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Public encouraged to provide feedback from permitting application process
The Planning and Development Department is looking for feedback from residents, local business owners, and investors on real experiences and recommendations to improve the permitting application process. As part of its commitment to customer service and supporting economic growth, all services offered by the Planning and Development Department are being evaluated to enhance communication, customer service, and reduce inefficiencies and delays.
Improving processes aligns with the Government of Alberta’s priority of reducing red tape and assisting with provincial economic recovery from low oil prices and COVID-19. Making improvements will help streamline processes, increase overall customer satisfaction, and increase business and investor confidence.
Provide Feedback
Are you a resident who has recently applied to improve your property or build a home? Have you recently applied for a business license? Are you a construction contractor or tradesperson that operates in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB)?
Residents and businesses who have recently used, or are currently using, the services provided by the Planning and Development Department (including Safety Codes, Land Administration and Community Development Planning) are encouraged to share their experience. Example of services may include:
- Development permits (eg. sheds, decks, home businesses);
- Building permits;
- Business licenses; and
- Safety codes inspections.
A confidential online survey is available for the community to provide their feedback until November 17, 2021.
Participate in the online survey here!
Next Steps
The RMWB is committed to a transparent public engagement process and will share a What We Heard Report outlining feedback and recommendations collected. Taking into consideration the feedback from residents and businesses, minor and major changes will be made to processes for a more customer friendly experience. Improvements and changes will be communicated to businesses and residents, providing education on the new processes.
Background
The Planning and Development Department started the project in response to feedback received from various external stakeholders, including businesses. On April 13, 2021, Council passed two motions requesting Administration to work with the Wood Buffalo Development Advisory Committee and community stakeholders to provide an update and steps on the Red Tape Reduction Plan, including the Planning and Development Department’s improvements on permit application processes.
On June 8, 2021, the Planning and Development Department presented an update from the previous motion on April 13, 2021. Council passed an additional motion requesting Planning and Development to proceed with a Process Review project and to present a report of its findings to Council.
For more information on municipal permits, please visit rmwb.ca/permits.
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