The Village of Empress

is nestled between the Red Deer River and the South Saskatchewan River, at the eastern edge of Alberta. There is a wild feel to this quaint village surrounded by expansive farms and ranches, pronghorns, coyotes and so many different species of birds. The recreation opportunities for adventurers and star-gazers are boundless. Come and see for yourself!

Land Use Bylaw Review

Village of Empress Land Use Bylaw Review

Update September 23, 2024

The Village of Empress has been working with Palliser Regional Municipal Services (PRMS) to update the Village’s Land Use Bylaw (LUB). The new LUB will replace the current version of the Empress LUB Bylaw 7-2013 with an entirely new bylaw.

What is a LUB?

A Land Use Bylaw directs the use and development of lands and buildings. By establishing land use districts (zoning), the LUB regulates the types of activities and buildings that can occur on any specific property. It also contains regulations, such as building height, maximum parcel coverage and building setbacks from property lines. The LUB is the tool that the long-term vision and goals of the Empress Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 2020-10) are implemented on a day-to-day basis. The purpose of the LUB is to enable development, while minimizing the potential impacts on adjacent neighbours.

What is the review process and the updated timeline?

The proposed new Land Use Bylaw was drafted by PRMS and Village Administration during the summer. Prior to presenting the draft LUB to the public, it will first be presented for information and comment to the Village of Empress Council at a workshop this October. Because of the by-election in early September, the LUB review process progressed at a slower pace than was planned for. Following the Council workshop, the draft LUB will be revised and will be made available to the public in late-October. Check the Village website to download a copy of the draft LUB. PRMS and Village staff will be present at an open house in late November 2024. A survey will also be conducted to obtain feedback on the draft. This feedback will be used to prepare a revised version of the draft LUB for Council’s consideration.

The draft LUB must be approved by bylaw, and a public hearing held before second reading of the bylaw. It is anticipated the new Land Use Bylaw could be approved and come into effect by January 2025.

How will the new Land Use Bylaw be approved?

Council is responsible to approve the new Land Use Bylaw by bylaw. The draft LUB will be presented to Council for the first of three readings of a bylaw and a public hearing will be held prior to second reading. Council can make changes to the draft bylaw at any of the three readings to address any concerns expressed at the public hearing or concerns of Council.

How can the public provide input to the draft Land Use Bylaw?

Residents, business and landowners are invited to provide feedback at the open house this November and the public hearing, likely to be held in December 2024 or early January 2025. The public hearing date will be advertised a few weeks in advance of the public hearing.

A copy of the Communication and Engagement Plan can be viewed here.