While the RM has adopted a number of forward-looking policies for asset management and the cost-sharing of services and development attraction, there is a need for a formal review of the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, which have not been updated since their adoption in 2011. A more up-to-date comprehensive development and planning policy framework is necessary to reflect a unified vision of the community and to guide the municipality forward.

The new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw shall recognize the current and future community’s needs, meet all provincial regulatory requirements, and serve as the growth framework for the community.

In Saskatchewan, The Planning and Development Act, 2007 enables municipalities to manage land use and development through the adoption of official community plans and zoning bylaws. In general terms, a municipality’s official community plan and zoning bylaw aims to meet the following objectives:

• Establish a framework for land use, growth and development for all parties to follow, thereby creating certainty for the future of the community;
• Set out a desired framework for development by defining goals, objectives & policies;
• Inform residents of a community about how Council intends to direct and manage the community’s needs and expectations;
• Provide opportunities for input by all affected interests in community planning;
• Clarify the municipal role in the development process;
• Guide Council in making municipal decisions; and
• Empower Council to enforce land use decisions and reduce land use conflicts.