Municipal Reserves
Municipal Reserves (MR) can be used for a public park, recreation area, school board purposes, or to separate lands that are used for different purposes (e.g., as a buffer).
At the time of subdivision, a total of 10 per cent of the original parcel (less the amount taken for environmental reserve) can be taken as these types of reserves. In specific circumstances, an additional five per cent may be requested.
Rather than asking for land, a municipality may require money in place of reserve land or choose to defer receiving the reserve land until a future subdivision occurs on the land.
Money in place of reserve land is calculated at $1,500 per acre x 10%.
Environmental Reserves
Athabasca County may require an environmental reserve on a portion of your land if it is a swamp, gully, ravine, coulee, a natural drainage course, unstable or subject to flooding, or adjacent to the bed and shore of any water body.
This type of reserve is to remain in its natural state or be used as a public park. It can be acquired either through an easement registered against the title of the land, or through a dedication of the land.
There is no maximum amount of land that can be dedicated as environmental reserve; however, the Municipal Government Act (MGA) sets a minimum width for any environmental reserve land that borders a body of water.
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Questions?
Contact the Athabasca County Planning & Development Department:
780-675-2273 | 1-844-662-2273 | plandev@athabascacounty.com
