Leduc opens houses on major land expansion plan

The City of Leduc will host open houses June 17 and 18 to discuss its proposed annexation of up to 38 quarter-sections of land in Leduc County, as technical studies near completion.

Leduc initiated the annexation process in February 2025 to prepare for growth over the next 50 years. The city's population reached just shy of 40,000 in 2025, a 17% increase over five years, and it's processing more development applications than ever.

The open houses will focus on the city's growth management study, which looks at how much land is needed for the next 50 years. Both affected landowners and the general public can attend. An online survey opens the same day.

The process involves completing technical studies, a financial impact assessment, public engagement, negotiations between affected municipalities, and an application to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal, which makes a recommendation to the provincial government for the final decision.

First-round engagement sentiment was largely positive or neutral, the city said. Most questions focused on the annexation process and timelines, and several affected landowners said they were excited to sell their land sooner. Some affected landowners and residents raised concerns about the destruction of productive agricultural land, but the city noted that annexation only changes which municipality governs a property and doesn't force a landowner to develop.

Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko previously said she didn't see how annexation would benefit the county, calling for a collaborative approach through joint planning instead. The city said it will start municipal negotiations alongside public engagement this year.