The Community Official Plan provides a framework for how, where and when the Township will grow. The Township’s goal is to manage growth sustainably while protecting some of our most vulnerable resources.

The Official Plan:

• lets the public know what the municipality's general land use planning policies are
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and focused on expansion and intensification within strategic growth areas
• helps all members of the 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 by-laws 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 council's commitment to the future growth of the community.

An official plan amendment is a formal document that changes a municipality's official plan. Changes may be needed because of new circumstances in the community or because of requests made by property owners.

Before you apply for an Official Plan Amendment, you should talk to Township staff for advice and information. You must complete an application form, which requires information identified by the Planning Act and the municipality.

The application form outlines the requirements for submitting an Official Plan Amendment application. If you are acting as an agent for the purposes of the application, a letter of authorization is required from the registered owner of the property.

Applications are also available at the Municipal Office.