An Introduction to Planning
Land use planning is used to manage the development of land by regulating land uses in an efficient and ethical way. It helps to decide where homes and factories should be built; where parks and schools should be located; and where roads, sewers and other essential services should be provided.
Land use planning means managing our land and resources. It helps each community set goals about how it will grow and develop and to work out ways of reaching those goals while keeping important social, economic and environmental concerns in mind. It balances the interests of individual property owners with the wider interests and objectives of the whole community. Good planning leads to orderly growth and the efficient provision of services. It touches all of us and helps us to have the kind of community we want.
The following has been prepared to help you understand how the land use planning process works in Ontario. This information is intended to give general information only and is not an interpretation of the Planning Act or any other act. You should refer to the legislation for specific requirements and procedures or contact municipal staff for more information.
Town Official Plan
An Official Plan is a comprehensive, long-range planning document approved by the province and designed to guide and direct future growth in a logical and orderly manner to the benefits of all residents. It can be considered a blueprint of how a municipality wants to guide and direct future land use development and growth.
The Official Plan sets out areas of the Town intended for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional, as well as identifying major open space areas and parkland. The plan contains general policies to guide development within the various land use designations. Policies within the OP are then implemented through the more detailed land use regulations contained within the Town’s Zoning By-law.
Official Plan Schedules
A zoning by-law contains provisions that regulate the use, size, height, density and location of buildings on properties within the Town. The basic purpose of a Zoning By-law is to regulate what and where you can build.
Schedule A-1 - Urban Area
Schedule A-2 - Urban Area
Schedule A-3 - Urban Area
Schedule A-4 - Goodfish Lake
Schedule A-5 - Nettie Lake
Schedule B-1 - Rural Area
Schedule B-2 - Rural Area
Planning Act
The Planning Act sets out the ground rules for land use planning in Ontario and describes how land uses may be controlled, and who may control them. The Act provides the basis for:
- Considering provincial interests;
- Establish local planning administration;
- Preparing official plans;
- Streamlining planning processes;
- Regulating and controlling land use through zoning by-laws and minor variances;
- Dividing land into separate lots through a plan of subdivision or severance;
- Ensuring the rights of local citizens to be notified about planning proposals; and
- Ensuring the approval authorities have regard to decisions made by municipal councils.
Provincial Policy Statement 2020
The PPS 2020 provides direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development and promotes the provincial “policy led” planning system. The Planning Act requires that all decisions affecting land use planning matters “shall be consistent with” the PPS.