RENEWAL PROJECT 2026

Understanding the Planning Structure

Alberta’s Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the guide to how municipalities operate and is one of the most significant statutes in Alberta. The MGA affects everyone in Alberta, the private sector and every ministry in the Government of Alberta.

The Municipal Government Act, through the preparation of a Municipal Development Plan (MDP) enables municipalities to shape their communities. The MDP plans for how local governments should govern and plan for growth.

The following diagram outlines the hierarchy of planning documents (known as statutory documents) based on the Municipal Government Act’s requirements. See the planning documents below to find out more information about the purpose of the document and when and where it applies.

Land Use – Who regulates what?

Land use is regulated through a variety of different bodies, including the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Governments. The diagram below provides a high-level snapshot of which governing body regulates what land use.

Note: The Municipal District of Willow Creek provides recommendations to the various agencies and can provide further policy direction in our municipal development plan and regulations in the Land Use Bylaw that influences decisions made by the government agencies indicated on the legend.