Informing Regional Planning in Alberta’s Oilsands Region with a Land-use Simulation Model (2010)
Following the introduction of Alberta’s Land-use Framework was introduced, researchers from ALCES Landscape and Land-Use developed a scenario analysis for government planners and stakeholders to explore potential outcomes of various land-use options. This 2010 report (released three years after the Land-use Framework was introduced) reviews the land-use simulation model developed.
The model was prepared before the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan was released.
“The scenario analysis described in this paper allocates substantial effort to informing a small but influential audience about the benefits and liabilities associated with alternative regional land-use strategies. Arguably the most important audience, however, is the general public for it will be their support that will ultimately determine the success of the Alberta Land-use Framework,” read the report.
The researchers offered the following suggestions:
- Land-use simulations are valuable tools that should be leveraged to improve the public’s awareness of land use planning
- Long-term effects can be difficult to comprehend, so models can illustrate has today’s decisions impact the future
A result of these recommendations was Alberta Tomorrow – a virtual simulator created by ALCES for teachers and students.
Read more from the 2010 research paper: Informing Regional Planning in Alberta’s Oilsands Region with a Land-use Simulation Model.
