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.

During the MDP development process, residents and community members, business owners and organizations were engaged and provided valuable feedback to the City. This feedback was considered, and many ideas were incorporated into the MDP.

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".

The plan provides a policy framework to guide and shape growth in the city. It provides direction on future land use, development, urban design, transportation, and other service areas. Typically, topics include:

• Future land use patterns
• Growth management
• Urban form and design
• Economic development
• Heritage preservation
• Environmental management
• Housing and neighbourhood design
• Commercial and industrial development
• Parks, recreation, and culture
• Community and protective services
• Transportation
• Utilities

The MDP will be used by many different groups, organizations, and stakeholders when it comes to planning future development and incorporating our values and preferences into decision-making.

City Council will use it to understand the community’s aspirations and goals for the future and make decisions about new developments, land use, and amenities.

City staff will use it to evaluate subdivision and development applications, coordinate future expansion of services and programming such as transportation networks, utility planning and community infrastructure and amenities. 

Development professionals (architects, planners, engineers, landscape architects, etc.) will use it when planning neighbourhoods, applying for development permits, and identifying environmentally sensitive areas.

Business owners and residents will use it to gain a better understanding of local issues, future growth plans and what changes they can expect to see in the city and their neighbourhood.