The purpose of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 is to:
- provide a community planning framework that promotes economic growth, environmental sustainability, social and cultural development, and sustainable communities;
- provide the legislative authority to create and implement the Statements of Provincial Interest;
- strengthen communities by providing municipalities with clear, consistent and effective tools for community planning;
- foster co-operation and partnerships among municipalities, governments, First Nations and Métis communities, entrepreneurs and all citizens so that they can invest in and build communities;
- respond to requests from municipalities for more local autonomy and authority, streamlined planning processes, and clearer and more flexible ways to administer planning bylaws; and
- ensure that the public has meaningful input before planning decisions are made, and that decision-makers are accountable.
Copies of the Regulations made under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 can be found in The Dedicated Lands Regulations, 2009, The Statements of Provincial Interest Regulations and The Subdivision Regulations, 2014.