Planning and Development

Planning and Development provides a number of services related to the development of the city. The department develops and manages long range planning documents, including statutory plans required by the Municipal Government Act, which shape the future growth of the city as a whole. Other citywide functions of the department include demographics forecasting, management of the Land Use Bylaw, and administering the affordable housing program.

On a neighbourhood level, the department processes Area Structure Plans, reviews districting (zoning) applications, and processes subdivision proposals.  

At the property level, the department is responsible for processing development permits, business licences, and building, plumbing, gas, and electrical permits. Compliance certificates are also obtained through the department prior to resale of a private property.

Planning and Development administers the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and the City’s Business Licence Bylaw. It is also accredited under the Safety Codes Act in the disciplines of building, electrical, plumbing and gas.