City of Lloydminster and County of Vermilion River Adopt Joint Regional Growth Study
June 12, 2019
Lloydminster, AB/SK – The City of Lloydminster and the County of Vermilion River are advancing mutual long-term land planning with the approval of a new Joint Regional Growth Study (JRGS).
During their respective Council meetings earlier this week, both Councils voted to adopt the 2019 JRGS, a guiding document that includes beneficial growth scenario, informed by comprehensive planning and technical analysis, for the area in and around the City of Lloydminster.
“Both our municipalities are looking at a 35-year horizon and determining how we might best position ourselves for effective residential, commercial and industrial growth,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “The extraordinary spirit of collaboration among leaders at the City and the County has been beneficial to this process and we look forward to continuing a productive dialogue with our municipal neighbours.”
County of Vermilion River Reeve Dale Swyripa said residents, landowners and other key stakeholder within the proposed growth areas will have opportunity to participate in conversation around annexation and municipal development.
Over the next three months, the City and County will provide an opportunity for the public to engage with Councillors and Administration regarding growth for both municipalities.
“The overarching goal of everyone involved in this process is to set the stage for sustainable, mutually beneficial growth that enhances quality of life for current and future residents of this region,” said Reeve Swyripa. “Everyone at the table acknowledges the respective growth needs and are working collaboratively to accommodate strategic, achievable growth scenarios.”
The approved JRGS document may be viewed at www.lloydminster.ca or www.vermilion-river.com.
Background
The City of Lloydminster and the County of Vermilion Rover have been working toward a JRGS since 2015 through the Intermunicipal Annexation Negotiation Committee (INAC).
In April 2019, both City and County Councils approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Collaborative Intermunicipal Development Services, which allows for development to occur on lands located in the previously approved Intermunicipal Development Plan Area (IDP). Within the MOU, the County has agreed to support the future annexation of developmental lands in exchange for the City providing utility servicing. Each party also committed to further discussion on a new IDP and development of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement.
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Media Contacts:
Leo Paré
Director, Communications
P: 780-875-6184 Ext.2711
E: lpare@lloydminster.ca
Corinne McGirr
Community Development Coordinator
P: 780-846-2244
E: cmcgirr@county24.com
