Page 9 - CMAAP Final (1)

OPEN SPACE PLANNING

GOAL
To identify available open space opportunities, and increase the protection of ecologically
important lands and access to outdoor areas throughout the Municipality.

WHY?
Requirements for open space within the Municipality have changed. Certain communities
may have once required sportsfields and playgrounds to serve younger populations now
require a different array of facilities, e.g. trails and parks. The inverse is also prevalent
in other communities – a shift from older to younger populations. There is growing
importance on maintaining open space for carbon sequestration and increasing
awareness of the need to identify and protect sensitive habitats and areas of cultural and
historic significance.

This Action Area plays a key role in future development throughout the Municipality by
acquiring, protecting, and maintaining sensitive spaces and when appropriate improving
public access.

HOW
Open Space Planning
Currently, the Municipality acquires lands via deeds provided by developers through the
Subdivision By-law or by donation. To date, the Municipal Open Space Financial Reserve
is mostly funded through payments made by developers in lieu of the deeding of land.

The Municipality will undertake a land inventory and categorization of Municipal holdings
that will lead to changes in the Subdivision By-law. This work will further be instrumental
in the updating of policies governing the Municipality’s Open Space Financial Reserve
Fund.

ALIGNMENT
All projects listed in this plan are in congruence with one or more of the following Key Strategic Priorities outlined in the
Municipality's Strategic Plan:
Good Governance | Environmental Stewardship | Economic Development | Strong Communities | Financial Sustainability

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