Is Alberta's Lower Athabasca Regional Plan Still Working?

Official title: Lower Athabasca Regional Plan review engagement

Closed Community Planning Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta is reviewing its 2012 land use plan for the Lower Athabasca region, home to the oil sands. The government gathered feedback on whether the plan still balances economic development with environmental protection. This review won't change the plan directly—it's about evaluating what's working and what isn't.

Why This Matters

Live in northeastern Alberta? This plan shapes what gets built where—from oil sands projects to conservation areas. It affects jobs, air quality, and how Indigenous communities use traditional lands. Even if you don't live there, the region's economy ripples across Alberta.

What Could Change

The Land Use Secretariat will report to the Stewardship Minister on whether the plan is still relevant. This could lead to future amendments to how land is zoned, how environmental limits are set, or how growth is managed in the oil sands region.

Key Issues

  • Is the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan still relevant after 10 years?
  • How effective has the plan been at balancing economic, environmental, and social goals?
  • What priorities are emerging in the region that the plan should address?

How to Participate

  1. Review the 10-year Review Background and Overview to understand what's being evaluated.
  2. Read the Trends and Growth Outlook for context on regional changes.
  3. Contact larp.review@gov.ab.ca with questions or comments about the engagement.

What Happened

Albertans shared feedback through an online survey between October 4, 2022 and June 30, 2025. In fall 2022, staff from the Land Use Secretariat and Alberta government ministries met with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and stakeholders in Cold Lake, Fort McMurray, and Edmonton. The feedback will be used to evaluate the plan's relevance and effectiveness, resulting in a report to the Stewardship Minister.

Key Documents