Official Plan Review

Background

Planning and land use decisions made by the Town of Whitby have been directed by the Official Plan since 1974.

The current Whitby Official Plan was implemented in 1995 with a forward planning time horizon to 2011. It has successfully provided the policy direction for planning and land use in the Town since that time.

The Planning Act requires that all municipalities review their Official Plan every 5 years to ensure it complies with provincial plans, the provincial policy statement, and furthers matters of provincial interest (Section 26.[1] of the Planning Act).

In 2007, it was identified that a review of the current Official Plan was required for a number of reasons, including:

• Legislative changes
• Provincial and regional policy direction
• Managing growth
• Promoting sustainability

In addition to the requirements of the Planning Act, it is necessary to review the Whitby Official Plan to extend the time horizon from 2011 to 2031. This will ensure that the goals, objectives , and policies of the Official Plan meet the future needs of the community.

Opportunity

The current Official Plan was designed to meet the unique needs of Whitby - its particular aspirations, pressures, features, and history. The Official Plan Review will be undertaken with these unique needs in mind.

The Official Plan Review is an opportunity for the Town of Whitby and the public to engage in a meaningful way, by building relationships and promoting an understanding of planning, development, and sustainability issues.

Through the review of the Official Plan, members of the public can choose to be involved upfront in the planning process. As a result the public can directly influence the goals, objectives and policies that are contained in the Official Plan.

The Official Plan Review is an undertaking that will include and welcome input from all stakeholders.