Figure 2 below shows the Hierarchy of Planning Documents in the municipal planning approval process.
Figure 2 – Hierarchy of Planning Documents
Source: Alberta’s Industrial Heartland MDP and LUB Amendments Terms of Reference – Sept 2, 2003 Public Involvement November and December 2006
Prevailing over any statutory municipal plans are authorizations granted by the Natural Resources Conservation Board, Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. Section 619(1) of the Municipal Government Act addresses such authorizations. These provisions are especially pertinent in the Heartland Area, as the energy and petrochemical industries are highly regulated by these provincial Boards. Statutory plans require a clear definition of the responsibilities and jurisdictions of all levels of government. Section 691(1) states:
“a license, permit, approval or other authorization granted by the NRCB, ERCB or AEUB prevails, in accordance with this section, over any statutory plan, land use bylaw, subdivision decision or development decision by a subdivision authority, development authority, subdivision and development appeal board, or the Municipal Government Board or any other authorization under this Part.”