What is an area structure plan?
An area structure plan (ASP) is a long-range land use planning tool. It guides how a specific area of the city will grow over the next twenty to thirty years. The City prepares these plans to make sure new neighbourhoods and business districts have the roads, parks, trails, and utility services they need from the start.
Area structure plans sit in the middle of our planning hierarchy. The Official Plan sets the broad vision for the whole city. Area structure plans break that vision down into detailed policies for larger geographic areas. Once an ASP is approved, developers can use it to create outline plans and apply for zoning changes or subdivision approvals under the Zoning bylaw.
How we create an area structure plan
Creating an ASP is a step-by-step process that takes public input seriously. Here is how it works:
- Project setup: City planners and engineers review existing conditions, environmental constraints, and Council priorities.
- Public engagement: We host open houses, online surveys, and workshops so residents and landowners can share their ideas for the area.
- Draft plan: Staff prepare a draft ASP that reflects community feedback and technical studies.
- Council review: The draft goes to Council. Council may hold a public hearing, ask for changes, and ultimately vote to adopt the plan by by-law.
Once adopted, the ASP guides all future development in the area. It usually takes two to three years to complete a plan from start to finish.
Current area structure plans in Wrenford
Wrenford currently has three active area structure plans. These documents set the rules and design standards for development in their respective areas.
Wildrye Area Structure Plan
The Wildrye ASP covers the newest residential neighbourhood in the city. It establishes the layout for the remaining phases of Wildrye, including the location of local schools, community parks, and the extension of the Tamsin River Trail System. The plan also sets standards for stormwater management around Ambrel Lake and coordinates infrastructure with the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority.
Eastfield Expansion Area Structure Plan
This plan guides the transition from the existing Eastfield residential area into the Industrial Park East district. It identifies the boundary between residential and industrial uses, outlines the arterial road network, and reserves land for a future community recreation facility. The ASP ensures that truck traffic is kept separate from neighbourhood streets.
Ambrel Lake Corridor Area Structure Plan
Spanning the neighbourhoods south of the lake, this ASP focuses on mixed-use development along the main commercial corridors. It encourages walkable streets, sets height and density guidelines for new buildings, and protects the natural shoreline of Ambrel Lake. The plan also coordinates with the Wrenford Public Library Board on the location of the future library branch.
Need more information?
If you want to see the full text of an adopted plan or track the status of a planning application, visit the Planning applications page. For questions about how an ASP affects your property, contact the planning and development team at [email protected].