Woodlands County is seeking public feedback on two proposed bylaws: Community Standards Bylaw 634/25 and Special Events Bylaw 641/26. These bylaws would update and clarify existing community standards and establish a dedicated permit process for larger events and gatherings.
Residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes, complete the online survey, and attend an upcoming public engagement session to share their feedback.
Community Standards Bylaw 634/25
Summary
The proposed Community Standards Bylaw updates the County's existing community standards regulations. It continues to address many of the same issues covered by the current Community Standards Bylaws, including property maintenance, noise, littering, derelict vehicles, and activities that may negatively affect neighbouring properties. The proposed bylaw also includes updated standards, clearer definitions, and modernized enforcement provisions.
What's Changing?
- Updates provisions currently found in the County's existing Community Standards Bylaws.
- Provides clearer rules related to property maintenance, derelict vehicles, noise, and littering.
- Introduces requirements related to vegetation encroaching onto public property and extension cords crossing sidewalks.
- Updates enforcement tools, penalties, and appeal processes.
- Removes special event regulations from the Community Standards Bylaw and places them into a dedicated Special Events Bylaw.
Key Highlights
- Property owners must maintain their properties in a safe and reasonable condition.
- Garbage accumulation, lack of property maintenance, excess noise and unsafe conditions may be considered nuisances.
- Derelict vehicles must generally be screened from public view.
- Noise rules help reduce unreasonable disturbances between neighbours.
- Littering and the improper disposal of waste materials remain prohibited.
- New provisions address vegetation encroaching onto public places and extension cords across sidewalks.
What Residents Need to Know
Most residents who maintain their properties, respect their neighbours, and follow existing regulations will notice little change. The bylaw primarily updates and clarifies existing standards while providing the County with more effective enforcement tools when issues arise.
Read the draft Community Standards Bylaw!
Special Events Bylaw 641/26
Summary
The proposed Special Events Bylaw creates a dedicated permit process for larger events and gatherings in Woodlands County. Its purpose is to support successful events while protecting public safety, managing traffic, reducing impacts on neighbouring properties, and ensuring appropriate planning takes place before an event occurs.
Why is this Bylaw Being Proposed?
Currently, major event regulations are contained within the County's Community Standards Bylaw. The proposed Special Events Bylaw creates a standalone process specifically focused on public events and gatherings, to improve clarity for residence.
What's Changing?
- Major event regulations are being moved into a dedicated bylaw.
- The attendance threshold changes from events of 250 or more attendees to a broader framework generally applying to events expected to attract 100 or more attendees or create specific impacts.
- The bylaw expands on the permit process focused on safety, traffic management, emergency planning, and neighbour notification, regarding special events.
- The County will have greater flexibility to apply event-specific conditions where needed.
Key Highlights
- Permits are generally required for events expecting 100 or more attendees.
- Organizers may need to provide site plans, parking plans, emergency plans, and noise mitigation measures.
- The County may consult with RCMP, Alberta Health Services, and other agencies during its review.
- Permit conditions may address event hours, attendance limits, traffic, security, and cleanup requirements.
- Council review is available for applicants who disagree with permit decisions.
- The Bylaw does not apply to events or activities that have otherwise been approved by a development permit.
What Event Organizers Need to Know
The bylaw is intended to help larger events operate safely and responsibly. Most small private gatherings will not require a permit. Organizers of larger events should plan ahead and submit permit applications well in advance of their event date.
Read the draft Special Events Bylaw!
Complete the Survey
Residents are invited to participate in an online survey to share their views on topics including neighbourhood standards, property maintenance, community appearance, special events, and community expectations.
Survey Period: Survey is now open and will close September 24, 2026.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJPKND8
Public Engagement Sessions
Residents will also have the opportunity to attend public engagement sessions to learn more about the proposed bylaws, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to County representatives.
Date: September 14, 2026
Time: 5-7pm
Location: Fort Assiniboine Legion Hall: 32 State Ave, Fort Assiniboine, AB T0G 1A0
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 5-7 pm
Location: Blue Ridge & District Community League, 304 2 Ave, Blue Ridge, AB T0E 0B0
Date: September 18, 2026
Time: 4-7pm
Location: Woodlands County Municipal Building Whitecourt (Council Chambers) #1 Woodlands Lane, Whitecourt, Ab, T7S 1N3
Date: September 17, 2026
Time: 5-7pm
Location: Anselmo Hall 565077 RGE RD 102
Your feedback is important and will help shape bylaws that reflect the needs and expectations of Woodland County residents.
If you wish to submit written comments or require more information regarding the proposed bylaws, please contact planning@woodlands.ab.ca