In 2021 the City of Corner Brook initiated Corner Brook: Planning Together, a project to review and update the City’s Integrated Municipal Sustainability Plan (IMSP) and Development Regulations. These important documents help shape the future of Corner Brook by establishing the rules and regulations for buildings and the types of development permitted within different areas of the city.

The City contracted UPLAND Planning + Design Studio to review and update Corner Brook’s Integrated Municipal Sustainability Plan and Development Regulations. The project launched in 2021 with an initial analysis of what currently exists. Our team also engaged with community members and stakeholders to explore and develop strategies to address key themes such as:

• Active transportation

• Environment

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Urban agriculture

• Renewable energy

• Housing and residential development

• Commercial and industrial development

• And many others.

We then completed a Best Practice Review, which explored tools and strategies to help us address the key challenges that our community will face over the next decade. You can view the draft IMSP by clicking here or on the “Documents” page.

Check out the Fact Sheets on the Documents page to see what has been updated in the draft IMSP and Development Regulations.

The Integrated Municipal Sustainability Plan (ISMP) is a legal document that is intended to provide policies that will guide and manage zoning and development in Corner Brook over the next decade. This updated Plan aims to improve the social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability of our community.

This updated Plan was informed, in part, by the 2011-2021 Integrated Municipal Sustainability Plan. While many of the policies expressed in that plan are still relevant today, considerations need to be made for the changing environmental and economic conditions, demographics, advancing technology, and the changing values and needs of residents, City Council, and community groups.

The Development Regulations are the rules that control how land can be used and developed within a community. These regulations include zoning laws, building codes, and environmental protections and are intended to maintain the character of our community, protect our natural resources, and ensure that all new developments are meeting safety and quality standards.

How do the IMSP and Development Regulations impact me?

The IMSP is the primary land use planning document for the City that establishes the visions, goals, and policies for development in Corner Brook. Policies included in the IMSP are implemented through our Development Regulations, which set the legal framework for how land is developed, used, and managed.

Some of the impacts of these documents on residents and businesses include:

• Zoning and Land Use: Zoning and land use policies determine what types of activities and development can be built, where they occur and at what intensity. 

• Housing and Density: Development regulations will determine the types of housing that can be built. These policies can help address housing shortages, provide more variety in housing options, and identify areas where more or less housing density can occur.

• Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience: Policies in the IMSP will aim to anticipate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This will include a framework for new developments to follow, ensuring new builds can sustain our changing climate conditions.

• Municipal Infrastructure and Services: Municipal infrastructure and services include our roads, water, sewer, and waste management. Policies related to infrastructure and services are intended to maintain and maximize the use of existing infrastructure, while also creating a road map for future infrastructure and service requirements.

• Building Standards and Barrier-free Design: the IMSP policies set quality, safety and accessibility standards for all buildings and development. These standards ensure safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods and business areas.

• Transportation: Policies related to transportation are intended to ensure community members can travel where they need to efficiently using their preferred mode, whether that be walking, rolling, public transit, or driving.

• Economic Development: Economic development policies aim to support a strong year-round economy and covers home-based businesses, advertising and signage, tourism, and retail area improvements.

Based on the Best Practice review and feedback from community members and stakeholders, we have developed a draft IMSP and Development Regulations and are once again asking for community input.

Visit the Get Involved page to see the upcoming opportunities to share your feedback and leave your email below to sign up for updates.

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