Local Area Plans (often abbreviated as LAPs) are Area Redevelopment Plans created through a rigorous public engagement process — directing contextual implementation of the Municipal Development Plan at a multi-community level, and 30-year timeframe.
LAPs synthesize the City of Calgary’s high-level policy goals, and projected demographic & geographic trends, with local area contexts. Completed plans contain conceptual maps and policy directions that detail a vision of ‘community improvements’ to be expected or enacted through private and public investment in the area.
As statutory plans, LAPs are binding upon relevant decisions by planning and development authorities throughout the approvals continuum. However, LAPs are revisited and updated every 10 years, and they may be challenged and amended anytime by decision of Council.
The City has overseen the creation of several LAPs since the program was created in 2018, roughly radiating outwards from the Downtown area in batches every few years.[1]
Local Area Planning process
The Local Area Planning process contains 5 iterative phases — each creating a draft, engaging the community at-large, and compiling feedback. Drafts are co-created between urban planners at the City, and community representatives from the public who apply to join the Local Area Plan Working Group.
See also:
[[List of Local Area Plans]]