportunity to comment on applications to develop and expand Confined Feeding Operations submitted to the Natural Resources Conservation Board.

For more information, please contact Planning Services:

Will Cebuliak, Planning Intern
Phone: 403-782-8389                                                 
Email: planning@lacombecounty.com

Attachments

• Final Bylaw 1456/26