Title
Industrial and Employment Land Strategy
Proposed Motion(s)
That Council approve the Terms of Reference for the Industrial and Employment Land Strategy, and the funds up to a maximum of $95,000.00 be taken from the Contingency Restricted Surplus.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration recommends Council approve the Terms of Reference for the preparation of an Industrial and Employment Land Strategy for Parkland County.
Purpose
To prepare an industrial and employment land strategy that will be used to inform the preparation of future planning documents and direct future development for employment and industrial purposes in Parkland County.
Summary
As part of the review and update of the Municipal Development Plan, the County is examining the long-term requirements for lands to accommodate industrial and employment uses. This assessment will review employment forecasts by sector and the land needs analysis to determine if the County has the necessary and adequate amount of lands to accommodate the projected growth. The review will also examine the County's competitiveness and ability to accommodate employment and industrial opportunities now and into the future. The industrial and employment strategy would also review existing area structure plans and lands zoned for employment and industry, and determine their market potential and desirability from a regional and County context.
Preparing an Industrial and Employment Land Strategy is consistent with Council's strategic direction to diversify and create a more sustainable economic base for the County. The preparation of a land strategy will provide the County with greater information and detail needed to implement Council's strategic direction. The industrial and employment land strategy will also provide valuable and necessary background information in the preparation of both the Municipal Development Plan, and the Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan update.
It is anticipated that the study will be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2014.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
1) County Strategic Plan: Parkland County will mitigate its revenue risk through diversification of its revenue stream; and Parkland County takes an entrepreneurial approach to infrastructure as a potential revenue stream.
2) Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan: Pay attention to investment readiness fundamentals and be prepared for investment opportunities.
3) Municipal Development Plan: The County supports new industrial and commercial development in existing and new industrial and business parks.
.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $95,000
Source of Funding:Contingency Restricted Surplus
Other (As Required)