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Course Description

Examine the challenges and opportunities of rural land use planning in Canada with specific emphasis on rural Alberta. Student will explore and gain an understanding of the importance of healthy and vibrant rural communities in a local, regional and global context with respect to: the economy, environment, social and cultural capital; how planning policy, politics and participation approaches may differ in a rural context compared to an urban counterpart; and how regional and global policy frameworks will affect rural land use planning in the future.

Who Should Take This Course?

Aimed at professionals in the areas of municipal government planning, development, and bylaw enforcement. Students range from development officers, planning technicians, land use, environmental, and community planners, to resources managers, government officials, consultants, developers, lawyers, zoning administrators, administrators in smaller municipalities, and others involved in planning processes.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • 🗸 Discuss and analyze demographic patterns and economic conditions driving rural land use pressures.
  • 🗸 Define the role of metropolitan influence zones in relation to rural environments.
  • 🗸 Compare and discuss various environmental protection initiatives (e.g., voluntary stewardship approaches versus prescribed protection measures, etc.) in different planning contexts.
  • 🗸 Analyze various patterns and themes reflected in the current planning challenges and land use pressures in rural Alberta.
  • 🗸 Identify changing agricultural practices and approaches in relation to food security planning.
  • 🗸 Discuss planning definitions, models, and examples (e.g., the social determinant framework) as they relate to health issues in a rural context.
  • 🗸 Identify innovative planning tools in support of environmental protection and rural sustainability.
  • 🗸 Identify and explain the legislative framework that structures and guides rural land use planning.
  • 🗸 Discuss and analyze planning frameworks, including the Alberta Land-Use Framework, and intermunicipal plans, as they relate to regional planning in rural Alberta.

Notes
  • 🗸 Fully online asynchronous course.
  • 🗸May be recognized for Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) credits by the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) for holders of the Registered Professional Planner designation.
  • 🗸A textbook is required for this course. Check under "View Full Details" for more information.
  • 🗸Additional learning materials are provided through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
  • 🗸Refer to the course syllabus for the schedule of activities and due dates of assignments.
  • 🗸Assessment may include discussion postings and essay assignments.
  • 🗸Bursary opportunities may be available for members of the Alberta Development Officers Association (ADOA).

Recommendations

Students intending to complete a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements.

Applies Towards the Following Programs
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Find a Section
Section Title
Rural Environments
Language of Delivery
English
Type
Online - Asynchronous
Dates
Apr 14, 2025 to Jun 21, 2025
Delivery Options
Online - Asynchronous  
Course Fee(s)
Tuition non-credit $795.00
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