Municipal Government (National Urban Parks) Amendment Act, 2023

Summary#

This bill changes Alberta’s Municipal Government Act to control how cities work with the federal government on National Urban Parks. Its main goal is to require cities to follow provincial rules before negotiating any plan to create a national urban park.

• Cities cannot negotiate a national urban park plan with the federal government unless they meet conditions set by the provincial Cabinet (the “Lieutenant Governor in Council”).
• The provincial Cabinet decides what those conditions are.
• If a city passes a bylaw, resolution, or signs an agreement about a park plan without meeting those conditions, it is invalid.
• The change gives the province final say over city–federal talks about National Urban Parks.

What it means for you#

• Municipalities

  • You must meet provincial conditions before talking with the federal government about creating a National Urban Park.
  • Any bylaw, motion, or agreement made without meeting those conditions will not stand.
  • Expect extra steps and possible delays while waiting for provincial conditions or approvals.

• Residents

  • If your city wants a National Urban Park, the process may take longer because the province sets conditions first.
  • If you are concerned about federal rules affecting local land use, this gives the province a stronger role in those decisions.

• Landowners and developers

  • There is less chance a city will agree to a park plan that changes land use without provincial oversight.
  • Park proposals may move more slowly, which could delay any related changes in nearby property use or value.

• Community and environmental groups

  • Creating a National Urban Park will include an extra provincial step. Plans may face more review and could take longer to finalize.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Protects provincial authority over land use and major planning decisions.
• Ensures city park proposals align with provincial priorities and policies.
• Prevents cities from entering agreements with Ottawa that could have wider effects on the province.
• Creates clear rules so all municipalities follow the same conditions.
• Reduces legal confusion by invalidating deals made without required provincial conditions.

Opponents' View#

• Reduces municipal autonomy and local decision-making power.
• Could delay or block National Urban Parks, slowing benefits like access to nature, recreation, and conservation.
• May put federal partnerships or funding at risk if cities cannot negotiate directly.
• Adds uncertainty for ongoing local planning, since agreements made without meeting conditions can be thrown out.
• Concentrates control with the provincial Cabinet, which critics say could politicize park decisions.