The RPGA Planning District experienced steady growth in 2024, with building permits gradually increasing and significant transitions in leadership and operational processes.
The district, which encompasses Rhineland, Plum Coulee, Gretna, and Altona, saw notable developments in planning, infrastructure, and administrative changes throughout the year.
Building permits issued in the RPGA continued to rise in 2024, reflecting a stable yet growing demand for development.
According to general manager Lucie Maynard, Rhineland saw an increase in permits compared to the previous year, while Altona experienced a slight decline.
“In Altona, the number of permits issued decreased by about 15 in 2024 compared to the previous year,” she explained. “That shift is reflected in the valuation as well. Rhineland issued 87 permits worth $35 million, while Altona had 49 permits valued at $12 million.”
Despite fluctuations in Altona, Maynard believes the town’s permit values align with historical trends.
“2023 was an anomaly for Altona, with valuations hitting $24.8 million,” she said. “However, previous years saw $14 million in 2022, $9.2 million in 2021, and $13.5 million in 2020. The 2024 numbers indicate a return to regular levels.”
Statistics show that in Altona, residential permits accounted for $8.4 million of the total valuation, with commercial developments at $3.5 million. The town added 34 residential units and welcomed two new businesses. Meanwhile, Rhineland reported a total valuation of $35 million, including $6.2 million in commercial development. The municipality added 48 residential units and 11 new businesses.
Inflation rates remained stable in 2024, hovering at an annual rate of 1.088 per cent. Maynard noted that interest rates gradually declined throughout the year, encouraging development.
“The recovery from COVID, high inflation rates, and rising costs of living had slowed development, but as interest rates began to stabilize, we saw increased activity starting in June 2024,” she said. “However, the impact of tariffs remains uncertain.”
Leadership transitions
Last year was a year of transition within RPGA leadership. In July, Tanya Waddell stepped into the role of CFO for the Municipality of Rhineland after a year with RPGA. During her tenure, Waddell played a crucial role in staffing transitions and securing a contract with MSTW for inspection services.
Also in July, Maynard joined as general manager, bringing with her 24 years of municipal experience, including 11 years as CAO for the RM of Stuartburn. Passionate about planning and development, Maynard has been pursuing a certificate in Applied Land Use Planning through the University of Alberta, which she expects to complete by the end of 2025.
“Planning has always been a passion of mine,” Maynard said. “Every municipality has different zoning by-laws, but I appreciate that Rhineland and Altona’s by-laws are largely aligned. It makes it easier to provide clear answers to applicants.”
Under Maynard’s leadership, RPGA launched a significant initiative to revamp its development plan. A grant under the “From the Ground Up” program allowed RPGA to hire Landmark Planning and Design for this project, which is expected to take about a year to complete.
Planning for the future
Among the key initiatives for RPGA in 2024 was updating the district’s building by-law.
“We’re using templates from neighboring municipalities that work with MSTW to refine our by-laws,” Maynard said. “One of the major goals is to develop a fee and charges by-law separate from our building by-law. Currently, some of our fees, like the zoning amendment application fee, don’t even cover basic costs such as advertising and administration. This review will ensure accuracy in our fee structure.”
Maynard is also working on updating RPGA’s permit guide brochure and website.
“We want to make it clearer when a permit is needed and what documentation is required,” she said. “This will streamline the process for applicants and help avoid misunderstandings.”
Additionally, RPGA is revising its penalties and fees for zoning by-law infractions.
“Each municipality has a Municipal By-law Enforcement Act, but we didn’t have a standard penalty schedule for zoning infractions,” Maynard explained. “We’re now aligning Rhineland and Altona’s penalties to ensure consistency and efficiency.”
Looking ahead, Maynard is optimistic about the district’s development.
“We started 2025 on a very positive note,” she said. “At this time last year, we had issued four permits valued at $65,000, and now we’re already at five permits valued at $1.4 million. This early activity suggests strong momentum for the year ahead.”
RPGA made a significant operational shift in 2024 by transitioning from having an in-house building inspector to contracting MSTW for inspection services. While this change initially altered expense allocations, Maynard noted that costs ultimately balanced out.
“Our expenses for building inspection decreased, but contract costs with MSTW increased,” she said. “In the end, it evened out.”
In addition to ongoing permit and by-law updates, RPGA is preparing for public consultations as part of the development plan review.
“We’ll be hosting open houses to gather input from stakeholders and landowners. We want to ensure our vision for future growth aligns with property owners and developers.”
Maynard does not anticipate major changes to MSTW fees this year.
“If MSTW updates their fees, we incorporate them, but our development permit remains a flat $75 fee unless the board decides to adjust it,” she said. “Building permit fees are based on MSTW’s rates, and we calculate them accordingly.
“As RPGA enters 2025, the district remains focused on continued growth, streamlined processes, and ensuring a sustainable and efficient planning framework for Rhineland, Plum Coulee, Gretna, and Altona.”
