Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the website of your bank to set up your account. For a list of bank websites, please visit our Payment Options page.

When selecting the County from the Vendor Listing, ensure that the "County" and "Wetaskiwin" is included in the payee name. Please do not choose Wetaskiwin Utilities as this is the City of Wetaskiwin. For a list of bank websites, please visit our Payment Options page.

Yes, we are now accepting payments using select credit cards through OptionPay. 

OptionPay is a payment card system with a tiered fee schedule, starting with a minimum fee of $2.00 per transaction. All transaction fees will be included in your transaction and you will have the option to approve or discontinue your transaction. Visit their fee schedule here.  

For a list of bank websites, please visit our Payment Options page and to see a diagram of the information you require Click Here.

Payment can be made either by: - Cash - Cheque (dated today or posted dated) - Interac - Telebanking/Internet Banking or Credit Card though Option Pay.

Your legal land description, rural address, and other property information can be found on the County's Online Map. Please note that your rural address is not your mailing address.

Tax Certificates are $40.00 each. To order a tax certificate and for more information

PROPERTY OWNER MAILING ADDRESS, OR CHANGE OF NAME INFORMATION 

Note: The Land Titles Office at Service Alberta, which is the source of ownership information for the County of Wetaskiwin, is experiencing processing delays and any recent ownership or mailing address changes may not be reflected in Tax/Assessment Notices.  

It is the property owner's responsibility to keep the Land Titles record accurate. 

Mailing Address Changes: Mailing address changes must be made in writing with the Alberta Land Titles Office using the Province’s Notice of Change of Address for Service form. Changes made to your land title are received electronically by The County of Wetaskiwin from the Alberta Land Titles Office.

Note: Alberta Land Titles Office will not accept change requests over the phone.

Under the Municipal Government Act Section 337, once mailed, a tax notice is considered to have been received after seven (7) days. It is the responsibility of the property owner to contact the County for their tax information if they do not receive a property tax notice. Not receiving a tax notice (or losing a tax notice) is not accepted as a reason for late payment. 

Name Changes: All ownership changes to a title, including changes due to marriage, divorce, death, legal name change, spelling corrections, or adding/removing an owner must be made in writing using the appropriate forms with the Province of Alberta Land Titles Office. Changes made to your land title are received electronically by the County of Wetaskiwin from the Land Titles Office.

If you have recently purchased a property in the County, please contact us at 780-352-3321 to confirm your contact information. 

Payment can be made either by: - Cash - Cheque (dated today or posted dated) - Interac - Telebanking/Internet Banking or Credit Card though Option Pay.

Payment Options

Utility E-Billing is a convenient and eco-friendly way to receive your County of Wetaskiwin utility bills electronically instead of by mail. To register, simply fill out the online form on the County’s website. For more information or assistance, email us or call 780-352-3321 ext. 2287.

Utility Billing invoices are mailed out every second month. - January – February = mailed in March - March – April = mailed in May - May – June = mailed in July - July – August = mailed in September - September – October = mailed in November - November – December = mailed in January

For a list of bank websites, please visit our Payment Options page and to see a diagram of the information you require Click Here.

Yes, we are now accepting payments using select credit cards through OptionPay. 

OptionPay is a payment card system with a tiered fee schedule, starting with a minimum fee of $2.00 per transaction. All transaction fees will be included in your transaction and you will have the option to approve or discontinue your transaction. Visit their fee schedule here. 

Waste Management By-law was approved by Council defining a residence as any habitable dwelling. Each property with a residence is billed $20.50 per month for garbage pick up fees.

Posted axle weights are the weight restrictions for vehicles that lowers the legal registered permitted weight placed on a road. This protects the infrastructure from damage.

Overweight is defined as the weight on an axle or axle group, or total gross weight, being more than that allowed under the Traffic Safety Act.

Year-round road bans are in effect on all weight restricted rural roads in County of Wetaskiwin. See the current Road Ban Order for these roads.

During the spring thaw, seasonal road bans are declared to protect our roads. Because seasonal road bans depend on road conditions, the dates vary from year-to-year but they typically run from April–June. During these months the posted axle weight on the majority of weight restricted roads is lowered to 75%.

Some roads have permanent weight restrictions that are not affected by seasonal road bans. See the current Road Ban Order for these roads.

A divisible load is any load that can be easily lightened such as water, gravel, lumber or concrete.

A non-divisible load is any load that cannot be easily lightened such as heavy equipment, concrete pump trucks or trucks hauling a one piece load.

No.  A haul restriction is sometimes used prior to implementation of spring road bans. The County will specify a time frame when permitted hauls can move on frozen road conditions reducing the amount of road damage.

Haul restrictions will typically be left in place until spring road bans are implemented.

A permitted haul is movement on the roads that requires the issuance of a permit. These may be overweight, over dimensional, service/drilling rigs, heavy hauls or multiple legal loads that require a permit.

The only exemptions from the haul restrictions are; agricultural commodities, septic haulers, Vac & Steamer Trucks in emergent situations.

The County of Wetaskiwin does not have a cat Bylaw and therefore the Bylaw Enforcement Officers will not pick up cats. If you would like to rent a trap to re-home cats please go to the following link.  Traps

On November 8, 2018, Council enacted Cannabis Consumption Bylaw 2018/54. The purpose of this Bylaw is to impose additional restrictions on the Smoking and all forms of consumption of Cannabis in Public Places. Cannabis cannot be consumed on public property or any property owned by the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10. Cannabis consumption is limited to only private property within the County, with the permission of the property owner. 

Contact the Bylaw department at 780-352-3321 for impound fee total.  Prior to picking up your dog(s) stop by the County office to pay your impound fees or as an alternative you may pay fees online. 

To pay with Credit Card please proceed to OptionPay site. (There is an additional fee to use this service to pay). Visit their fee schedule here. 

Fill out the following:

1. Credit Card Info
2. Enter in dollar amount of impound fee (fee to be applied will show once you enter in amount)
3. Pick Type of "Fees/Fines"
4. Please enter the file number given to you by Bylaw Department in File Number Field
5. Enter in Contact Phone Number
6. Type in "Dog Pound Fee" in Comments Field
7. You MUST print your credit card payment receipt for proof of payment prior to picking up your dog to be left at Wetaskiwin Animal Clinic.

Development Permit- County of Wetaskiwin

A development permit is needed when you are planning to construct an improvement or structure on your property. A development permit ensures land use and/or location of the structure on the property is appropriate. Examples include a new house, an addition on to an existing house, a shed, garage, or any other structure. The County offers this service as defined in the Land Use Bylaw. A development permit ensures the proposed development meets the County’s requirements as set out in the Land Use Bylaw. Planning and Development Applications

Safety Code Permit- Superior Safety Codes

After the development permit has been approved and issued, the appropriate safety code permits must be acquired. Superior Safety Codes issues the safety codes permits listed below within The County. Superior Safety Codes allows construction to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code. 

• Building
• Electric
• Gas
• Plumbing
• Sewage

Superior Safety Codes allows construction to proceed on condition of compliance with the Alberta Building Code. It deals with structural integrity and public safety.

Council has approved the contract between the County and Superior Safety Codes. The Provincial Safety Codes Council has authorized the County as an accredited agency who has the authority to enter into contracts with an accredited agency to provide services. As such, all safety codes permits (electrical, building, gas and plumbing) must be obtained from Superior Safety Codes.

• Who is Superior Safety Codes?
• Apply for a Safety Codes Permit
• Superior Safety Codes Forms and Checklists
• Superior Safety Codes FAQ's
• Contact Superior Safety Codes
  • Contact either the Edmonton or Red Deer Office. 

Council has approved the contract between the County and Superior Safety Codes. The Provincial Safety Codes Council has authorized the County as an accredited agency who has the authority to enter into contracts with another accredited agency to provide services. As such, all safety codes permits (electrical, building, gas and plumbing) must be obtained from Superior Safety Codes.

The Safety Codes Council provides a fair and transparent appeals process of orders, refusals, suspensions and cancellations, in accordance with the Safety Codes Act. The Appeals process for a safety codes permit is a formal hearing process that allows a person or corporation named in an order, refusal, suspension, or cancellation, to file a notice of appeal with the Coordinator of Appeals within 35 days of service of an order or within 30 days of service of a refusal, suspension, or cancellation notice. To be considered, your notice of appeal must be submitted with the appropriate appeal fee and within the applicable time frame. Your appeal to the Safety Codes Council must be in writing and signed. 

Council establishes the fees for permits, and any changes to fees will be held in a public forum. The agency is paid a percentage of the permit fee which is established at the contract approval stage.

Safety Codes Act:

The Safety Codes Act established a unifying administration to ten safety disciplines which each have their own safety codes to keep the public safe in the places they live, work and play.

Safety Codes Permit:

You require a safety codes permit to ensure that the work you are completing is meeting the requirements of the Safety Codes Act and other regulations. This will not only give you peace of mind, but may also be a requirement of you homeowners insurance. Safety Codes are about ensuring that any work that falls under the Safety Codes Act complies with the standards they establish. These standards are in place to keep the public safe.

Safety Codes Council:

The Safety Codes Council is a corporation established under the Safety Codes Act that reviews safety codes and standards in the province of Alberta. The Council assists the Government of Alberta department of Municipal Affairs in administering the Safety Codes Act. The Safety Codes Council is responsible for all aspects of the safety system, including accrediting the municipalities, corporations and agencies that sell permits and inspect the work carried out under these permits; certifying and training Safety Codes Officers who do the inspections; administering the Alberta Master Electrician Program, developing, enhancing and supporting Information Technology safety system applications.  

• What is the Safety Codes Council role in permitting and inspections?

OptionPay is a payment card system used for online and credit card transactions.  You can find more information on OptionPay by visiting their website here.

Yes. All transactions carried out through OptionPay follow a tiered fee schedule, starting at a minimum fee of $2.00.  To see the full fee schedule for using this payment option, please visit their fee schedule here.  The fees are administered through the OptionPay program for the use of their service, and not through the County of Wetaskiwin.

OptionPay provides information on their security measures here.  Please note that the County of Wetaskiwin takes no responsibility for and accepts no liability in the event of security breaches, technical difficulties, or other issues that may arise from your use of OptionPay.  All users accept responsibility for their use of this service and do so at their own risk.

There are four ways to pay for your Dust Control Application:

1. Mail Payment and Application to County office at:
   • Box 6960 Wetaskiwin, AB  T9A 2G5
2. Drop off Payment and Application at County Administration Office:
   • 243019A HWY 13  (1.5 miles west on Hwy 13 off Hwy 2A)
3. Internet/Online Banking and Email/Fax Application:
   • Using the County of Wetaskiwin No. 10 as your Payee and the account number 999950. 
   • Note Transaction ID # on application
   • Email or fax application to:
     • Email Address: pwadmin@county10.ca or
     • Fax Number: (780) 352-3486
   • Finance will receipt this as a dust control application
4. Credit Card Payment - OptionPay - (extra fee)
   • Using OptionPay:
     • Enter in Credit Card Info
     • Enter in Amount you want to pay - (once you enter it will show you the fee that will be added to use OptionPay)
     • Pick Type of "Fees/Fines"
     • Enter File Number as PW02
     • Enter your Phone Number
     • Enter in your email if you would like your receipt emailed to you
     • Place Applicants name in Comments box
     • On receipt, note the last four digits of the Transaction ID# and note this on your application before emailing or mailing in application.
     • Email or fax application to:
       • Email Address: pwadmin@county10.ca or
       • Fax Number: (780) 352-3486
   • Example of How to Pay for Dustcapping using Credit Card (OptionPay)

No, the payment of dust control only entitles to 1 application. Re-treatment of the dust control may be requested; however, re-treatments shall be charged at full cost of $6.50 per lineal metre (plus GST) per the Fees and Charges Bylaw. 

Dust control will not be applied until spring road bans have been lifted and is not guaranteed within a specific time frame. Dust control services is only offered during the period of June 1 to September 1 of each calendar year. 

Flags are available for pick-up at the County Administration Office, Buck Lake Hardware, Falun Co-op and Seely’s General Ltd. in Alder Flats.

To ensure the correct placement of dust control, we ask that you mark your calcium spots (i.e.: wooden stakes with paint, lathe with ribbon or flags).

We ask that you mark on your application how you will be flagging the area that you want sprayed with calcium. Flags are available at the County Administration Building, Falun Co-op, Buck Lake Hardware, and Seely's General (Alder Flats).

Risk calcium being sprayed in the wrong spot.

Please contact Public Works to have a service request created and assigned to the Road Maintenance Foreman to investigate and determine cause of failure. 

You will need to contact Public Works and request a Dust Control Suppressant Waiver Form. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will also have to be provided for the suppressant you are planning to use. The waiver form and MSDS will then be reviewed by the Public Works Manager of Operations who will either approve or deny your request. 

Please Note: The spreading of used oil on roads within the County, prior to testing and meeting Alberta Environment guidelines is not permitted. 

After snow exceeding 10 cm STOPS, then the plows start, and the roads are opened within 72 hours of the last snow fall as per Gravel Road Maintenance Requirements Policy. Grader operators alternate their starting location, which means some roads are cleared first this time, and others next time.

This varies. If there is a lot of snow, or if the snow is heavy and moist, or if there is a strong wind, it can take longer to move the snow and fight drifts – and can take several days to complete road clearing.

Depending on road conditions, it can take up to 72 hours for a grader to complete its entire beat after it stops snowing as per Gravel Road Maintenance Requirements Policy.  However, strong winds can close a road before the 72 hours have lapsed. 

Timing can be severely affected by the amount of snow, temperature, continuing bad weather such as wind causing drifts or by poor visibility.

The answer is – no. The priority is to clear the County’s road network as efficiently and quickly as possible, followed by general cleanup.

If you have a medical condition or if you have a job where you are required to get to town every day, please plan for unexpected bad weather. All roads can become impassable with extreme weather and it is important to have food and supplies to last for several days during a bad storm.

Rural residents should also have an emergency plan in place as any road can become impassable in extreme weather. It is important to have enough food, supplies and medications on hand to last for several days should you be snowed in. Should travel be required – for work or medical reasons – it is up to residents to make sure you have the right vehicle, like a 4x4, that will get you to where you need to go – or have a family member or neighbor lined up that does.

No, because bus routes routinely change with movement of families and where school age children live. School buses travel on many miles of roads and it is impossible to assign a priority to one road over another. Bus routes are not set as a priority as the County considers every road equally important.

The County has one truck fill location located in the Hamlet of Gwynne.   The bulk water system uses a pinpad to access water on site.

Each user will be required to fill out a one-time application which includes a requirement for a PIN Number to be provided by the user.  Applications can be completed at the County Administration Building or through the website. Once the application is processed, the County will provide an Access Code to the user.  An Access Code and PIN number are required for access to the pin pad system at the truck fill.

Payments can be made at the County office or on-line through telebanking or credit card (Option Pay).

Payments made in person can take 1-2 business days for processing and on-line payments can take 3-4 business days to process. Users will be notified when on-line payments are received.

Water is charged per cubic meter. See Schedule 'E' in the Fees and Charges Bylaw for the most up to date fee schedule.

The bulk water sale system has been upgraded at the fill station from swipe cards to a pin pad system. The new system will continue to offer 24/7 service. 

Pin Pad Instructions
 
The water at the Gwynne Truck Fill is a shared potable water supply that serves the residents of Gwynne including the Gwynne School and the Truck Fill Customers. Potable and Non potable tanks may be filled at this station, but an air gap MUST be maintained between the dispensing hose and tank being filled, as per Alberta Environment and Parks regulations. This Air Gap will prevent cross contamination as well as prevent a back siphon condition. The flexible dispensing hoses are staggered so that the longer north hose is intended for smaller vehicles, and the shorter south hose is intended for larger vehicles.  

The County is recommending truck fill customers build an ABS or PVC pipe extension piece 6” in diameter or greater. The length of the extension piece will vary from customer to customer depending on different tank height and vehicle set ups. The north hose (longer hose) is meant for smaller vehicles and the south hose (shorter hose) is meant for taller vehicles. As shown in the photos below, the extension pieces can be supported with threaded rod.

Further questions can be directed to the Utilities Foreman at 780-361-6241. 

These signs are designed to assist travelers in locating rural addresses and will also aid in saving lives and property by providing direction to emergency services such as Police, Fire and Ambulance.  

The County is divided into blocks called Townships, which are six miles by six miles (a total area of 36 square miles). The east/west borders of these blocks are called Township lines and the north/south borders are called Range lines. Grid lines within the blocks are one mile apart. The last number on each road sign designates the mile (or gridline) within the block, and the first one or two numbers designate the Range or Township. The gridlines within Ranges are numbered from right to left (east to west) and within Townships from bottom to top (south to north).

Generally, roads are built on each Range Line (roads are one mile apart going west or east) and every two Township Lines (roads are two miles apart going north or south).

Maps are available from the County of Wetaskiwin showing the Range and Township Lines at a cost of $20.00 each, plus GST. 

Correction Lines are designed to adjust for the curvature of the earth, so roads north of a correction line and roads south of a correction line may not line up. When reading a map, determine if the location or destination is above or below the Correction line. For locations above the Correction Line, read the top of the map to find out the Range Line. Similarly, for those locations below the Correction Line, read the bottom of the map to find the Range Line. When travelling along the Correction Line, you may see two signs at each intersection instead of the single sign seen throughout the remainder of the County. Just remember, if your destination is north of the Correction Line, read the sign at the north of the intersection. If you are turning south, heed the sign on the south side of the intersection. 

Firearms and Hunting Fact Sheet

If a restrictive covenant is registered on your Certificate of Title, you are legally required to comply with it. Restrictive covenants may include conditions or limitations that go beyond the requirements of the County’s Land Use Bylaw.

It is the responsibility of the applicant and/or landowner to review the Certificate of Title and identify any encumbrances, including restrictive covenants, caveats, or easements. If you are unsure whether a restrictive covenant applies to your property or would like to obtain a copy, you can do so through any Alberta registry office.

Please note that the issuance of a development permit does not supersede, invalidate, or grant approval to contravene any encumbrance registered on the Certificate of Title.

Development Permit applications can be obtained and then submitted three ways:

1. By email – request an application or submit the application to wpermits.
2. The County office - 243019A Highway 13 (southside of Highway 13 across from Reynolds Alberta Museum entrance)
3. By regular mail - Box 6960, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2G5

Planning and Development Applications

The required documents may vary depending on what the proposed development is; however, majority of development permit applications require:

• Completed development permit application form, 
• Drawings (blueprints),
• Floor plan, 
• CSA Certification for all Mobile and Modular Homes,
• Site plan, and 
• All application fee(s) to be paid in full. 

Applications are NOT considered complete until ALL of the required information and fees have been provided. An incomplete application form and/or illegible supporting information may result in the application being returned to the applicant. Please refer to the checklist on the back of the application. Fees will be determined after application is considered complete.

Click here to contact the Planning and Development department for any questions regarding the application or application process. 

Site Plan Example:

Examples of drawings/measurements required: 

Shed	Garage	House

Planning and Development Applications

A site plan is a detailed, dimensional plan/drawing showing all buildings/structures on a site and their distance to:

1. Property lines
2. Pipelines/Well Heads
3. Bank breaks

All setbacks are required to be measured from the property line, not from the road or center of the road. The site plan should also show the square footage of all buildings, and where access into the parcel is (driveway/approach).

Site Plan Example

Planning and Development Applications

The County will require blueprints/drawings for all development permit applications. The County will require professional plans to be submitted for any new buildings used for residential use (Dwellings, Garages, Shops, etc.).  If the application is for an existing building, the following examples are of the required type of drawings/measurements that should be submitted.

Examples of drawings/measurements required: 

Shed	Garage	House

Planning and Development Applications

The time to process a development permit application can vary, depending on the type of development. 

If the development is a permitted use and within the required setbacks outlined in the designated property district, it can typically take 5-7 business days. 

A discretionary development permit application may take up to a month to process for the following reasons:

• The application may require a referral if your property is subject to one of the reasons listed below, and the referral agencies are given 14 to 21 days to provide the County with any comments.
  • Located within 1.6 km (1 mile) of any Municipal Boundaries ,
  • Located within 800 metres (1/2 mile) from a CFO,
  • Located within 800 metres (1/2 mile) of a pipeline or well head, and
  • Located within 1.6 km (1 mile) of a sour gas pipeline or well head (sour gas is 10 mol/kmol or more)
• Notice to Adjacent Landowners

A notice of all discretionary permits are required to be mailed to adjacent landowners, and are given a 21 day appeal period. 

Planning and Development Applications

The Development Permit application fee will depend on the type of development proposed, the zoning of the parcel, and whether or not a variance (relaxation of a setback) is being requested. Please refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw - Schedule C to view Development Permit fees. 

Payment of fees may be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. For more information visit payment options.

Planning and Development Applications

When a development permit application is received, a quick preliminary review of the application form is done.  If additional information, documents, or fees are required, the applicant will be informed that their application has been deemed incomplete.  An incomplete application form and/or illegible supporting information may result in the application being returned to the applicant.

Applications are NOT considered complete until ALL of the required information and fees have been provided.

Planning and Development Applications

A registered owner of a parcel can apply for subdivision, or a person authorized on their behalf.   

Subdivision must follow the requirements set out in the County’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP). A copy of which can be found here.

Generally, a subdivision takes approximately 3 to 6 months to complete. Some of the mandated timelines include:  

• Deeming an application complete – 20 days 
  
• Referrals to agencies & adjacent landowners – 21 days 
  
• Review of complete subdivision application to condition approval – 30 days 
  
• Appeal period – 21 days 
  

Fulfilment of subdivision conditions – subdivision approvals are valid for 1 year. All conditions of a subdivision must be completed within that year. Extensions for an additional year may be granted but the request and fee must be submitted before the file expires.  

MPS is the designated Subdivision Authority, contracted by the County of Wetaskiwin. Applications can be sent by mail or email to:  

Municipal Planning Services (2009) Ltd.  

#206 17511 – 107 Avenue NW  

Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1E5 

Or email: admin@munplan.ab.ca  

As per Municipal Planning Services’ website, requirements include:  

• Application Fee  
• Application for Subdivision (must be completed in full and signed)  
•  Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) Abandoned Wells Statement (whichever is applicable)  
•  Authorization for Electronic Communication   
•  Information about Sewage Disposal System(s) **To be completed for each private sewage disposal system on the subject property**  
• Landowner Letter of Authorization **Must accompany all applications where the applicant is not the landowner OR where there is more than one registered landowner.  Please note that signatures are required for ALL registered landowners**  
• Certificate of Title (obtained within 3 months of the submission of the application) **Please note that if one is not provided, we may acquire one on your behalf for a fee**  
• Tentative Plan of Subdivision (with area and dimensions of the proposed lot(s) and remainder parcel)  
• An orthophoto of the subject site (including proposed and remainder parcels)  
• Any other items or information identified during pre-submission consultation.    

Municipal Planning Services have set their fee schedule. A copy of the fee schedule can be found here MPS Subdivision Fees.

When developing a multi-lot subdivision in the County, a Developer's Agreement is required. This agreement mandates the developer to undertake specific works as part of the subdivision approval process. Additionally, the County charges an administration and inspection fee of $100 per lot created.

Design and engineering requirements are typically necessary only for multi-lot subdivisions.

For subdivisions where more than six lots are created on a quarter section utilizing groundwater, provincial legislation mandates water tests. These tests must be conducted by a professional engineer and can cost several thousand dollars.

Road construction is usually required for multi-lot subdivisions. Occasionally, a single lot may also necessitate road building. The cost estimate is $16 per linear foot, but it may increase in challenging conditions or for smaller projects. All roads must meet the County's standards.

The Land Titles Office charges a fee for registering your subdivision plan. This cost will be included in your surveyor's bill.

Every lot must have an approach off a County road. As approaches are on the road allowance, they need to be constructed to County standards. This typically involves excavation, culvert installation, backfilling, compacting, and gravelling. Contracting out this work may cost approximately $2,000±.

Post-approval, you must hire an Alberta Land Surveyor to prepare a plan for the Land Titles Office. Costs and processes vary depending on the type of subdivision, ranging from under $1,000 for a simple Descriptive Plan to over $1,500 for a full Plan of Survey.

The municipality may claim up to 10% of the subdivision area for public use or its equivalent value in money. This is generally applicable except for the first subdivision out of a quarter or on lots of 40 or more acres designated for farming.

After the surveyor completes the plan, it is sent to MPS for final approval. MPS charges an endorsement fee of $100 plus $150 per lot, including for lot line adjustments, to ensure all conditions of approval have been met.

As a landowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements are met prior to commencing work in or near a wetland. 

The Provincial Water Act and Wetland Policy are two of the key pieces of Alberta legislation and policy that govern your rights and responsibilities when working in and around wetlands on your land are the Water Act and the Wetland Policy. 

You can read the Province's Landowner Guide to the Alberta Wetland Policy by clicking the link /DocumentCenter/View/8947/Wetland-Landowners-Guide

Visit the Recreational Unit (RVs) page to find out how many recreational units are allowed on your property based on its zoning district.

To find out what district your property is in, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Interactive County Map on the County website.
2. Use the search function to locate your specific property on the map.
3. Once you find your property, click on it.
4. Look for the Zoning Code information associated with your property.

The Zoning Code will indicate the specific district your property falls under. This information can provide details about the permitted uses, regulations, and other zoning-related guidelines for your property.

• Where a house exists on a parcel of land under one (1) acre, a maximum of five (5) Recreational Units may be present.
• Where a house exists on a parcel of land between one (1) and two (2) acres, a maximum of ten (10) Recreational Units may be present.
• Where a house exists or does not exist on a parcel of land between over two (2) acres and less than twenty (20) acres, a maximum of twenty (20) Recreational Units may be present.
• Whether a house exists or does not exist on a parcel of land twenty (20) acres or greater, a maximum of thirty (30) Recreational Vehicles may be present.

To accommodate family functions, reunions, weddings, and other similar functions that are associated with temporary use of Recreational Units, a written application must be provided to the County in accordance with Recreational Units During Family Functions Policy (amended by Bylaw 2021/60).

Yes, you can have Recreational Units (RVs) on your property for family and friends during a function, but you will need to obtain a permit and approval. This is necessary for temporary use of RVs on your property during events such as reunions, weddings, celebrations (birthdays, holidays, etc.).

However, there are some conditions:

1. Approvals are only allowed within properties districted as Institutional, Recreational, Watershed Protection, Wizard Lake Watershed, Agricultural, Residential (except Urban Residential), Mobile Home, or High-Density Rural Residential.
2. The use or function must comply with all Municipal, Provincial, and Federal legislation, including the County's Noise Bylaw and regulatory requirements for the disposal of wastewater.

To know what your property is distracted as, click on County Interactive Map to search your property. 

1. Complete a Recreational Vehicles During Family Functions Application, including the following information:
   • Name of the Landowner(s)
   • Legal description of the property
   • Type of event and the number of expected RVs
   • Dates and time of the event
   • Site plan showing the location on the property, describing the number and placement of Recreational Units (RVs) during the event
2. Access the application form. 
3. Email the completed application to the Planning and Development Department for review and consideration.
4. The Planning and Development Department will review the applications, and satisfactory applications will be granted approval in writing.
5. Relevant County Departments, including the County’s Protective Services Department, will be notified of the approved applications.

Make sure to provide accurate and complete information in your application to facilitate the review process. If you have any questions or need assistance, you may contact the Planning and Development Department for guidance. 

Temporary Recreational Units (RVs) can be allowed on your property for your function for a maximum of ninety-six (96) hours or four (4) days, provided you obtain a permit and approval from the County.

Recreational Vehicles During Family Functions application.

Applications can be emailed to Planning and Development for review and consideration. Satisfactory applications will be granted approval in writing and relevant County Departments, including the County’s Protective Services Department will be notified.

You can apply for a Recreational Units (RVs) During Family Functions permit a maximum of two (2) times per year for a specific parcel. However, if you need additional permits beyond this limit, you can submit a written request email to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) seeking further approval. The decision to grant additional permits will be at the discretion of the CAO.

Except for lands in the Agricultural District under the Intermunicipal Development Plan Overlay, a development permit is not required for Agricultural (Farm) buildings so long as they conform to all other relevant provisions of this Bylaw including setbacks, site coverage, height, etc.:

Types of Agricultural (Farm) buildings include, but are not limited to: 

1. Livestock Shelters 
2. Barns and outbuildings storing agricultural products and farm equipment 
3. Silos 
4. Granaries

Planning and Development Applications

• Water well drilling activity is regulated in Alberta under the Water Act, the Water (Ministerial) Regulation (the Regulation) and the Directive for Water Wells and Ground Source Heat Exchange Systems (the Directive)
• Drilling contractors must submit a drilling report for every well completed to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. The data from these records is maintained in the Alberta Water Well Information Database by the Groundwater Information Centre (780-427-2770). 

Lot grading, including dugout and ponds do not require a development permit, except where grading will:

• significantly affect the existing lot drainage and natural drainage pattern and will create off-site impacts; or
• be in contravention of a previous study or approval such as a Storm Water Management Plan or Area Structure Plan.

For more information visit the Government of Alberta's Water Act: Dugout Fact Sheet.

Note: A dugout or pond must comply with all applicable provisions of the Land Use Bylaw, including setback requirements.

As a landowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that all municipal, provincial and federal regulatory requirements are met prior to commencing work in or near a wetland. 

The Provincial Water Act and Wetland Policy are two of the key pieces of Alberta legislation and policy that govern your rights and responsibilities when working in and around wetlands on your land are the Water Act and the Wetland Policy. 

You can read the Province's Landowner Guide to the Alberta Wetland Policy by clicking the link /DocumentCenter/View/8947/Wetland-Landowners-Guide

Redistricting or rezoning is the process of changing the land use district that applies to a particular parcel of land. By changing a parcel’s zoning it changes what is allowed to happen on a property. 

Land use districts for properties specify the: 

• Purpose of the land 
• Permitted and discretionary uses of the land 
• General regulations which include minimum parcel size and setbacks, maximum building heights, number of dwellings, etc.  

If a land use is not listed in a zoning district, landowners may have the option to redistrict a portion or the entire parcel to another district where such uses are listed. Multiple zoning districts can exist within a quarter section.  

Once the completed application and payment have been received, the application is reviewed by the Planning and Development Department. Then the application is referred to various government agencies, adjacent municipalities and internally for review and comment. Once all referrals have been received, a Public Hearing date is scheduled, advertised for two consecutive weeks and adjacent landowners are notified of the Hearing. The application is presented to Council for redistricting approval or denial.  

The application fee for redistricting is $880.00 

All redistricting applications are approved by County Council via the Public Hearing process.  

The average redistricting application takes 2-3 months for final approval.  

Applicant must provide the following information: 

• Completed application form, which includes the intent and reasoning for redistricting  
• Aerial map of area to be redistricted  
• Landowner(s) signatures 
• Application fee 

• More intense subdivision and development proposals will require an Area Structure Plan to be submitted and approved prior to land redistricting. 
• Additional studies, testing and approvals to determine the suitability of the subject lands for development may also be required and shall be the responsibility of the developer. These may include Environmental Impact Assessments, Geotechnical Reports, Engineering Reports, Hydrogeological Assessments, etc. 

The purpose of an ASP is to provide a framework that guides the planning, subdivision and development of a given area or particular parcel of land. Council uses ASPs as key guiding documents when considering subdivision and development proposals, as well as planning for community infrastructure. 

An ASP provides the opportunity for the landowner/developer to explain their vision to Council and residents and show the plan’s consistency with higher order statutory plans such as an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) or Municipal Development Plan (MDP).  

ASPs are required for new subdivisions and developments that are of a size and scope that may:  

• have long term impacts on the adjacent lands and their uses 
• require new or upgrades to the road network  
• require new or connection to water and wastewater infrastructure 
• impact environmental features, etc.

ASPs can be prepared by a landowner/developer, although the County strongly encourages developers to engage professionals in the fields of land use planning, engineering, and other applicable areas to assist in the preparation of the ASP and associated reports/studies. The Alberta Professional Planning Institute (APPI) has a consultant directory on their website - Consultant Directory | Alberta Professional Planners Institute (albertaplanners.com). 

Policy 61.1 – Requirements for Area Structure Plan (ASP) provides a comprehensive guide for what information is required for submitting a completed ASP. This Policy can be found *here* 

Area Structure Plan applications cost $1,000.00 plus: 

• $100.00 per lot/unit being created  
• $100.00 per hectare  
• $50.00 per campsite/stall 
• $100.00 per additional lot/unit being created (if an amendment to an existing ASP)

Business Approvals

• The County does not issue business licenses. Authorization to operate a business within the County is granted through the submission of an approved Business Development Permit Application. 

Home Occupation

• The Land Use Bylaw defines two types of Home Occupations: Minor and Major. Please visit the Business Development page to determine in your business qualifies as a minor or major home occupation.

Note: Check your property zoning to ensure your business is an approved use. If it's not, you may need to apply to rezone your property.

The Off-Site Bylaws 2007/38 and 2008/42, requires that development that takes place in the designated area be required to pay a one time off-site levy fee in the amount of $2,034.00. The object of this Bylaw is for the collection of funds to pay for the capital cost of the new and/or expanded facilities for the treatment, movement, or disposal of sanitary sewage. The Levy must be paid prior to the issuance of a Development Permit. 

Any development located within the pink shaded area below is subject to the Off-Site Levy payment.

If a lot is a minimum of one (1) acre or larger, no sewer service is provided, and sewage is to be treated privately on the property, an inspection report from Superior Safety Codes Inc. must be obtained. If a satisfactory sewage inspection report is signed-off by Superior Safety Codes Inc., the Off-Site Levy payment may be refunded in full.

The Off-Site Sewer Levy is separate from utility services. While you may pay for utility services, the Off-Site Sewer Levy is specifically designated to contribute to the expansion and maintenance of the Alder Flats and Mulhurst Lagoon, where sewage is transported. This fee supports the capital costs associated with the development and upkeep of the lagoon infrastructure, ensuring it can effectively manage and process sewage.

To verify the status of the Off-site Sewer Levy payment, you can reach out to the Planning and Development department either by email or by calling 780-352-3321. This allows you to confirm whether the Off-site Sewer Levy for your property has been paid or is still outstanding.

If you have a lot that is one (1) acre or more, no sewer service is provided, and you are treating sewage waste on your private property, you must obtain a Sewage Inspection Report from Superior Safety Codes Inc. This report should outline the type of private system used for sewage treatment and certify that the system has been installed following the Safety Codes Act.

If a satisfactory sewage inspection report is signed-off by Superior Safety Codes Inc. the Off-Site Sewer Levy payment may be refunded in full to the Applicant. 

Yes, the Off-site Sewer Levy is for any new or redevelopment of a structure.

To check the zoning of a property within the County, follow these steps:

1. Visit the County Online Interactive Map.
2. Sign in as a Guest 
3. Under searches enter the rural address (blue sign), legal location, or tax roll number for the specific property you want to check.
4. Click on the property.
5. Click on the Zoning Code.
6. Additionally, you can use the map to view and print aerial photos of your property.

For an aerial photo, click on Imagery in the top right corner and select the year and submit.

To measure the distance from existing or proposed structures on a property to the property line, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Interactive County Map webpage.
2. Sign in as a Guest.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the search bar, locate the property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. Next to the Legend, click on the Measurements Tool (ruler image).
6. Click on the structure or where the proposed structure will go on the property, and measure the distance to the property line (property line is highlighted in green).

To find the dimensions of a property, you can use the County Interactive Map by following these steps:

1. Sign into the County Interactive Map webpage.
2. Click Agree to proceed.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the Searches section, locate your property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. In the Legend, click on the Planning Development Tab.
6. Choose Dimension from the dropdown menu.
7. Zoom in on the property to view the displayed dimensions (please note that not all properties may show dimensions).

In addition to the Interactive Map, property 'pins' and dimensions can be found on a Real Property Report (RPR). RPRs are issued by Alberta Land Surveyors. To find a list of surveyors, visit Alberta Land Surveyors Association. The County may have copies of RPRs on file if a Certificate of Compliance was requested and issued by the County.

To find if there is a pipeline or wellsite on a property, you can use the County Interactive Map by following these steps:

1. Sign into the County Interactive Map webpage.
2. Click Agree to proceed.
3. In the top right corner, click on Imagery and select the desired year, then submit.
4. In the Searches section, locate the property by entering the address (blue sign), legal location, or roll number.
5. In the Legend, click on the Oil Gas Tab.
6. Choose Wells or Pipelines from the dropdown menu.

To check if there has been a development permit issued on a property within the County, follow these steps:

1. Visit the County Online Interactive Map.
2. Sign in as a Guest. 
3. Click on Imagery in the top right corner, select the desired year and submit.
4. Under searches enter the rural address (blue sign), legal location, or tax roll number for the specific property you want to check.
5. Click on the property.
6. Click on Development Permits.

If you're still unsure whether the property has a development permit, you may contact Planning and Development. 

FCSS is always offering something new! We strive to provide senior, family, youth and adult programming on a continuing basis.  CLICK HERE to see what's new!

You can update your mailing address by filling out the Change of Address form available on our website. 

Keeping your address updated ensures you receive all essential communications and services from the County without any delays, including tax notices, Transfer Station Cards, and emergency updates.

The County of Wetaskiwin is modernizing its waste management system by replacing paper Transfer Station cards with permanent plastic cards using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This upgrade will make access to Transfer Stations more efficient by securely and automatically identifying cardholders. It will also reduce annual administrative costs for the County.

Landowners within the County are eligible for one free Transfer Station card. Additional and replacement cards will be issued for a fee of $25.00 each. 

Once your application is processed, your new card will be mailed to you or be available for pick-up at the County office. You must apply to receive a card. Continue using your paper card until your new permanent card arrives.

You will not be able to access Transfer Stations after October 1, 2025, if you do not have an RFID Transfer Station card. 

Additional cards (e.g., for family members or tenants) will be issued for a fee of $25.00 each. You can apply for additional cards online or in-person at the County office.

No, RFID Transfer Station cards are permanent and do not expire until termination of the land ownership. We recommend that you keep your card in a secure location.

Replacement cards will be available for a fee of $25.00 each. You can apply for a replacement card using the RFID card application. We recommend storing your RFID card in a secure location.

Applications open on August 1, 2025. You can apply online or complete an application at the County Office. 

No, Transfer Station operations will remain the same. The only change is how access is granted—via RFID card instead of a paper card.

Continue using your paper card until your new permanent card arrives.

New residents can apply for an RFID card as part of the regular application process. 

Visit the Transfer Station page. Call the County Office at 780-352-3321 or send an email to utility@county10.ca. Updates will also be posted on our website and Facebook page.