Policy Planning

Planning & Development prepares and maintains policy plans to guide the future development of the town.  These plans are adopted by Town Council.  Some of these plans are statutory, which means they have to be complied with, and others are non-statutory and are used more informally to guide future growth and development. 

Any amendments to Statutory or Non-Statutory Plans requires a pre-application meeting.  Please contact Angie Lucas at 403-652-2110  ext 274 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to set up your meeting.  See the meeting requirements under the Applications Forms & Process link; click on Application-Preapplication meeting requirements. 

Statutory Plans

INTER-MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Adopted November 2000)

This plan was jointly adopted by the M.D. of Foothills and the Town of High River and relates to land roughly within one mile of the town boundary as it existed in 2000. The Plan is an expression of mutual interest in the area and sets out generalized land uses and a process for consultation on proposals with the area and within the town close to the boundary.

 HIGH RIVER TOWN PLAN (August 2009)

This Plan is the Town's "Municipal Development Plan" and prescribes the Town's long term strategic policies for how the town will develop in the future.  It sets out future land uses, major infrastructure needs and municipal services together with policies dealing with environmental, social, cultural and economic health of the community.

LAND USE BYLAW (January 2000)

This document is one of Council's key planning tools for guiding and controlling development in the town.  It sets out how land use and development is managed.  The Bylaw has two components: a document that gives details of applications that are required and how they are processed, and a map of the town that assigns a land use "district" to every parcel of land.

AREA STRUCTURE PLANS

• North West Area Structure Plan (August 1986) 

This Plan relates to the north west sector of town, north of the golf course/HIghwood River and west of Highway 2A.

•  Hampton HIlls Area Structure Plan (April 2007)

This plan relates to the area east of the LIttle Bow Canal, north of 2nd Avenue SE, south of the town boundary and west of 20th Street SE.

•  South High River Area Structure Plan (May 2006)

This plan relates to the area south of 12th Avenue, east of 72nd Street E and west of 10th Street SE.

•  Vista Mirage-Highwood Village Area Structure Plan (May 2000)

This plan relates to a portion of the area covered by the North West Area Structure Plan and provides more detail of the western part of the plan area.

AREA REDEVELOPMENT PLANS

These plans relate to areas of existing built-up area of the town and outline changes proposed in the community in terms of land uses, physical improvements and infrastructure upgrades.  The following Area Redevelopment Plan has been adopted.

• Little Bow Park Area Redevelopment Plan (July 1984)

This plan relates to the area between Centre Street and 3rd Street SE and between 3rd and 12th Avenue SE.

Non-Statutory Plans

These plans take a variety of forms, including Concept Plans, Master Plans and Studies.

AREA CONCEPT PLANS

These plans look at a smaller area than an Area Structure Plan and can get into more detail.  Because the plans are not statutory they can be less prescriptive and can adapt to changing circumstances more easily.  The following Area Concept Plans have been adopted:  

• The Gateway Project Area Concept Plan (August 1998)

This plan deals with the land on the east side of town adjacent to Highway 2.  It proposes a range of mixed uses and new infrastructure.

•  North Eagleview Area Concept Plan (August 2006)

This plan deals with the land at the northern gateway to town lying on the east side of Highway 2A and north of the existing development of Eagleview.  It proposes mixed land uses and new infrastructure.

• Charles Clark Park Concept Plan (February 2009)

This plan takes a dedicated look at choices for future development of the Charles Clark Park.

MASTER PLANS

•  Recreation, Parks and Culture Master Plan (September 2007)

This plan takes a ten year look at the recreation, parks and culture facility and program needs of the town.

•  George Lane Park Master Plan (March 2007)

This plan takes an in-depth look at the future alternative developments of George Lane Park.

STUDIES

• Town of High River Transportation Study (January 2008)

This study examines the transportation needs for the town when it reaches a population level of 25,000 (roughtly double the 2009 number) and recommends a range of roadway upgrades and revision of standards to accommodate extra growth.

• Town of High River Growth Study (July 2007)

This study takes a long term look at possible growth scenarios.  It looks at likely demand for land over a 50 year period and examines and rates alternative areas for growth.

•  Open Space Plan (November 2003)

This plan examines the existing open space system in the town and proposes improvements together with recommendations for the provision of open space in the future.  Through the Open Space Plan Implementation Report (April 2007) a detailed implementation program is spelled out for all of the policies in the plan.

•  Town of High River 20-Year Growth Vision (2006)

This study undertaken by consultants used an extensive public participation process to identify goals for the town to strive for over the next 20 years.

   ICSP : Town of High River Sustainability Plan

  Montrose RPD and RPD-1 Area Concept Plan

For further information relating to long range planning please contact: