Subdivisions

Subdivision Policies - What Was Adopted

A major element of the adopted update (Bylaw 26/078) is the removal of the option for landowners to create more than one residential parcel from agricultural quarter sections without an outline plan or Area Structure Plan (ASP).

In recent years, public input on the MDP showed a mix of views:

  • Some residents asked for more flexible rules, including more parcels, varied parcel sizes, and different uses.
  • Others expressed concern about increasing the division of agricultural land and the long-term impacts on rural character.

Council’s priority is to preserve agricultural land and maintain the County’s rural character. The adopted amendments tighten subdivision allowances and strengthen policies that protect agricultural areas from further fragmentation.

Update – April 29, 2026 

On April 28, 2026, Council granted second and third reading with amendments and formally adopted Bylaw 26/078. These changes are now in effect as part of the Municipal Development Plan.


Frequently Asked Questions - Proposed MDP Subdivision Changes

  1. Is Clearwater County Council opposed to residential acreages? No. Council is not opposed to residential acreages. The goal is to maintain a healthy balance so that acreages do not overwhelm farms. This ensures agricultural producers can continue to operate viably while still allowing reasonable residential opportunities.
  2. Why did Council remove the ability to create a third title out of a quarter section? The changes increase transparency and consistency in decision-making. Council heard clearly during the election campaign and through public input that the majority of residents do not support creating a third title (or more) out of a quarter section. Removing discretionary language such as “may” ensures decisions are more predictable.
  3. Requiring an Outline Plan or Area Structure Plan sounds like extra red tape and cost. Why make it harder? Requiring an Outline Plan or Area Structure Plan is not new policy. It provides a higher level of planning when higher-density subdivisions are proposed. This helps address road infrastructure, approach locations, compatible land uses, dust control, and impacts on water supply.
  4. How do these changes protect agriculture and industry? The updates help preserve the County’s rural culture and agricultural land base by reducing fragmentation. They also create fewer challenges for industry (which accounts for ~90% of the County’s revenue), including gravel mining, oil & gas, pipelines, and gas plants.
  5. Will these changes hurt sustainability or put more pressure on County services? The direction promotes long-term sustainability by protecting agricultural land and encouraging higher-density development near hamlets and urban centres where services are more available. It also reduces pressure on County roads, water, and wastewater systems.
  6. Other municipalities allow more parcels per quarter section. Why doesn’t Clearwater County? Experiences in neighbouring municipalities that allowed significantly more titles showed negative outcomes: too many road approaches, landowner conflicts, nuisance issues, oversupply of acreages, and impacts on property values. Council chose to avoid these problems.
  7. Will these changes make Clearwater County less desirable? By being deliberate about subdivision, the County can remain highly desirable while protecting the rural character that attracts residents — without placing unnecessary strain on services.
  8. What is the overall goal of these MDP changes? The changes support the agriculture industry, maintain the County’s rural character, listen to residents, and manage growth that works for both agriculture and industry over the long term.