Land Development: Land Planning & Regulatory Approvals

Part of the process in developing a tourism project may involve dealing with land and regulatory issues. The following resources are intended to provide guidance in this regard. You are encouraged, however, to work closely with regulatory officials as you move through the development process.

Tourism Development Handbook

The Tourism Development Handbook was developed on behalf of AED in 1991, and updated by staff of the Tourism Development Branch in 2003. It provides information and guidance for developers and investors undertaking land based tourism development projects. Specific information is provided as it relates to the regulatory and permitting processes associated with Alberta tourism development.

  • Sections 1-2: Introduction, Defining the Project
  • Section 3: Information Collection & Evaluation
  • Sections 4-6: The Key Plans, Development & Licensing Approvals, Contacts

Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture's Land Planning & Regulatory Resource Material

If you are considering the development of a commercial tourism or recreational facility on public lands, the Alberta Tourism Recreational Leasing process [ATRL] will assist you. The ATRL is designed to recognize the business requirements associated with these kinds of developments. The process ensures that applications for commercial tourism and recreation developments on public lands are reviewed in a prompt and efficient manner, while meeting the government's commitments to economic diversification and environmental protection.

Alberta Tourism Recreation Leasing Process [ATRL]

The ATRL is designed to recognize the business requirements associated with these kinds of developments. The process ensures that applications for commercial tourism and recreation developments on public lands are reviewed in a prompt and efficient manner, while meeting the government's commitments to economic diversification and environmental protection.

Two Alberta Government departments are involved in the ATRL process:

  1. Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture

    • ATRL process consultation and information services

  2. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development

    • Public Land Administration

      SRD manages Alberta public lands to support a full range of uses and values, including agriculture, timber production, industry, wildlife habitat, conservation and recreational uses. The department also manages all permanent and naturally occurring water bodies.

Although staff from these departments are available to assist you throughout the ATRL process, you will be actively involved. Municipal government also plays an important role in ensuring that local development regulations, standards and policies are maintained.

Does my project fit?

A commercial tourism and recreation development is classified as:

  • adventure [e.g. wilderness lodge]
  • leisure [e.g. campground, golf courses]
  • heritage sites [e.g. interpretive sites]

If your development meets one of the following criteria, it may be subject to the ATRL process:

  • requiring long-term tenure
  • involving permanent structures
  • needing public review
  • needing integration with existing land uses

Further information about the Alberta Tourism Recreation Leasing process is available by contacting the Tourism Development Branch.

Other Provincial Government Land Development Information Sources:

Alberta Municipal Affairs

Alberta Municipal Affairs provides information on disaster services, fire safety, municipal services, etc.

  • Municipal Affairs - Safety Tips

    The Municipal Government Act determines how provincial legislation governs and directs the way municipalities deal with land base planning and development in Alberta.

  • Municipal Government Act

  • Officials Search

    Search for any of Alberta's municipal representatives according to first or last name, official type, and by local authority name or type.

Alberta Environment Information Centre:

  • Online Publication Listing

    The Government of Alberta data bank contains numerous publications and resource tools. A number of sub-sections within the data bank contain information and reports that are directly related to land, resource and regulatory approvals concerning tourism development in Alberta. See reports and publications under the following headings:

    • Birds
    • Education
    • Enforcement
    • Environment
    • Fish
    • Forests
    • Integrated Resource Plans
    • Land [includes topics related to Public and Private Land Development]
    • Land Evaluation
    • Maps
    • Parks
    • Wastewater
    • Municipal
    • Water
    • Wildlife

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development [ASRD]

Public Land Administration & Public Land Management - ASRD oversees public land management in the Province.

  • Public Land Administration & Public Land Management

  • Public Land Management Information Sheets

    The following information sheets found on the ASRD website will provide information related to Tourism Development:

    • Public Land Management
    • Public Land
    • Recreational
    • Recreational Access and Use of Public Land
    • Public Land User's Rights and Responsibilities
    • Information on Acquiring Public Lands
    • Coordinating Land Use Planning on Public Lands with Municipalities
    • Conservation and Protected Areas

Alberta Land Titles is responsible for how the land registration process is administered in Alberta.

  • Land Registration & Services

  • Land Status Automated System [LSAS]

    This systems provides access to information relating to public land and surface/mineral interests on crown land i.e. details on what activities are occuring on public land and existing land dispositions.

  • Recreational Access to Agricultural Public Land Contact Information

    This site uses a mapping application to assist in providing contact information for those who wish to access Alberta's Public Lands that are under agricultural lease, license or permit. This information will help in finding out who to contact for access and what conditions of access apply.

Contact Information for Municipalities In Alberta:

  • Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties

    The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties provide information concerning Municipal Districts [M.D.] and Counties in Alberta. You should make direct contact with the relevant M.D. and or County, subject to the location of your proposed development. They can provide guidance with regards to land based and regulatory issues for tourism development in their respective jurisdictions.

  • Alberta Urban Municipalities Association

    The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association provides information concerning all other communities in Alberta, including cities, towns, villages and summer villages. Similar to M.D.s and Counties, you should make direct contact with the municipality where your proposed tourism development will take place.

  • Alberta Association, Canadian Institute of Planners [AACIP]

    The Alberta Association, Canadian Institute of Planners [AACIP] is the professional association of private and public sector planners and academics practicing in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. AACIP is an affiliate of the national organization, the Canadian Institute of Planners [CIP]. CIP and its affiliates promote excellence in planning.