Council approves Fort Chipewyan ASP

An aerial view of Fort Chipewyan, Alta. Fort Chipewyan is on the boundary of Wood Buffalo National Park, is home to many members of the Mikisew Cree who echo the concerns of an international group of scientists who say the park is under significant threat from development. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Council approved the Fort Chipewyan Area Structure Plan (ASP), with a few amendments at Tuesday night’s special council meeting in the hamlet.

The new ASP, which hasn’t been updated in more than 25 years, will define the boundaries of the hamlet, guide future growth and ensure development of land is done in an orderly and sustainable way.

The plan has five guiding principles which include protecting the natural environment, addressing housing needs, supporting economic and tourism development, recognizing cultural needs and providing adequate municipal services and infrastructure.

An updated ASP will create alignment with the municipality’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan, along with the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) and the Municipal Development Plan (MDP).

Before the ASP was approved, Councillor Inglis brought forward a motion to Mayor Don Scott to send a letter to the Federal Government to request support in the maintenance of the wharf in the hamlet, which was passed unanimously.

Council also received an update on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and accepted the update as information.

Tuesday’s council meeting in Fort Chipewyan was the first since 2001 and the second official rural meeting of the year.