Residents of the RM of Fisher and the RM of Armstrong are invited to help shape the future of their communities by taking part in a virtual Community Visioning Workshop on July 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Fisher Armstrong Planning District is currently updating its development plan and is asking residents to weigh in on local priorities, needs and long-term goals. The updated plan will serve as a roadmap for managing growth and guiding physical, social, environmental and economic development across the two municipalities.
The existing development plan, established in 2003, provides policy direction on land use and development. But project manager David Paton said a complete update is now required to ensure the plan aligns with current community priorities, provincial legislation and best practices for practical land-use management.
“The development plan identifies areas that are suitable for development and outlines policies that new development must adhere to,” said Paton, who is overseeing the plan update with WSP, the consulting firm leading the process. “As part of the development plan review process, we will identify whether there is a need to designate additional areas for development.”
The project began in March, with adoption of the new plan expected in early 2026 and full implementation by summer. WSP is collecting public feedback as part of its four-phase process: project start-up; background study and visioning; development plan preparation; and public hearing and adoption.
“Public feedback will be used to draft a vision statement for the future of the planning district and to identify key concerns and opportunities to be addressed in the development plan,” Paton said.
While WSP is still finalizing the issues to be addressed, Paton said housing affordability, senior living, short-term rentals and public health concerns are anticipated to be among the priorities—factors that affect land use, economic development and tourism.
The new plan will also aim to strengthen existing development restrictions in flood-prone areas, aligning with updated provincial legislation and integrated watershed management plans that apply within the district.
Paton said any changes resulting from the new plan may lead to updates to municipal zoning bylaws. If required, those would be addressed through a separate project at a later date.
“The plan must be adopted by the Planning District Board, with final approval given by the province,” he added. “Once adopted, decisions made by the board and local councils must be consistent with the development plan.”
To receive a link for the workshop or to learn more, contact WSP planner Brett Hampton at 431-485-0765 or by email at brett.hampton@wsp.com.
