Regional plans are comprehensive planning documents covering areas that span multiple municipalities, typically created by provincial governments or regional planning bodies. These plans establish land use frameworks, environmental protections, infrastructure priorities, and development policies for entire regions. Alberta's Land-use Framework includes regional plans like the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan and Lower Athabasca Regional Plan. Municipal plans must align with regional plans, meaning provincial regional planning directly shapes local development decisions. Regional plans address issues crossing municipal boundaries—watersheds, transportation corridors, natural areas—ensuring coordinated approaches. The process of developing regional plans typically involves extensive consultation with municipalities, stakeholders, and the public.