What is the typical shape of parcels in the old settlement plans of northern Alberta?

In the context of the old settlement plans in northern Alberta, the typical shape of parcels was long and narrow river lots. This design was historically influenced by the need for access to water resources, as settlers often established their homes and agricultural activities along rivers for both transportation and irrigation purposes.

The long and narrow shape of these parcels allowed each plot to have a significant riverfront, enabling multiple families or individuals to benefit from being near water while still maintaining their own space for farming or habitation. This pattern is distinct from square, rectangular, or round parcels, which do not account for the geographical and practical considerations that guided the early settlement patterns in the region. Such a layout maximized access to the vital resource of water while accommodating the community's agricultural and residential needs.