ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates three approaches. First, the highly formalized system in Alberta devised after lengthy and detailed study. Second, the slow progress towards a limited scale of regional planning experienced in Quebec. Third, the British Columbia system which has developed in response to the need to deal with inter-agency coordination in the development of natural resources. Regional planning is in a continuing state of evolution, and it changes both in the light of experience and in order to adapt to changing circumstances. The Alberta regional planning system has developed in response to the dramatic changes which have taken place in the province. The introduction of the Alberta Planning Fund had dramatic long term effects on the evolution of the regional planning system. The trend has been to give increased powers and responsibilities to municipalities and to encourage municipal cooperation in regional planning. The Parti Quebecois was returned to power committed to a wide range of reforms including a planning act.
