Alberta's draft Land-Use Framework marks an important first step towards reforming Alberta's outdated system of land and water management. According to the Pembina Institute and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society the need for change has become critical. The current system has increasingly led to undesirable environmental, social and economic outcomes that diminish Albertans' quality of life.
The Land-Use Framework acknowledges that "we have reached a tipping point, where sticking with the old rules will not produce the quality of life we have come to expect." This admission suggests that an important transition is occurring within the Government of Alberta.
"The framework's recognition that the status quo is no longer acceptable to Albertans is a critical step towards reform. It means that attention can now be focused on solutions, and we are encouraged by this development," says Steve Kennett, Senior Policy Analyst at the Pembina Institute.
"The Land-Use Framework does a good job of diagnosing the problems, and many of the proposed reforms are headed in the right direction," says Rick Schneider, Senior Policy Analyst at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta. "The commitment to using integrated regional planning to set objectives for Alberta's landscapes and to proactively manage cumulative impacts are particularly noteworthy. Minister Morton and his colleagues should be commended for these efforts. However, while the overall policy direction is positive, the draft Land-use Framework has significant gaps in its legal foundation and implementation. It is important to fill these gaps before the framework is finalized," Rick Schneider concludes.
"There is significant work still to be done to successfully implement this framework," says Steve Kennett. "We look forward to working with Minister Morton, his Cabinet colleagues, MLAs from all parties and other stakeholders to address these gaps and ensure that good intentions are translated into meaningful change on the ground."
The Pembina Institute and CPAWS recommend that the final Land-Use Framework include the following:
- a commitment to new legislation that will enshrine regional planning
- interim measures to maintain land-use options while planning occurs in areas of the province where important environmental values are at high risk
- a solid implementation plan with a specific timetable
Many past plans, such as the Alberta Forest Conservation Strategy, the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy for the Athabasca Oilsands Area, and the Northern East Slopes Strategy, suffered from a lack of government commitment and follow-through, and they were not fully or successfully implemented.
"If the logic of the draft Land-Use Framework is translated into meaningful action, there will be major improvements in policy, planning and decision-making for the full range of land uses in Alberta," says Rick Schneider. "Unfortunately, over the past 20 years there has been a pattern in Alberta of announcing land-use initiatives and then shelving them prior to implementation. We hope that Minister Morton and his colleagues in government have learned from these past mistakes and will provide a much more positive example for the future."
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For more information:
The media backgrounder Perspectives on Alberta's New Land-use Framework can be downloaded from www.pembina.org or www.cpawsnab.org
Steve Kennett, The Pembina Institute (Calgary)
Tel:403-269-3344 ext. 115
Email: stevek@pembina.org
Rick Schneider, CPAWS (Edmonton)
Tel: 780-662-4233
Email: ministik1@telus.net