As Niagara grows, we need to protect what's valuable and manage our resources in a sustainable way. That's why we're creating a new Niagara Official Plan. The plan is a long-range, policy planning document to shape Niagara’s physical, economic and social development.
The new Niagara Official Plan will be informed by inter-related background studies relating to rural and natural systems, and growth management.
This project supports the Council Strategic Plan.
Rural and natural systems background studies include the:
The Natural Environment Background Study will inform the identification of a natural system or systems in Niagara, and protect important natural features.
The Agriculture Background Study will inform the identification and protection of our farmland, and support the agricultural industry in Niagara.
The Climate Change Background Study will identify opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our communities and better adapt to the effects of climate change.
Niagara Climate Modelling Project
The Niagara Climate Modelling Project is being done by the Region's consultant, the Ontario Climate Consortium, and will result in historical and future climate data for Niagara.
Regional Greening Initiative
The Regional Greening Initiative focuses on increasing vegetative cover across the region.
The Aggregate Resouces Background Study will help ensure that aggregate resources are available close to market, while addressing land use compatibility and environmental considerations.
2018 - completed
Initiated project
may 30, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Natural Environment Background Study
june 6, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Natural Environment Background Study
november 6, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Niagara Official Plan background initiatives
november 7, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Niagara Official Plan background initiatives
november 13, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Niagara Official Plan background initiatives
november 14, 2019 - completed
Public information centre: Niagara Official Plan background initiatives
2019
Complete background studies
2020
Develop draft policies and mapping
2021
Draft Niagara Official Plan
David Heyworth
Official Plan Policy Consultant
905-980-6000 ext. 3476
Email the Official Plan team
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The ecological land classification mapping project, in support of the Natural Environment work program, is a successful recipient of a grant from the Greenbelt Foundation under the Resilient Greenbelt funding stream.
The application was made in partnership with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority.