ST. PAUL – The Town of St. Paul continues to seek feedback from residents for its draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP).
“We’re set up for future growth,” and the MDP is the policy framework aimed to guide that growth through advanced planning of the town’s future land use and infrastructure, said Mayor Maureen Miller during the town’s engagement session held at the Recreation Centre on May 21.
What the draft MDP looks so far
Some focuses of the MDP include growth management, economic development, commercial, industrial, and residential development, as well as a clearer development of the downtown core.
Development and revitalization of the downtown core is crucial to attract more businesses, as well as enhance the area as a primary community gathering place, said Miller. This will require changes.
For example, the draft MDP proposes changing some areas from residential to commercial, while areas would be designated specifically as “downtown” areas, where only specific types of commercial development could take place.
“Camrose is a prime example,” said Miller. “Years back, they really focused on their downtown being a downtown core. It eventually evolved to little boutiques, [or] the mom-and-pop businesses.”
The idea is more of a cohesive streetscape, which would also involve low-cost beautification measures like “seasonal decorations, planters, and public art installations,” as per the draft MDP.
Residential, industrial, and commercial development
As part of the ongoing planning process, future residential planning is also being considered. The Town is currently conducting a housing study to identify the types of housing needed and where it should be placed.
“It really assists developers coming in, knowing what they can work with,” explained Miller.
The idea applies to industrial and commercial developments, as well, she added.
By specifying areas of development through the MDP, for example, investors and developers can simply pick and choose where they could set up businesses.
Public Survey
Aline Brousseau, Director of Planning & Legislative Services, said work on updating the MDP, which was last updated in 2009, began in the summer of 2024.
“We expect to be finished by August [or] summer of 2025,” said Brousseau.
The May 21 engagement session is the second round of public engagement for the MDP, but the public and those unable to attend the event are still encouraged to share their thoughts through an online survey available until May 28 at the Town of St. Paul website.
