SASKATOON—The Rural Municipality of Corman Park is reviewing its development policies related to floodplain areas to update its Official Community Plan. The announcement comes as Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz recently announced the provincial government is amending the Planning and Development Act of 2007.
RM of Corman Park Chief Administrative Officer Kerry Hilts told SaskToday Schmalz’s announcement aligns with their ongoing efforts to manage land use responsibly, development in areas affected by flood mapping, and update the province’s flood risk planning standards to improve community safety and economic growth.
“This is a positive development for the RM, as it creates more flexibility for landowners and developers. With updated flood mapping, less land is classified within the floodplain, which can support more development opportunities while maintaining appropriate safeguards,” added Hilts, who has three decades of experience working in municipal governments.
“The updated mapping and associated policy changes mean that more land within the flood fringe may now be considered for development or redevelopment. This supports both current and future development applications by providing clearer guidance and fewer restrictions in areas no longer identified as high risk.”
Municipalities located in flood-prone areas will benefit from the updated standard by using flood mapping and predictive modelling tools. Flood-prone communities will also have the chance to design resilient infrastructures and manage development effectively, ensuring the quality of life for future generations.
Schmalz made the announcement at the RM of Corman Park office, where he was joined by Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, Daryl Harrison, Provincial Secretary, Jamie Martens, RM Corman Park Reeve Joe Hargrave, Saskatchewan Realtors Association President and CEO Chris Guérette, and other RM officials.
Schmalz, the Saskatchewan Rivers MLA, said the amendment would align the province with the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program, as it adopts a one-in-200-year flood event standard, equating to a 0.5 per cent chance of flooding in any given year.
“Keeping our communities safe while supporting development is key to a growing province. This move confirms our commitment to growing communities, making room for economic development opportunities in this province. Our government will continue to examine how we can harmonize standards across Canada, including for community planning and building,” said Schmalz, who emphasized the province’s proactive approach.
“Our ministry is listening, and the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to keeping our communities safe while providing the tools necessary to support and foster conditions for economic growth and development. We are prepared to meet the challenges ahead and make changes to help municipalities plan for future growth.”
He added that adopting the standard set in the DFAA program also shows the provincial government’s commitment, by working with stakeholders that help empower the rural communities that drive investment across the province, while updating access to federal support in the event of major floods to guide municipalities in preparing for long-term resilience.
