The Municipal District of Willow Creek is undertaking a renewal project focused on updating the current Municipal Development Plan, Bylaw 1765, first adopted 2017. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) establishes a 25-year strategic framework to guide growth and land use with the MD and policies found in the plan are designed to support informed and balanced decisions that protect agricultural lands, conserve natural areas, support a robust local economy and guide municipal investment in a manner that reflects the values and priorities of the community.

As part of the Renewal Project, Council has approved an online survey to gather input from residents and businesses within the MD. Surveys are a proactive component of the planning process, designed to bridge the gap between technical experts and the community, thereby fostering transparent and informed decision-making. By gathering direct feedback, the MD can ensure that future land use policy align with local values, needs, and aspirations.

The Survey is a mix of multiple choice questions and short answer comments and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
DEMOGRAPHICS

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* 1. What is your age?

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* 2. Do you own or live on land within the MD of Willow Creek? Please select the option that best describes your situation.

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Division Boundary Map

Division Boundary Map

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* 3. In what Division do you reside or own land in?

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* 4. Where do you live?

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* 5. Do you work in the MD of Willow Creek ?

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* 6. Which of the following MD planning documents have you read or used? Please select all that apply.

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* 7. Where do you look for information about planning in the MD of Willow Creek? Rank in order of most used to least used. Use the arrows on the right hand side to move your selections into the order you prefer.

VALUES AND PRIORITIES

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* 8. Do you agree or disagree with the Vision for the MD of Willow Creek?

"We are a community that preserves, enhances and enriches our evolving rural way of life for all generations to live, work and prosper as members of this farming and ranching community."

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* 9. What currently makes the MD of Willow Creek a great place to live, work or play?

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* 10. What would you like to see more of in your community?

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* 11. What would you like to see less of in your community?

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* 12. Are there any existing barriers to growth and development that you would like to see addressed through the MDP update?

PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE

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* 13. Which of the following Agricultural priorities are the most important to you? Chose up to 3.

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* 14. The Natural Resource Conservation Board (NRBC) is responsible for approvals of new or expanding Confined Feeding Operations (CFOs) in Alberta. The MD of Willow Creek has a limited role in the decision-making process and has specific policies for the development and direction of new Confined Feeding Operations within MD found within the current Municipal Development Plan.

Do you feel that the MD should do one (1) of the following?

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* 15. Do you agree or disagree that agricultural buildings associated with an approved NRCB CFO permit should be required to obtain development permits from the MD ?

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* 16. Do you agree or disagree with the current policy allowing a first parcel-out subdivision (3–10 acres, including an existing farmyard and dwelling) in all areas of the municipality?

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* 17. Do you agree or disagree with the current policy of allowing a bare land subdivision between 3 and 5 Acres (vacant of any development) in all areas of the municipality?

HOUSING

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* 18. Which areas should the MD prioritize residential growth? Choose all that you support.

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* 19. Which of the following Housing priorities are the most important to you? Chose up to 3.

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* 20. Do you feel that there are adequate housing opportunities for seniors within the MD of Willow Creek or the urban municipalities found in the MD (Nanton, Claresholm, Stavely and Fort Macleod)?

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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* 21. How familiar are you with the programs and services offered by FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) within the MD of Willow Creek?

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* 22. Waste-to-Energy refers to the conversion of waste materials into usable forms of energy, typically electricity or heat. The MD is investigating opportunities to develop a Waste-to-Energy project within the MD. Do you agree or disagree with this initiative?

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* 23. How would you rate the following MD Community Services? (check one for each category)

  Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion
Road Maintenance
Bylaw Enforcement
Emergency Services
Landfill & Garbage Disposal
Planning & Development
General Administration
MD Website
WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT

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* 24. Which of the following Water priorities are the most important to you? Choose up to 3.

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* 25. Which of the following Natural Environmental priorities are the most important to you? Choose up to 3.

TRANSPORTATION

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* 26. Which of the following Transportation priorities are the most important to you? Choose up to 3

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* 27. The MD has invested in improvements to the infrastructure within the Hamlet of Granum. Are you satisfied with the level of service and the improvements completed?

  Excellent Good Average Poor No Opinion
Road Maintenance
Street and sidewalk improvements
Drainage improvements
Parks and Open Space
PARKS AND RECREATION

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* 28. The MD of Willow Creek has Recreation Agreements that help fund regional recreation. If you or your family use recreational facilities in neighbouring municipalities, please indicate which facilities you visit

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* 29. Please select the municipality that you visit recreational facilities in. Choose all that apply.

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* 30. In total, how many visits to a recreation facility would your or your family make in a year?

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* 31. Within the Hamlet of Granum, do you utilize any of the following recreational facilities? Mark all of the facilities that you use:

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* 32. Do you believe that additional recreation and park space are needed in the MD?

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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* 33. Which of the following Employment and Economic priorities are the most important to you? Choose up to 3.

Industrial and commercial activities in the MD are fundamental to the local economy. Industrial development includes manufacturing, fabrication and uses that may have impacts beyond the property line (ie: factory, seed cleaning plants, contractor yards). Commercial development includes businesses that sell goods and services (ie. Service station, retail store, equipment sales)

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* 34. Which areas should the MD prioritize for industrial growth?

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* 35. Which areas should the MD prioritize for commercial growth?

CONCLUSION

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* 36. Are there any other issues or concerns you would like Council to know about ?

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* 37. Are there any actions, projects or services that you appreciate and would like Council to know about?

Thank you for your support and participation in this phase of the MDP Renewal Project 2026.

A summary of survey results will be made available to the public once all responses have been compiled

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