Topic 3 - Commercial/Industrial Policies

Industrial and Commercial land uses are an important part of Lethbridge County
Many of these uses support and add value to the agricultural products grown within the County and surrounding areas. Other uses, such as construction, retail, manufacturing, and professional services have experienced growth in recent years. The County will continue to support all future industrial and commercial development to diversify and strengthen our local and regional economy.

Industrial and Commercial uses are typically located along major transportation corridors that allow for ease of access as well as visibility. It is important to identify areas for growth of industrial and commercial uses where they will not conflict with other uses, such as residences and environmentally sensitive areas. To do this, the Municipal Development Plan contains policies that provide direction for citizens, developers, Council, and County administration.

This draft section of the Municipal Development Plan has been expanded from the current version to provide clarity on the different types of Industrial/Commercial Development and where these uses may be located. The policies for new Industrial and Commercial development include:

• Limiting the fragmentation of agricultural lands
• Ensuring that residences and environmentally sensitive areas are not negatively impacted by future development
• Locating developments close to existing transportation corridors
• Ensuring developments have access to utilities and potable water, where required
• Encouraging developments to locate in Lethbridge County business parks and hamlets, where feasible

The Municipal Development Plan will also include policies regarding:

• Development of hazardous or noxious industrial
• Natural resource extraction
• Brownfield site redevelopment
• Home occupations
• Continual review of the Industrial-Commercial Land Use Strategy
• Economic development and growth

To review the current MDP, click on the link under the "Documents" tab on the right side of this page.