SDG Counties Official Plan

What is Official Plan Amendment No. 33?

SDG Counties is undertaking a review and update of its Official Plan through Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 33.

An Official Plan is the long-term planning document that helps guide how communities grow and develop. It sets policies for housing, employment, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental protection, transportation, and other land use matters. It also provides direction for future municipal planning decisions.

Why is the Official Plan being updated?

The review has been triggered by two important factors:

• New provincial planning policies introduced through Ontario's 2024 Provincial Planning Statement.
• Updated population, housing, and employment growth projections prepared for SDG Counties.

SDG Counties is required to ensure its Official Plan remains consistent with provincial planning policies and reflects updated information about future growth and development needs.

What does this mean for residents?

At this stage, the focus is on updating the policies within the Official Plan. These changes help ensure the planning framework used by SDG Counties and local municipalities reflects current provincial requirements and long-term community needs.

A second phase of the project will involve reviewing land use mapping and property designations. If any proposed mapping changes could affect specific properties, SDG Counties and local municipal staff plan to engage directly with affected property owners and provide opportunities for public input.

How can the public participate?

The review process includes several opportunities for public involvement, including:

• A Special Meeting of Council.
• A formal Public Meeting.
• Ongoing consultation as the review progresses.
• Future engagement regarding any proposed mapping or land designation changes.

Residents, landowners, businesses, and community organizations will have opportunities to learn about the proposed changes, ask questions, and provide feedback before any final decisions are made.

What happens next?

SDG Counties has completed the initial draft review and submitted it to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for provincial review through Ontario's One Window planning process. Following public consultation and Council consideration, OPA No. 33 may be adopted by SDG Counties Council and then submitted for final provincial approval.

The goal of this exercise is to ensure SDG Counties' planning framework remains up to date, transparent, and capable of supporting the long-term needs of residents, businesses, farmers, and local municipalities across our region.