Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) Review

Project Update

The Town of Westlock and Westlock County are undertaking a joint review and amendment of the 2019 Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP).

The IDP is a statutory plan that guides how the Town and County coordinate land use, growth, infrastructure, and development along their shared boundaries. The review is intended to ensure the plan remains current, coordinated, and aligned with today’s priorities.

Current Status

The IDP Review Committee endorsed a draft amended IDP on July 28, 2026, and recommended that the draft be forwarded to both Councils for review.

Since then, the proposed amendments have progressed to the municipal approval process.

Westlock County Council granted first reading to a bylaw to adopt the amended IDP on September 22, 2026. Council also directed Administration to schedule a public hearing to receive input from County residents on the proposed amendments.

The Town of Westlock Council will also hold a public hearing to receive input from Town residents.

Public Hearings

Public hearings are an important opportunity for residents to review the proposed amendments and provide comments to Council before decisions are made on the bylaws.

Westlock County

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
11:00 a.m.
Westlock County Administration Building
10336 – 106 Street, Westlock, AB

This public hearing will provide an opportunity for Westlock County residents to provide input on the proposed amendments to the IDP.

Town of Westlock

Monday, October 26, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Town Council Chambers
10007 – 100 Avenue, Westlock, AB

This public hearing will provide an opportunity for Town of Westlock residents to provide input on the proposed amendments to the IDP.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed plan in advance of the public hearings.

Review the Proposed IDP

The “For Approval” version of the amended Intermunicipal Development Plan is available for public review.

[View the For Approval version of the Intermunicipal Development Plan]

Red boxes have been added throughout the document to identify where changes have been made to the existing plan.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed amendments before attending the applicable public hearing.

What Happens After the Public Hearings?

Following the two public hearings, both Councils will consider whether to proceed with further readings of their respective bylaws to adopt the proposed amended IDP.

Council may:

approve the proposed plan as presented; or
direct Administration to make changes to address issues or concerns raised through the public hearing process.

The final outcome will therefore be determined through the respective Council approval processes following the public hearings.

About the IDP Review

The project is being completed collaboratively through a Joint IDP Review Committee, with support from Administration from both municipalities.

The review is focused on technical review and intermunicipal coordination, including land use, growth, servicing, infrastructure, policies, and development referrals.

Information will continue to be shared throughout the project to keep the public informed, including:

Project updates
Key milestones
Availability of draft and final documents
Public hearing information

At the conclusion of the review and approval process, an amended IDP will be considered by both Councils.

What Will the IDP Review Provide?

The IDP Review is intended to result in:

An updated and jointly supported Intermunicipal Development Plan
Clearer policies related to growth, servicing, and referrals
Improved coordination between the Town of Westlock and Westlock County
A stronger framework to guide future development and decision-making

Project Timeline

The IDP Review is being completed in phases:

Phase 1: Project Initiation & Scoping

January – February 2026

Background review and issue identification
Confirmation of project scope, priorities, and schedule

Phase 2: Technical Review & Issues Identification

March – June 2026

Review of growth, land use, servicing, and policies
Identification and confirmation of amendments

Phase 3: Drafting IDP Amendments

July – August 2026

Draft policy amendments and map updates
Joint IDP Review Committee review and direction
July 28, 2026 – Committee endorsed the draft amended IDP and recommended it be forwarded to both Councils for review

Phase 4: Plan Finalization & Adoption

September – November 2026

Finalization of amendments
Referral circulation
First readings by Council
Westlock County public hearing – October 13, 2026
Town of Westlock public hearing – October 26, 2026
Consideration of further readings and adoption by both Councils
Potential revisions to address matters raised through the public hearing process

Public Input

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed amendments and participate in the public hearing process.

The public hearings are the formal opportunities for residents to provide input on the proposed amendments before Council considers whether to proceed with adoption of the amended Intermunicipal Development Plan.

Why is this Review being Completed?

The review is being undertaken to:

Meet the review requirements outlined in the existing IDP
Reflect current growth patterns and development activity
Align with updated servicing and infrastructure considerations
Ensure policies remain relevant and effective for both municipalities

This is a routine review to maintain an effective and coordinated intermunicipal framework.

Scope of the Review

This project is a targeted review and amendment, not a full rewrite of the IDP.

The review is focused on:

Growth management and land use coordination at municipal boundaries
Economic development policy alignment
Transportation and utility servicing coordination
Referral triggers, timelines, and dispute resolution processes
Implementation issues identified since adoption of the 2019 IDP
Policy refinements and map updates to support future development

All amendments will remain consistent with existing statutory plans, including Municipal Development Plans (MDPs), Area Structure Plans (ASPs), and Land Use Bylaws.

What this means: