Acheson Area Structure Plan Update
The Acheson Area Structure Plan (ASP) is getting an update!
We want to hear from you! Beginning this spring, Parkland County is asking the public to share their thoughts about Acheson’s Industrial Area Structure Plan (ASP), the long-term roadmap for how Acheson will grow and develop, and how development opportunities within Acheson can be improved with an updated ASP.
Are you a local business owner? A resident? An industry leader? We want to hear from you! Subscribe to the project webpage to stay informed as the project progresses and to receive updates on upcoming events.
Project Overview
Parkland County’s Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a long-term roadmap for how Acheson will grow and develop. As part of a regular and ongoing process, Parkland County is reviewing the Acheson Industrial ASP in an effort to update policies and support efficient growth in the area.
Public Engagement for the Acheson Industrial ASP Project has been broken down into 5 stages, all of which will include public engagement opportunities that span the entire life of the project.
Stage 1 - Project Kick-off: Feedback received this spring will help the project team create opportunities for future engagement that works for you.
Stage 2 - Information Sharing and Technical Review: Beginning Summer 2026, County staff will work with the community to gain a better understanding of concerns, constraints, and opportunities for development in Acheson.
Stage 3 – Idea Generation and Trade-offs: This Stage will provide the public and interest holders an opportunity to review the background technical information and generate ideas for new policy direction, while also understanding the trade-offs of different options and decisions
Stage 4 - Draft ASP Policies: During this stage, the project team will take what they have learned from the community and draft updated policies. Opportunities will be created for the public to review the updated draft plan and provide feedback.
Stage 5 - Refinement and Approvals: Once a finalized draft of the ASP has been developed that incorporates feedback from Round 3, a formal referral will be sent to identified internal and external stakeholders for final review and comment prior to the public hearing.
Project History
The Acheson ASP was first proposed to be updated in two separate phases. Phase 1 was completed in December 2020 and included administrative changes, document formatting, and updating maps and policies. The County will now begin Phase 2 of the update, which will ensure the document reflects the County’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and supports Council’s Strategic Vision. The Acheson area continues to grow quickly, and as development and economic trends change, it is important to review and update the ASP regularly to reflect these changes.
Project Goals
Project Goals include:
- Updating the Acheson ASP to align with the County’s MDP
- Examining the feasibility of increased industrial intensity
- Unlocking development potential in constrained land areas
- Provide clear direction for unserviced uses where servicing is not feasible
What are the constrained land areas in the ASP?
Constrained lands are described in the ASP as land where future development is delayed due to current land uses or servicing constraints. Examples of constrained land areas include Agriculture Area A and B. Constrained lands account for approximately 34% of the land base in Acheson as of 2022.
This project is led by a team of County staff who have been working alongside residents and business owners to envision the future of the Acheson industrial area. ASPs are important tools that the County uses to guide future development and implement the vision, goals, and policies of the Municipal Development Plan (MDP). Over the next 1.5 years, County staff will provide opportunities for engagement to ensure that new and updated policies are informed, shaped by, and aligned with the goals of the community.
What is an Area Structure Plan?
An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a long-term roadmap for how an area will grow and develop. Think of it as a blueprint for the future of Acheson. The Acheson ASP sets out:
- Where different types of development can happen
- How roads and infrastructure connect
- How servicing is planned
- How coordinated growth occurs over time
An ASP doesn’t approve individual buildings; it sets out a framework so future development makes sense.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to learn more about ASPs.
What's Next?
Public engagement and consultation will play a major role in the Acheson Industrial ASP Update. Engagement will help the project team examine how existing policies and land use designations in Acheson are working for the public and will ensure that members of the community are provided with the opportunity to have their voices heard. Members of the community will be involved throughout the update process to ensure that public concerns and desires are consistently understood and considered.
How to Get Involved
Sign up for project updates
Public and stakeholder input is a key part of the project. We want to hear from landowners, businesses, residents, and industry groups to identify where we can improve. Subscribe to the project webpage to stay connected, and you’ll receive updates on upcoming events as the project progresses.
Public Information Sessions
Project staff will be hosting information sessions every few months to share regular project updates and provide opportunities for the public to ask questions and provide feedback. Sign up for email updates so you don't miss one!
Have a question about the project that wasn't answered above?
Email us anytime at BuildingParkland@parklandcounty.com.
