New Official Plan

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Perth County is in the process of creating a New Official Plan to guide future planning and development within the County. Based on community input, background reports and updated provincial policy the New Official Plan will ensure both a vision for Perth County and a comprehensive strategy for cultivating new opportunities, building community, ensuring environmental health and making intelligent and informed land use decisions.

The New Official Plan process began in 2018 and we are currently in Stage 3; writing the draft New Official Plan. Soon we will be seeking your feedback! To see our progress and browse background reports informing this project visit our ‘Background’ section. Stay tuned to our ‘Get Involved’ section to see how you can contribute to this project.

Phase 3

What is an Official Plan?

The Official Plan is a strategic planning document that guides the long-term vision for the growth and development of the communities within Perth County including the Municipalities of North Perth, and West Perth, and the Townships of Perth East and Perth South.

Why a New Official Plan?

Our current Official Plan was created in the late 1990's. Since then policy direction from the Province has changed; most recently in the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2020. The County is in need of a new visionary and policy document that is both reflective of these updates and reflective of current community concerns, priorities and values. As well the New Official Plan will act as a guidance document for municipalities across the County to facilitate movement towards more advanced land use and social policies.

The New Official Plan will amalgamate the current County Official Plan with those of member municipalities into a singular plan. This will ensure consistent policy implementation across the County and an easier to navigate planning framework.

What Will be Addressed?

An Official Plan deals with many types of issues, such as:

Growth management (population and employment forecasts)
Housing types and affordability
Appropriate areas for commercial and industrial businesses
Infrastructure, such as roads, water and wastewater
Protection of the natural environment
Protection of agricultural land
Cultural Heritage conservation

Phase 3 - Fall 2022/Winter 2023

Phase 3

Editing the drafted policy text document, ensuring inclusive, accessible language and formatting are included
Double checking proposed mapping updates for Agriculture areas, Natural Environment areas, and settlements
Preparing the proposed growth areas for discussion with Councils and Committees

Phase 4 - Winter/Spring 2023

Phase 4

Engage technical committees and stakeholder groups to provide input into the draft policies and maps
Ongoing development of tools and opportunities to share the draft Official Plan with the public and seek their feedback
Consult on Natural Environment mapping and policy using various options for the public to access and discuss the information
Finalize proposed growth plan and targets for affordable/attainable housing and intensification in settlements

Phase 5 - Spring/Summer 2023

Phase 5

Roll out tools and opportunities inviting the public to equitable engagement on the proposed new Official Plan
Use feedback and public engagement results for final editing of the new Official Plan
Prepare for final public meeting and presentation of the draft Official Plan to County Council
Deliver the prepared new Official Plan to the Province of Ontario for review and approval