The R.M. of Ste. Anne has put out a survey that will help with updating its zoning bylaw.

Reeve Paul Saindon says it has been 12 years since this bylaw was last reviewed.

“Now we're updating the bylaw and we're seeking input from residents, landowners, business owners and other stakeholders in order to go through the whole formal review of it,” he says. “We need as much input as possible.”

Saindon says the updated zoning bylaw will help to protect farmland and the eco-system while having dedicated space for development. The type of land in each area plays a role in revising the zoning bylaw.

“The land changes so drastically within a very short distance,” he explains. “So, where you can have a very nice productive growing field and the very next lot over could be riddled with rocks and heavy trees and not suitable for anything other than beautiful residential areas.”

He says it is important to know where the wetlands are located.

“It may have looked good in the last, say, six or eight years because you could walk anywhere in those areas and not get your toes wet,” Saindon says as he reflects on the conditions this year of wetlands in the municipality. “This spring is an indication of why we didn't allow development there. It comes back to, we know, we've been here a long time. You're not going to sell us on this bill of goods that this is a good place to build.”

There’s an online survey that will be available until May 31st. Click here to connect to the municipality’s website and learn more about the survey.