Official Plan Update

The Township of Wainfleet has embarked on a project to update the Township of Wainfleet Official Plan. An Official Plan provides short term and long term vision for land use, growth and development within the municipality. Section 26 of the Planning Act requires that municipal Councils review their Official Plan not less than every five years; as the Official Plan came into effect in 2016, another review was required.

The update will:

Review and modernize existing planning policies
Assess background studies and future growth needs
Ensure alignment with Provincial planning requirements

Current Township Official Plan 2016

What is an Official Plan?

An official plan is a municipal policy document, adopted and approved under the Planning Act, that outlines Council's vision for the Township over the next 20 years. It begins as a snapshot of the Township and, over time grows and adjusts to new or changing needs.

The Township of Wainfleet Official Plan contains goals, objective and policies to manage and direct change and its effects on the social, economic and natural environment of the municipality. This includes policies that apply to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other land uses.

Why is the Official Plan being reviewed?

The Township’s current Official Plan was adopted in 2010 with final approval granted by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2016.

Section 26 of the Planning Act requires municipalities to revise their Official Plans to ensure that they:

Conform with Provincial Plans and have regard for matters of Provincial interest as outlined in Section 2 of the Planning Act; and
Are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS).

The updating of the Township of Wainfleet’s Official Plan must also ensure conformity with the Niagara Region Official Plan (2022), while addressing recent provincial legislation and policy changes, including those related to housing, agriculture, natural heritage, and climate change.

The updated Official Plan will provide a clear, comprehensive, and long-term planning framework to guide growth, land use, and community development in Wainfleet over the coming decades.

Reports and Documents

Public Participation and Engagement

Next Steps in the Review Process

How You Can Participate in the Process

There are no current opportunities for public input for this project, however, we are always open to public input. Please note that comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including the originator’s name and address, become part of the public record and may be viewed by the general public and may be published in a Planning Report, Council Agenda or Council Minutes.

If you wish further information regarding the Township Official Plan Review, or to provide input, please contact Township staff at the numbers on this page, or email us at planning@wainfleet.ca .