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Road Right of Way

Lethbridge County has many undeveloped road allowances or rights-of-way. These are public lands that have been legally surveyed as roadways but remain unconstructed and unmaintained. These lands may appear to be part of private agricultural operations or coulee landscapes, but they are public property. 


Public use reminders

An undeveloped road right-of-way (RoW) is typically 20 metres wide and exists to preserve legal public access and potential future infrastructure needs.

The public can access undeveloped road allowances by foot only and must respect surrounding private lands. Entering land beyond the 20-metre wide RoW is considered trespassing.

Please also remember that as per Lethbridge County Bylaw #1405, dogs on public property must be on a leash at all times.  Do not allow your dog to enter onto someone else's property or harass livestock.

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Licensing an Undeveloped Road Right of Way

Lethbridge County may authorize adjacent landowners to temporarily occupy an undeveloped road allowance for agricultural purposes. This is done by submitting a Registration Form, in accordance with Policy 109.

Fill out an Undeveloped RoW Landowner Agreement & Registration form.


Frequently asked questions

An undeveloped RoW is County-owned land set aside for possible future road construction. These corridors are typically 20 metres wide and located between private land parcels. While not currently built or maintained as roads, they remain public land under the Municipal Government Act and must remain accessible to the public. 

A County map of all undeveloped RoWs will be available online at https://lethcounty.ca/p/right-of-way. Don’t rely on Google or Apple Maps to determine RoWs—those may not accurately reflect public access routes and may direct you onto private property. 

No. Public access is pedestrian-only. This includes walking or use of non-motorized mobility aids. Vehicles, quads, or other motorized equipment are not permitted. 

Lethbridge County previously issued licenses to allow adjacent landowners to farm undeveloped RoWs, provided public access was maintained. However, a program review found: 

  • 70% of RoWs were being used without licenses 
  • Many RoWs had fences or gates that blocked public access 
  • Frequent complaints were received about restricted access 
  • The licensing process required ongoing oversight and resources 
  • The policy did not address conflicts between neighbouring landowners 

This new policy brings the County into full compliance with the Alberta Municipal Government Act (MGA) and ensures a clear, consistent process for all landowners.  

It protects public access, reduces administrative burden, and removes ambiguity around how undeveloped RoWs are used and managed. 

The new approach provides clarity and fairness for all landowners, and ensures consistent rules that align with the Municipal Government Act. 

  • All existing RoW licenses are cancelled as of April 30, 2026 
  • Landowners must now: 
    • Reach agreement with all adjacent landowners 
    • Register with the County using the new Policy 109 Form 
  • Public pedestrian access must be maintained at all times 
  • If fencing is present, a gate must remain unlocked, and a public access sign (purchased from the County for a nominal fee) must be installed 
  • If adjacent landowners cannot agree, the RoW must remain unoccupied 
  • The County may revoke access at any time for non-compliance or municipal use 
  1. Talk to your neighbours: Come to an agreement with all adjacent landowners. 
  2. Submit your agreement and the Policy 109 Form to the County. 
  3. Install a gate and public access sign (purchased from the County for a small fee), if fencing is present. 

Once registered, your use of the RoW is authorized. No license fee applies. 

The new policy is effective December 4, 2025. Current license holders will receive written notice and have four months to: 

  • Register use of the RoW with the County, or 
  • Cease use of the RoW 

County staff are available to assist with questions on the transition. 

Yes. All pre-existing licenses are void, and landowners must obtain a landowner agreement and register with the County for ongoing RoW use. 

Letters will be sent to all existing license holders with details on how to register. 

You must still register use of the RoW with the County. The registration process applies regardless of ownership on either side of the right-of-way. 

If all adjacent landowners cannot agree, neither party may occupy the RoW. In this case: 

  • The RoW must remain in its natural, unfenced state 
  • Each landowner may fence up to their own property line—at their own cost 

Yes. The registration form includes an option to split the RoW 50/50 between adjacent landowners. 

Yes. Undeveloped RoWs are public lands, and the Municipal Government Act requires they remain accessible to the public—by foot or mobility aids only. 

If you have a gate or fence across an undeveloped RoW, it must remain unlocked, and a public access sign must be posted (must obtain one from the County office). 

Not necessarily. You must: 

  • Keep any gates unlocked 
  • Allow for pedestrian access 
  • Post a County-issued sign indicating public access 

If your existing setup prevents access, you may need to adjust the gate or fence or install a separate pedestrian gate.

Registrations are valid indefinitely, unless: 

  • One of the adjacent parcels is sold (new agreement and registration required) 
  • The County revokes use for future development or non-compliance 

No. Only agricultural use (such as crop production or livestock grazing) is permitted. 

Unauthorized use may result in: 

  • Enforcement actions, including removal of gates, fences, or structures at the landowner’s expense 
  • Fines or penalties 
  • Loss of access to the RoW