Planning and Development Authority for Saskatchewan Rural Municipalities and Planning Districts

In Saskatchewan, the primary responsibility for managing community planning, land use and development rests with the local municipality. The Planning and Development Act, provides municipalities with the legal framework necessary to carry out community planning, establish zoning bylaws, require development permits, and manage land use on all lands within their jurisdiction. The Act enables municipal councils to develop flexible planning bylaws to meet the needs and expectations of each municipality. The purpose of this paper is to:

• highlight the planning and development responsibilities available to municipalities as prescribed by The Act;
• describe municipal bylaws available for use by municipalities to manage land use, development and reclamation;
• identify that municipal development processes complements provincial objectives and is not necessarily duplication; and
• confirm the importance of municipal consultation as an effective public relations initiative.