Development permit applications saw a 31% increase in the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 (MD) in 2024. The MD issued 46 permits in 2024 up from 35 permits in 2023 and 44 permits in 2022. The dollar value of developments however, decreased significantly at $35,808,530 down from $308,489,803 in 2023 yet up from $13,089,260 in 2022. The vast majority of this value is attributed to industrial development – more specifically Solar Energy. Comparatively, in the last 5 years, development permits have averaged 46 per year valuing $81,074,558.
The 2024 development permits included 13 single family dwellings, 4 structural additions to existing buildings, 1 manufactured home and 18 shops/garages/barns. A total of 4 permits were issued for the Clear Lake area which included 2 demolitions, 1 new cabin/dwelling, 1 addition to an existing cabin, and 1 retaining walls/fill. Two industrial permits were issued: one for a Commercial Alternate Energy System – Solar Farm and another for a gravel pit. Three commercial development permits were issued valued at $440,000. Two permits were issued for individual alternate energy systems (private solar arrays). Permits issued for other or accessory uses included a duplex, a perimeter fence in the Country Residential District, placement of a sea can in the Country Residential District, and a cook shack/shelter.
The adoption of the Municipal Development Plan No. 1694 and Land Use Bylaw No. 1695 on June 20, 2023 introduced the requirement of development permits for demolition where offsite removal of a structure (for which a development permit would have been required for erection) occurs. In 2024, 3 development permits were issued for demolition.
Applications for subdivisions increased from 6 in 2023 to 12 in 2024 which is down slightly from 13 in 2022. Five subdivision approvals were issued in 2024 down from 6 in 2023 and down from 15 in 2022.
Should you have any questions regarding development, please contact our office at 780-842-4454. Development permit and subdivision applications can be picked up at the MD Administration office or downloaded from our website at www.mdwainwright.ca.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Smith
Director of Development Services