County Official Plan

The Middlesex County Official Plan is a comprehensive planning document to be used in working towards the long term vision for Middlesex County. The Plan directs and guides the County in land use policy and physical planning on a broad basis. It establishes an upper tier policy framework that provides guidance to local municipalities in the preparation of local official plans and zoning by laws. The Plan sets a framework for coordination and cooperation amongst local municipalities and the County on planning and development issues that transcend municipal boundaries.

The County Official Plan contains policies dealing with issues of Provincial and County interest. The Plan contains specific land use policies for Settlement Areas, Agricultural Areas and Natural Environment Areas. It also provides a policy framework for issues such as Resource Management, Growth Management and the provision of Physical Services, such as transportation facilities. It recognizes the planning powers and authorities vested in the local municipalities and therefore does not address in detail those planning matters which are most appropriately dealt with at the local level. The County Official Plan provides a framework for more detailed strategies, policies and land use designations in local official plans.

Five Year Review

The County is in the process of undertaking a Five Year Review of the County Official Plan.  The Planning Act requires that County Council regularly, at least every five years, review its Official Plan in order to determine the need for updates or changes.  The Five Year Review includes the holding of a special public meeting of Council for any member of the public to attend and make a presentation.  While the Five Year Review of the County Official Plan is mandatory, Council is not required to revise the Official Plan unless there is reason for doing so. 

The County’s Official Plan was initially approved in 1988 and 1999 by the Ontario Municipal Board.  In 2006 the County Plan was amended as a result of the first Five Year Review.  The first Five Year Review included significant changes related to:

• Economic Development
• Forecasting Growth
• Agricultural Area Consents
• Transportation
• Natural Heritage
• Groundwater
• Alternative/Renewable Energy
• Technical Issues
• Intensification and Redevelopment
• Affordable Housing

A number of topic areas are being reviewed as part of the 2011 / 2012 Five Year Review, including:   

·         Available Land

·         Affordable Housing

·         Population Projections

·         Performance Monitoring

·         Intensification and Redevelopment

·         Changes in Provincial Legislation

·         Economic Development

·         Healthy and Sustainable Communities

·         Evolving Nature of Agriculture

Other topic areas are likely to be identified as a result of public input and further County review.  The need for and exact nature of specific revisions will be determined as the County proceeds through the Five Year Review process.  The first opportunity for formal public input on the Five Year Review will be provided in 2012 when County Council holds a special public meeting.  At any time, anyone may submit comments or questions concerning the County Official Plan or the Five Year Review process.

This webpage is intended to supplement the statutory public notice and information requirements for the Five Year Review process under the Planning Act.  If you have any questions about the Five Year Review process or any of the information posted to this site, please contact Durk Vanderwerff, Manager of Planning.