A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a document which provides direction for decision-making that will guide the future development of a community, whether it be a city, town, or rural municipality. Spruce Grove’s updated MDP, "The Shape of our Community", will guide the evolution and growth of our city over the next 20-30 years.

A public hearing is expected to be scheduled sometime in September and interested parties can share feedback on a draft version of the MDP at that time.

Imagine trying to build a new house with no foundation, blueprints, or idea for how you want it to look, function and feel. The result would likely not be in line with what you want or need. Planning for the future of our city is just the same, but on a much larger scale. "The Shape of Our Community" helps us identify what is important to us as a community so we can make informed decisions that will affect our future growth and development.

In addition, all Alberta municipalities are required to adopt a Municipal Development Plan bylaw in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

All municipal policies, plans and regulations must be in alignment with the MDP, so it is an important decision-making tool for Council. An effective MDP provides clear direction but also allows for changes and updates based on evolving circumstances. In this way, the MDP is often considered a "living document".