The Rural Municipality of North Norfolk is giving residents an update on the Development Plan Review for the region and is hosting an Open House on September 19 to let the community hear about what is changing.
The update will largely be done by a company based in Western Canada, and is introduced by Sarah Manteuffel, a staff member with Urban Systems.
"Urban Systems is a consulting firm with offices located throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. We typically work with municipal, provincial, and First Nation governments throughout Western Canada. Our Manitoba team is made up of community consultants that specialize in community planning, economic development, community infrastructure and engineering, community engagement, strategic planning, and landscape architecture."
Manteuffel describes her role in the company, and what they are working on with the RM of North Norfolk.
"I am a community planner based in Winnipeg. Most of the work I do is with rural communities throughout Manitoba, supporting them on land use planning and infrastructure projects. The rest of my time is spent working with communities on accessibility-related projects," she continues. "We are working with the Municipality of North Norfolk to review and update their Development Plan and Zoning By-law and are presenting a draft version of the Development Plan for review."
Manteuffel adds that this process began earlier this year with conversations amongst the members of the community.
"The process for a Development Plan review includes early collaboration with Council and Staff to establish project objectives, discuss community issues and ideas, and plan for community consultation. Our team then works on completing a background study to understand the community’s population, growth, and current development and how the Development Plan can better support community needs. In March of 2024, there was a community open house and online survey to learn about residents' priorities and what their long-term vision is for North Norfolk."
Manteuffel explains that the development plan is a by-law that municipalities have to guide the region forward for the next two decades or more. The process of creating such a plan means having important conversations with community members about their vision for the future of the RM.