Elgin County Launches 2021 Official Plan Review Process

For Immediate Release

Central Elgin, ON – The County of Elgin has launched its Official Plan Review process. This process will include considerable public and stakeholder consultations over the course of 2021 and will begin with a Special Meeting of County Council scheduled for February 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.

An Official Plan is a legal statutory planning document required by the province that describes the County’s land-use strategy. The County of Elgin’s Official Plan includes the vision, goals and policy directions of the County, as established by the community, and provides guidance for land use planning decisions in the County; including:

  • locations for settlement areas, agricultural lands, and natural heritage;
  • when and in what order parts of our communities will grow; and
  • protection for agricultural, mineral and environmental resources.

The County is required to update its Official Plan at least every five (5) years, in accordance with Section 26 of the Planning Act. The 2021 Review will ensure that the                                 community vision/values, directions, policies and actions contained within the Plan reflect changes in the community and meet the future needs of residents. It is also critical that the plan reflect any changes to the Provincial Policy Statement – a key document that governs planning in Ontario.

“The Official Plan acts as a road map for future development in Elgin County,” said Warden Tom Marks. “This document will shape how our communities grow and what they will look like in 25 years from now. It is important that this Plan reflects the values, needs and unique realities of our rural communities and urban centres alike. I encourage residents and stakeholders to take the opportunity to provide the County of Elgin with feedback throughout the process so that our Plan is in alignment with community priorities.”

The Special Meeting of County Council to discuss the Official Plan Review and hear comments from the public will be held on Thursday February 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the meeting will be held virtually and live-streamed over Elgin County’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/elgincountyadmin. Any person is invited to attend and make comments at this meeting both over the phone or online via WebEx. Only those that register will be permitted to participate during the meeting. To register, send your request via email (opreview@elgin.ca) or by phone (519-631-1460 ext. 183) no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2021.

Please include your first and last name, phone number, home address with postal code, and any prepared speaking notes with your email request.

For more information about the Elgin County Official Plan Review Process or to review a copy of Elgin County’s current Official Plan please visit www.elgincounty.ca/officialplanreview.

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For additional information, please contact:


Warden Tom Marks
tmarks@elgin.ca

Nancy Pasato, Manager of Planning
npasato@elgin.ca

Easter Holiday Closure Notice
Family Day Closure Notice
Graphic to indicate holiday closures at Elgin County Facilities. The Elgin County Administration Building, Provincial Offences Administration Building, and Elgin County Heritage Centre will be closed on Friday, December 23rd at noon. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024.