Clearwater County council will be holding a Public Hearing to present proposed changes and allow members of the public to provide input into the updated draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP).

Officials say the MDP is a collection of policies that act as an overall “blueprint” for future land use and physical changes in Clearwater County. Officials add it provides a long-term vision of the type of community that county residents and ratepayers desire. From there, policies focus on topics such as land use, protecting the natural environment, economic development, infrastructure, and community amenities and services which provide direction on how to reach the vision.

Council granted first reading of the updated draft MDP Bylaw 1132/22 at their December 20, 2022 regular council meeting. County officials say this updated draft MDP was drafted over the course of two years of public engagement, and builds on multiple other studies, strategies and plans completed by administration over the past several years.

This updated draft version being presented for council’s consideration will replace the existing MDP that was adopted in 2010.

Council will be holding a public hearing on February 21, 2023, prior to granting second and third readings of the new bylaw.

Options on how you can participate in the upcoming public hearing include:

• Attend in person: any person in support or opposition will be allowed to speak for a maximum of 5 minutes (in accordance with the Meeting Procedural Bylaw 1080/19).

• Submit your comments: through mail or email to planning@clearwatercounty.ca by noon on Friday, February 17, 2023.

• Listen online: through Clearwater County YouTube Channel at the above mentioned time. This public hearing will be livestreamed and recorded. Please note the chat option will be disabled for security reasons.