Industrial Area Structure Plan Update

The City of Fort Saskatchewan is preparing to consolidate an Industrial Area Structure Plan (ASP) that updates and replaces the Alberta Industrial Heartland ASP and Josephburg Road North Industrial ASP. The project includes engagement activities and supporting technical studies to inform land use policy, infrastructure planning, risk management, and potential industrial land use redesignations within the plan area. The consolidated ASP will guide future industrial growth and development.

The ASP will guide how industrial lands develop by outlining future land uses, transportation networks, and infrastructure needs. The work aims to support long-term economic growth and make sure new development is safe, efficient, and fits well with nearby areas.

We will use technical studies and feedback from the public and interest holders to shape future recommendations.

Why does this project matter?

Fort Saskatchewan is part of Alberta's Industrial Heartland and the ASP plays an important role in attracting industrial investment and jobs. This project will update and combine current ASPs to reflect today’s needs, new opportunities, and the latest regulations. 

Updating the ASP will help to:

  • Encourage future economic growth and create more jobs
  • Consider the needs of both current and new industries
  • Look at future market opportunities and how much industrial land will be needed
  • Confirm what transportation, utility, and service needs there are
  • Plan for future investments in infrastructure
  • Balance industrial growth with safety, environmental care, and community needs
  • Provide a clear framework for future development decisions

The ASP will help Fort Saskatchewan stay competitive and ready to attract future industrial investment and job opportunities.

What’s happening now?

The project team is now reviewing background information, existing policies, technical studies, and previous engagement findings.

This work includes:

  • Reviewing existing planning documents.
  • Assessing risks, opportunities and constraints.
  • Evaluating transportation and servicing infrastructure.
  • Identifying future industrial land requirements.
  • Gathering input from interested parties.

The findings from this work will help shape a future ASP land use, transportation, and servicing concept and policy recommendations.

Residents and the general public will have an opportunity to participate in Round 2 when we share the draft ASP for review and feedback.

How Will the Plans Be Developed?

The project will be completed in three phases and includes two rounds of engagement to gather feedback and help shape the final ASP.

Phase 1: Background Review & Round 1 Engagement (Fall 2026)

  • Review existing plans, policies, and technical information.
  • Complete transportation, servicing, and environmental studies and analysis.
  • Identify opportunities, constraints, and future development needs.
  • Develop draft land use concepts and policy directions.
  • Round 1: Public Communications, and Landowner Interviews and Survey

Phase 2: Draft Plan Development & Round 2 Engagement (Winter 2027)

  • Refine draft land use concepts based on Phase 1 information.
  • Complete technical studies.
  • Prepare draft ASP policies.
  • Round 2: Public Communications, Landowner Interviews and Survey, and Open House

Engagement Opportunity Timeline

Fall 2026 Winter 2027 Spring 2027

Round 1: Understanding Opportunities and Priorities

  • Landowner, Adjacent Municipality, and City Representative Interviews

  • Public and Interested Party Feedback Opportunities

  • City Staff Review

  • Council Update

Round 2: Draft Plan Review

  • Landowner, Adjacent Municipality, and City Representative Interviews

  • Public Open House

  • Public and Interested Party Feedback Opportunities

Public Hearing

What is an Area Structure Plan (ASP)?

An ASP is a long-range planning document that guides future development within a specific area. It identifies future land uses, transportation connections, utility corridors, and servicing requirements. 

Why is the City updating this plan?

The existing ASP, created in 2001, requires updating and will help ensure industrial lands are planned for future growth, supported by appropriate infrastructure, and aligned with the City's long-term economic and development goals. The plans will also update existing planning documents to reflect current opportunities, conditions, and regulations

Will these plans affect my property today?

No. The plans provide a long-term framework for future development and do not change existing land uses or immediately affect private property. Future development would require rezoning, subdivision, and development and building permits. 

Do you anticipate this project being connected to other industrial developments, such as data centres?

The Industrial Area Structure Plan is NOT associated with, nor does it include the pursuit, planning, or development of any specific industrial projects. It is intended to guide future industrial development within the plan area and considers a range of potential industrial uses. The plan is focused on establishing an appropriate framework for development based on land use, infrastructure, servicing, transportation, environmental considerations, and other planning factors. The plan considers opportunities that build on the City’s existing industrial strengths, including:

  • Oil and gas processing
  • Petrochemical production and advanced manufacturing
  • Hydrogen and carbon capture and storage
  • Value-added agriculture
  • Industrial support services, fabrication and manufacturing
  • Specialty metals and battery manufacturing and storage

Data centres are not a specific focus of this project, but the ASP is not intended to pre-emptively determine which individual industrial developments may or may not locate within the plan area. Any future proposals would be considered through the applicable planning, regulatory, infrastructure and approval processes.

How can I participate?

Residents, property owners, businesses, and interested parties will have opportunities to review information and provide feedback throughout the project.

Residents and the general public will have an opportunity to participate in Round 2 when we share the draft ASP for review and feedback.

Participation is not limited to individuals within the ASP boundary. Residents, recreation users, and other interested community members are welcome to attend the open house and participate in the engagement process.

Information about engagement opportunities will be shared as the project progresses.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Industrial ASP Update, or would like to learn more about upcoming engagement opportunities, please contact:

Erin Brush Duncan
Director, Economic Development
City of Fort Saskatchewan
Ph: 780-997-6674
Email: ebduncan@fortsask.ca

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback throughout the planning process.