10-year review of Lower Athabasca Regional Plan

Press Release

Aug 26, 2022

The Land Use Secretariat, on behalf of the government, has launched the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan 10-Year Review.

As part of this review process, feedback from Albertans, Indigenous communities and key stakeholders will help the Government of Alberta assess the ongoing relevancy and effectiveness of the existing plan in supporting the long-term vision for economic, social and environmental needs in the region. Public engagement will take place in the fall, beginning with the launch of a survey in mid-September. Further details about the 10-year review engagement process and timelines will be available on the Land-use Framework website.

Established in 2012, the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan sets the stage for growth, vibrant communities and a healthy environment within the region over the next 50 years.

The 10-year review is required under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act and will consider the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the plan. The Lower Athabasca Regional Plan remains in effect. It continues to be implemented and provide strategic direction for the region.

The government will consider lessons learned in implementing the existing regional plans, their five-year evaluations and feedback provided over the past 10 years as part of the review. The government has requested the Land Use Secretariat also consider the recommendations of the Review panel report 2015: Lower Athabasca Regional Plan, which resulted from a panel review process requested by Indigenous communities.

The Land Use Secretariat leads the process for developing and reviewing regional plans for government. A 10-year review does not amend, repeal or replace the regional plan. The 10-year review will result in a report from the Land Use Secretariat to the Stewardship Minister on the ongoing relevancy and effectiveness of the regional plan.

Quick facts

• The Alberta Land Stewardship Act established seven land-use regions identified in the Land-use Framework (2008). The regions are the Upper Athabasca, Lower Athabasca, Upper Peace, Lower Peace, North Saskatchewan, South Saskatchewan and Red Deer.
• Two regional plans are currently in place – the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan was established in 2012 and the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan was established in 2014 (and further amended in 2017 and 2018).
• This is the first 10-year review of a regional plan to be conducted under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.
• The Land Use Secretariat was created under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act to be separate from government departments to:
  • Prepare or direct the preparation of regional plans for cabinet’s consideration.
  • Facilitate and encourage cooperation among government departments and agencies.
  • Periodically report on the process of a regional plan.
  • Evaluate the objectives and audit the policies of a regional plan at least once every five years.
  • Conduct a review of a regional plan for ongoing relevancy and effectiveness at least once every 10 years.
• The Stewardship Minister is designated under the Government Organization Act as the minister responsible for the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. The act specifies the duties and responsibilities of the Stewardship Minister.
• Under the Designation and Transfer of Responsibility Regulation, the Minister of Environment and Parks is also designated the Stewardship Minister.

Related information

• Lower Athabasca Regional Plan
• Land-use Framework Website
• Lower Athabasca Regional Plan 10-year review engagement

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