|
ELGIN COUNTY OFFICIAL PLAN
Elgin County Council has embarked on a program to develop the County’s first ever Official Plan, a policy document that sets out long-term goals and objectives for how a community wishes to grow and develop.
What is an Official Plan?
This long-range document will be based on a planning horizon for the next 20 years and address matters of County importance while acknowledging local planning authority and the need to provide a balanced approach to planning in the County. Elgin County consists of seven local municipalities:
The City of St. Thomas is geographically located in Elgin County but is a separated City. The County has committed to ongoing discussions and exchange of ideas with the City throughout the Official Plan process.
What is Planning?
Once the County Official Plan is approved, which is expected in 2012, Elgin County will become the approval authority for local Official Plans, Subdivision and Condominium Plans. This responsibility will be delegated to the County from the Province of Ontario. Having such approval powers at the County level will expedite the approval process and bring decision-making closer to our local municipal partners.
Workplan
There are three main stages to the Official Plan Work Plan . The County and it’s consulting team have already commenced or completed several of the Stage 1 components, such as the detailed literature review, which includes a review of Provincial policy, County data and studies, and the Official Plans for the various lower tier municipalities in the County. Also, initial meetings have been held with a Steering Committee, Technical Committee and Focus Group. The Focus Group consists of stakeholder representatives from each of the local municipalities.
Elgin County Official Plan Newsletters
Click Here to download Elgin County Official Plan newsletter
Public Consultation – your input & feedback is important to us!
The preparation of an Official Plan is a significant undertaking that provides a number of opportunities for shaping the County’s future, including protecting and supporting agricultural communities in a changing economy, and enhancing our natural and cultural heritage resources. A significant part of this review will involve identifying a vision, establishing goals and objectives and considering growth and policy options with the help of the public through an extensive consultation process.
The intent of the County’s consultation process is designed to:
- “Get the word out” to the community
- Obtain feedback from the general public and a number of representative groups
- Present, identify and discuss the range of issues and themes to be considered in developing the Official Plan
The consultation process will involve a series of meetings, including several open houses and public meetings held throughout the County. Details respecting upcoming meetings will be advertised on the County’s website and in local newspapers.
Please check here regularly for updates and new information.
In addition, you can also contribute by submitting written comments by mail, fax, email.
Contact:
Steve Evans, Planning Manager: sevans@elgin-county.on.ca
Jennifer Rasmussen, Administrative Services Assistant: jrasmussen@elgin-county.on.ca
County of Elgin, 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1
Tel: 519-631-1460
FAX: 519-633-7661
|
