Haldimand County Official Plan update to begin in January 2020

Haldimand County’s Official Plan will be undergoing an update starting in early 2020. On January 14, staff will present a report to Council outlining the proposed phasing of the update and scope of work. Residents are invited to attend the January 14 Council in Committee meeting to learn more about the project and share ideas for Haldimand’s future.

An Official Plan is a statutory document required by the province of Ontario that describes a municipality’s long-term land-use strategy. It addresses the location and form of new housing, industry, offices and shops as well as anticipated needs for infrastructure. Streets, parks, transit, schools, community amenities, and other elements of a growing city are all considered in the Official Plan.

Haldimand County’s current Official Plan was approved by Council in 2006 and by the Province in 2009. There have been about 50 amendments to the Plan since then. In recent years, there have been significant changes to Provincial policies that guide land development and as such, the County’s Plan must be updated. The current Official Plan was intended to guide growth and development to 2031. The updated Plan will guide growth and development over the next 25 years – to 2046.

Residents who wish to provide input on the Official Plan may attend the January 14, 2020 Council in Committee meeting to share their ideas with Council. Registering as a speaker or delegate is not required. Alternatively, residents may submit their comments in writing to the Municipal Clerk by January 7, 2020.

The Official Plan update will be a multi-year project implemented in phases, with the long-term growth strategy being the first phase. Community consultations and engagement activities will be held throughout the duration of the project.

Two Public Information Centres (PICs) are being planned for early February and mid-April 2020 to educate community members about the project and obtain feedback on proposed policies and Plan amendments. Further details about the Official Plan update – including PIC times and locations – will be announced in the near future.