In a special workshop meeting held today, city officials and planning consultants provided an update on the ongoing development code update project, which aims to align local regulations with the city’s long-term planning goals. Ken Bridal, Director of Planning, introduced the session, emphasizing the importance of this initiative, which began last year with the engagement of a consultant team to address recommendations from the city’s comprehensive plan established in 2018.

Dawn Warrick, project manager from the consulting firm Friesen Nichols, outlined the project's objectives and progress. She highlighted that the team has reached a midpoint in the project, focusing on the diagnostic report that evaluates existing code language against the city’s planning policies. This report identifies gaps and areas for improvement, ensuring that the updated regulations reflect community preferences for development patterns.

The presentation detailed the goals of the project, which include implementing the city’s planning policy direction, ensuring orderly growth and development, and preserving property values while addressing community desires for future development. The team is currently drafting new zoning regulations, subdivision codes, and stormwater management guidelines, which will lead to an updated zoning map.

Key themes from the diagnostic report include the need for alignment with long-term planning policies, ease of administration for city staff, and user-friendliness for property owners and developers. The recommendations aim to encourage appropriate density in urban areas while mitigating development pressures in scenic locations, such as around Lake Arcadia.

As the project progresses, city officials and the consulting team will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders to refine the proposed changes and ensure they meet the needs and aspirations of the residents.