Land Use Bylaw Amendment
Council for Big Lakes County is considering a proposed amendment to the Big Lakes County Land Use Bylaw No. 26-2024. The purpose of proposed Bylaw No. 06-2025 is as follows:
- That Section 4.33 Keeping of Animals be amended as follows:
Delete:
(c) On parcels larger than 0.4 ha (1 ac) in area, outdoor animals shall be allowed in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Operations and Practices Act.
Add:
(c) In the Country Residential District, on parcels of land larger than 0.4 ha (1 ac) in area, livestock shall be limited to no more than one (1) animal unit per 0.4 ha (1 ac), to a maximum of six (6) animal units per parcel as defined by the table below. The number and type of animals allowed may be mixed but the total number of animals allowed shall not exceed the sum of the total number of animal units allowed.
| Type of Livestock | Number of animals equivalent to one animal unit |
| Cow (plus calf under 12 months) | 1 |
| Horse (plus colt under 12 months) | 1 |
| Sheep/Goats/Pigs (excluding wild boars) | 2 |
| Poultry (Chicken/Ducks/Geese) | 12 |
| Other | At the discretion of the Development Authority |
(d) Adequate fencing and/or buffering shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the Development Authority to ensure the on-site confinement of livestock and to reduce the impact of noise, odour and/or visual presence on surrounding properties.
(e) Adequate measures if required by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and/or the local Health Authority, for the disposal of animal wastes shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Development Authority.
(f) Wild Boars and feral pigs are strictly prohibited in Big Lakes County.
(g) Other species of animal not specifically included in the table may be considered at the discretion of the Development Officer.
(h) The keeping of animals, not in accordance with subsection (c), shall only be allowed upon issuance of a development permit approval in those circumstances considered exceptional or unique by the Development Authority. The applicant must give reasons why a larger number of animal units should be authorized than allowed in this Bylaw.
- That Part 5: Definitions be amended by adding:
LIVESTOCK: means poultry, horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, bison, and similar animals.
Copies of the proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendment may be examined by contacting the office of the County Administration Office between the hours of 8:15 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Any person, group of persons, or person representing them who claims to be affected by the proposed bylaw amendment may make an oral or written submission to Council for consideration. If you would like to make a presentation to Council, contact Big Lakes County at 780-523-5955.
The Public Hearing will be held on May 14, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Big Lakes County Administration Office. Council will consider any oral or written presentations with respect to the proposed Land Use Bylaw amendment.
*Proposed bylaw will not affect properties in the Agriculture District.
For more information contact Amanda Backs, Planning & Development Manager.
