A comprehensive, integrated document

Flourish is a comprehensive, integrated document, in which the policies of each section frequently interrelate with other sections. Users of this plan should read the entire plan and not consider policies or sections in isolation.

Within Flourish, “The City” refers to the City of St. Albert corporately as a municipal government. “The city” and “St. Albert” are used interchangeably to refer to the geography or physical area of the municipality. References to “Flourish” or “the Plan” refer to the City of St. Albert’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP).

Flourish contains four types of policies

Mandatory Policies

Policies that align with prevailing statutory requirements and are critical to achieving the goals of Flourish. These policies begin with words such as Require and Ensure and include words such as prohibit and must.

Permissive Policies

Policies that facilitate achieving the goals of Flourish. Although compliance or implementation is generally discretionary, in the case of proposed development, applicants are expected to demonstrate why a relevant permissive policy is inappropriate or unreasonable. These policies begin with words such as Encourage, Support, Promote, and Allow.

Restrictive policies

Policies that are intended to limit practices or actions that are contrary to the goals of Flourish, although compliance or implementation is generally discretionary. These policies include words such as
discourage or limit.

Action-oriented policies

Policies that identify important initiatives, generally led by the City, that will support the goals of this plan. These policies begin with words such as Adopt, Partner with, Establish, Develop, Evaluate, Monitor, Maintain, Prepare, Assess, and Update.

Definitions

In Flourish, certain terms have definitions that are specific to the Plan. These terms are defined in the Glossary. Words not defined in Flourish may be defined in the Municipal Government Act or other higher-order legislation and plans. Words not specifically defined in either Flourish or other statutory documents have their usual and customary meaning.

Locations and Boundaries

Locations and boundaries shown on the Flourish maps are approximate and for general illustrative purposes. Property lines, rights-of-way, or other distinguishing physical features generally form the boundaries of areas and features included in the maps. Boundaries and locations will be refined through subsequent stages of planning, including statutory plans and subdivisions. When further refining locations and boundaries for these areas, the approval authority and applicant shall have regard for existing development, natural features, and infrastructure. Such changes may not require an amendment to Flourish, provided the intent for the areas affected is maintained.

For further clarification on how to interpret the policies and maps of Flourish, consult with the City’s Planning Administration.