WHEREAS the province assumed jurisdiction over secondary highways on April 1, 2000; AND WHEREAS a viable provincial highway system is important for supporting the long-term economic well-being of the province of Alberta and its municipalities; AND WHEREAS incompatible development in close proximity to highways may compromise the ability of highways to function at optimum levels in the short term and long term;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the Government of Alberta to ensure that appropriate standards, particularly related to development setback distances, are applied equally to the former secondary highways to ensure the long-term viability of the provincial highway system.

The provincial highway system is a significant component of the “Alberta Advantage”. The efficient flow of goods through these vital corridors helps keep the provincial economy strong. At a local level, municipalities depend on an efficient highway system as well.While the province has a long history of maintaining control over the development near primary highways, it has only had jurisdiction over secondary highways since April 1, 2000. Prior to that time the jurisdiction over development near these highways was the responsibility of individual municipalities. This resolution is intended to clearly state to the province that the AAMDC strongly supports continued protection of the secondary highway system from inappropriate development by enforcing sufficient setback distances in the same manner that the primary highway has traditionally been protected.