The mandate of the Planning Commission and its staff, as set out in the Community Planning Act, is:

1. To advise councils of municipalities in the district on community planning matters;
   
2. To exercise quasi-judicial powers as provided in the Community Planning Act with respect to by-laws and regulations effective in the district (e.g.  variances, conditional approvals, etc.); and
   
3. To advise the Province on various planning matters, pursuant to the Community Planning Act.

In carrying out its mandate, the Commission undertakes:

• Research, to collect data and information which may help to identify the needs of each community, in order to determine the natural, human and institutional resources necessary to meet those needs.
  
• Policy Formulation, to set goals for the development of each municipality and to outline a strategy for the implementation of those goals through Municipal and Rural Plans.
  
• By-law Formulation, to translate the goals and policies of municipal and rural plans into operational programs. The main tools used in land use planning are the zoning, subdivision and building by-laws and regulations.
  
• Development Approvals, to certify developments undertaken in the district that conform with provisions of applicable planning by-laws.
  
• Subdivisions, to review and coordinate the creation of a parcel of land, to a large development containing new streets with water and sewer services and land for public purposes, and to assure conformity with all provincial and municipal legislation.
  
• Building Inspection, to insure new developments meet the standard of construction as set out in the building by-law, including the National Building Code.
  
• Administration, to make available advice and information to government agencies, municipalities and the public in general.