
Nestled in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, the hamlet of Nordegg is overflowing with a rich natural and cultural history that both reflects a storied past and projects a vibrant future. A former coal mining town, Nordegg was once home to nearly 3,000 residents and the former Brazeau Collieries mine, which employed up to 600 mine workers. Beginning in 1914, mine operations would eventually produce approximately 300,000 tonnes of coal every year, making it one of the most productive mines in Western Canada. Among the key figures behind the establishment of Brazeau Collieries Ltd. and the development of coal mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains was Martin Nordegg, an entrepreneur from Berlin who would leave an indelible imprint in the eastern slopes.
In 1996, the property was transferred from the provincial government to Clearwater County, which comprised the surrounding areas. Following consultation efforts, the original Nordegg Development Plan, adopted in 2000, was approved by the County and work soon began on restoring the former town site as a mountain resort community with unique tourism experiences. Notably, the County chose to incorporate aspects of Martin Nordegg’s original community plan, specifically the half-circle street alignments that characterized the ‘Garden City’ planning movement in early 20th century European cities. With the adoption of the Nordegg Development Plan, Clearwater County committed itself to positioning the location as a mountain resort community in the heart of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
Nordegg Architectural Illustration of Elizabeth Ave – Streetscape Concept Video
Nordegg Development Plan - 2021 Update
In 2020, Clearwater County began the process of updating the original Nordegg Development Plan. Several projects and improvements have been completed in Nordegg since 2000, notably:
Development & Building |
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Essential Infrastructure |
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Public Health & Safety |
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Environmental |
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Community & Landmarks |
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An update was proposed to reflect updated circumstances, eliminate redundant or achieved objectives and make the document more concise. The County desired to gather views from current residents and property owners and modify the document to enable marketing of land separately. The original vision, however, remains the same.
So what has changed?
This Nordegg Development Plan - Update (the “Update” or “Update Plan”) builds upon the original 2000 Plan and remains a guide to future growth and development within the townsite of Nordegg.
Both the original Plan and this Update stem from a broader mandate from Clearwater County Council to accommodate and promote tourism and economic development in the West Country with Nordegg as the hub.
This Update recognizes that development of Nordegg is well underway largely in keeping with the original Plan. Having served its initial marketing purpose, the focus of this Update turns more to fine-tuning the policy component. It strives to maintain the fundamental vision for the townsite.
Development Constraints |
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Planning Area |
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Land Use Concept |
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Establish Development Priorities |
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Road Network |
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Open Space Concept |
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You can view the final update document here.
To view the Nordegg Development Plan maps, click here.
Lots for Sale
*Prior to connection to Clearwater County’s common water and sewerage gathering systems a security fee of $6,000 shall be required in the form of a Letter of Credit or Certified Cheque. The security amount will be held for a warranty period of one (1) year. The warranty period will commence once the service installation and restoration work has been completed to the satisfaction of Clearwater County.
**Prior to placement of a manufactured home the landowner shall enter into a fencing development agreement with Clearwater County. A security fee of $2,000 shall be required in the form of a Letter of Credit or Certified Cheque. The security amount will be held until the Developer completes the fence installation. Should the fence not be completed within a three (3) year term, Clearwater County will hold the security and charge the Developer for the remaining cost of the fence installation at that time.
Nordegg Manufactured Home Subdivision
- The parcels will accommodate the placement of a new or relocated manufactured home or a new park home model.
- The parcels range from 0.034 hectares to 0.069 hectares in size.
- Purchase prices range from $55,000 to $75,000.


Terms and Conditions
- All lots are available for purchase and are not for lease.
- Purchasers must develop lots within 3 years.
- Roads and approaches are presently gravel. The roads will be paved in 2021.
- All homes must be connected to communal water distribution and sewerage gathering systems. Prior to connection to Clearwater County’s common water and sewerage gathering systems a security fee of $6,000 shall be required in the form of a Letter of Credit or Certified Cheque. The security amount will be held for a warranty period of one (1) year. The warranty period will commence once the service installation and restoration work has been completed to the satisfaction of Clearwater County.
- All homes must be placed on a proper foundation in accordance with the Alberta Building Code.
- Basements are not allowed.
- The undercarriage of all homes must be skirted.
- It is the responsibility of each lot owner to construct a minimum 20’ x 20’ gravel parking area between the existing approach and the home to accommodate two parking stalls as required in the land use district.
- Construction of a second approach to an individual lot is subject to County approval.
- The County will install perimeter fencing to provide partial screening from Quarry Road and to prevent access from individual lots onto County land. Lots must be fenced to the satisfaction of the development officer. Prior to placement of a manufactured home the landowner shall enter into a fencing development agreement with Clearwater County. A security fee of $2,000 shall be required in the form of a Letter of Credit or Certified Cheque. The security amount will be held until the Developer completes the fence installation. Should the fence not be completed within a three (3) year term, Clearwater County will hold the security and charge the Developer for the remaining cost of the fence installation at that time.
- There are some restrictions on outside storage and parking.
Rural Residence District
Nordegg Trail Concept Plan
Nordegg Recreation Concept Plan
Introduction
Public Input
- Non-Motorized Areas
- Motorized and Non-motorized Areas
- Staging Areas
Non-Motorized Areas
Motorized and Non-Motorized Areas
Staging Areas
Nordegg Leisure Residence District
The general purpose of the Nordegg Leisure Residence District ("NLR") is to accommodate and permit development of private, leisure residences (cottages) for leisure time use/non-continuous occupancy in the forested slopes of Coliseum Mountain in the Northern portion of the Nordegg Townsite.
Residential
Commercial
Nordegg Industrial District
History of Nordegg
Water-Wastewater Application
Connection to municipal water and wastewater services is required on each lot within the:
- Nordegg Historic Downtown southern residential and commercial areas, and
- Nordegg Manufactured Home Park.
The following is not permitted:
- private water wells
- private sewage treatment systems
For securities, fees as well as connection inspections, please contact Kate Reglin, Project Technologist with Clearwater County’s Public Works Department at PublicWorks@clearwatercounty.ca or (403)845-4444.
Click here for an application.