Growth is inevitable, especially in an area so rich in attractions and
resources and centrally located in the Calgary-Edmonton major economic
corridor. However, growth often creates conflicts over different
perspectives for proper land use.
Striking a balance between the needs of
a variety of residential, commercial and industrial developments with
agriculture, tourism, recreation, community well-being and the
environment is always a challenge.
Pre-planned utility and transportation corridors, growth zones, open
space and recreation need to be co-ordinated by the various
municipalities within our region.
Our sustained economic prosperity requires
intelligent growth which means efficient use of the land, water and air,
density considerations to preserve prime agricultural land and the
protection of wildlife corridors and natural areas.
Municipalities must
be diligent in their efforts to ensure that growth benefits a variety of
needs for both the present and future generations rather than short-term
gain for the benefit of a few.
Intelligent industrial development
includes projects that use renewable resources, reduce the dependence on
fossil fuels, have a minimal impact on the environment and are
beneficial to local communities. Biofuel plants should use feedstock
that does not reduce the food supply and generate a significant net
reduction in greenhouse gases.
Intelligent commercial development must not only meet the needs of
consumers but also be friendly and accessible to pedestrians and
preserve natural features. Shopping centres need to find ways to
minimize surface parking or at least make them visually attractive.
Intelligent residential development involves balancing higher densities
with green space in urban areas and establishing mixed use contained
neighbourhoods that reduce the need to drive everywhere in order to get
anything. Rural residential
development should be in clusters or growth hamlets to maximize
infrastructure and preserve agricultural land and natural areas.
Sustainable
Community
Pre-planned utility and transportation corridors, growth zones, open
space and recreation need to be co-ordinated by the various
municipalities within our region.
Our sustained economic prosperity requires
intelligent growth which means efficient use of the land, water and air,
density considerations to preserve prime agricultural land and the
protection of wildlife corridors and natural areas. 
Intelligent industrial development
includes projects that use renewable resources, reduce the dependence on
fossil fuels, have a minimal impact on the environment and are
beneficial to local communities. Biofuel plants should use feedstock
that does not reduce the food supply and generate a significant net
reduction in greenhouse gases. 
Intelligent commercial development must not only meet the needs of
consumers but also be friendly and accessible to pedestrians and
preserve natural features. Shopping centres need to find ways to
minimize surface parking or at least make them visually attractive. 