Sturgeon County will seek support from the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board’s (EMRB) 13 member municipalities on Dec. 8 for its plans for the Villeneuve Airport area.
“The Villeneuve Airport is a key regional economic asset that attracts critical investment. By supporting this plan, municipal leaders are supporting new investment, creating more than 1,750 jobs and welcoming $1.8 billion in economic benefits for the region by 2044,” said Mayor Alanna Hnatiw.
The lands surrounding the Villeneuve Airport are prime for investment in many sectors, including aviation and aerospace, defence, research and testing, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy research, agri-innovation and logistics.
The Villeneuve Airport Area Area Structure Plan (VAA ASP) is a development framework, and its approval means new investors can confidently consider the region. The plan carries out the direction of the Villeneuve Airport Area Master Plan, which provides an overall vision for future development in the area. The VAA ASP creates future-ready development strategies and demonstrates a tenacious focus on local and regional economic growth and diversification.
Municipalities must refer new development plans to the EMRB – a requirement under the Municipal Government Act – so plans can be evaluated for consistency with the EMRB’s Regional Growth Plan. After reviewing Sturgeon County’s submission, EMRB administration recommended the Board reject the VAA ASP, citing inconsistency with its Regional Growth Plan. However, Sturgeon County and other stakeholders are confident that the VAA ASP does align with the Regional Growth Plan. The plan will go to the EMRB for a vote on Dec. 8.
“Our application is supported by comprehensive research and is consistent with the Regional Growth Plan and how it has been applied in the region,” said Hnatiw. “We are confident member municipalities will help the future take flight by supporting this plan to create jobs and drive regional economic growth and diversification.”
If supported by the EMRB, the proposed bylaws to create the VAA ASP will go to Council for further consideration, amendments and/or approval.
Additional resources
- EMRB administration decision
- Villeneuve Airport Area Area Structure Plan (VAA-ASP)
- Villeneuve Airport Area Master Plan (VAAMP)
For more information, contact:
Megan Candie
Senior Communications Officer
587-983-8257
mcandie@sturgeoncounty.ca
