FAQs

Municipalities official plan:

• makes the public aware of the municipality's general land use planning policies
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets our community's needs
• helps all members of our community understand how their land may be used now and in the future
• helps decide where roads, watermains, sewers, garbage dumps, parks and other services will be built
• provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning bylaws to set local regulations and standards, like the size of lots and height of buildings
• provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests
• shows councils commitment to the future growth of our community

Pre-consultation, public meetings and input

When considering an official plan, our council and planning board will ensure that:

• at least one public meeting will be held (virtual or in-person depending on permission of local Medical Officer of Health)
• the approval authority is consulted and given the opportunity to review all supporting information and material.
• adequate information, including a copy of the proposed plan, is made available to the public in advance of the public meeting

any person or public body may provide written comments and/or speak at the public meeting about the proposed plan.

Council may consult with agencies, boards, authorities or commissions before making a decision.

When council prepares an official plan, it shall be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) issued under the Planning Act and conform or not conflict with any applicable provincial plans. This means that council will ensure that polices under the PPS are applied as an essential part of the land use planning decision-making process. 

The PPS contains policy directions on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. it is expected that council will implement the PPS in the context of other planning objectives and local circumstances (See section 1, The Planning Act, and PPS, 2014.)