City updatesMedia releasesNeighbourhoodPlanning & Development Posted on: July 29, 2025 Changes to Beaumont’s Land Use Bylaw will improve how residents are informed about development in the community and give the City more say to decide if new or expanded child care facilities are a fit with the neighbourhood. The changes, approved by Council earlier this summer, include prominent signs for major developments and designated drop off spaces for child care. “We’ve heard from residents that they want more information about what’s being built in their neighbourhood. Council is committed to transparency and these changes reflect that,” said Mayor Bill Daneluik. “We’ve also seen a growing number of child care facilities proposed for Beaumont and we are making sure these spaces continue to be safe and a good fit for the community.” How you’ll be notified Starting this summer, residents will see signs on properties with basic details where development may occur, directing them to more information on the City’s website. The signs and information on the Planning and Development Notifications webpage show: Proposed changes – what’s being applied for, including details like business type, parking, and how the public can provide feedback. Approved changes – what’s been approved, how it affects the property, and how to appeal the decision. Each notice will include the neighbourhood, property location, a description, and details about how to appeal or provide feedback within the required timelines. As the community adjusts to this new approach, written notices will continue to be mailed to adjacent landowners until February 1, 2026. Public hearings will continue to be advertised in the newspaper in addition to the City’s website. More oversight for education and child care facilities Changes to the Land Use Bylaw have designated education and child care facilities as a discretionary land use. This allows the City to assess how each proposed site aligns with the surrounding neighbourhood before approving a development permit. In addition to existing parking requirements, new or expanding education and child care facilities: must include a designated drop-off/pick-up area to help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion during busy times. may be required to provide additional information if necessary (i.e. traffic impact assessment, number of staff on site, etc.). will be subject to the public notification process witha 21-day appeal period. These changes support smoother operations in residential areas, enhance safety and demonstrate the City’s commitment to open, responsive planning. By sharing clearer information earlier in the process, residents can stay informed, get involved, and see how decisions are made as Beaumont grows. Media contact Mike BerezowskyDirector, Communications and Service Experience780-243-0458mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca Frequently asked questions How can I stay updated on development in my area?Watch for signage in your community and check the City’s Planning and Development Notification page as information is updated every week. Nearby landowners will also receive letters by mail until February 1, 2026.How did the Planning and Development department notify the public before these changes?Adjacent landowners were notified by mail and required notices were published in the local newspaper. While this met the requirements, it didn’t always reach the broader community or make the process easy to follow. These changes are intended to make it easier for you to find and understand development information. Is this a result of the public concerns with the Dansereau Landing development?No, changes to the notification process were already being planned late last year. The goal is to improve transparency and help all residents better understand what’s happening in our fast-growing community.What is a discretionary land use district?A discretionary land use district helps the City manage growth responsibly, where each development is reviewed to be a good fit for the community. The Land Use Bylaw divides the municipality into land use districts (page 29). Within each land use district, different types of development are classified as either permitted, discretionary or not allowed at all. Permitted – the development is automatically approved if the development follows the rules. Discretionary – the development is reviewed for fit and may include conditions. Not allowed – the development is not permitted in that district at all. Even if a building or business is listed as a possible option for a property, it is not automatically approved if it is discretionary within its land use district. The City looks at each application to decide whether the proposed development fits well with the surrounding area and may add conditions to help it blend in, or reduce impacts like noise, traffic, or parking. Discretionary uses give the City flexibility to make thoughtful decisions in situations when the Land Use Bylaw does not cover every situation. It also gives residents an opportunity to appeal a decision under the Municipal Government Act. Are these changes based on what is working in other communities?Yes, many other communities use signage to help residents find clear and timely information about what is happening in their neighbourhoods.