Rural and Natural Systems
All Niagara Region projects

About the Project

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.

Background Studies

Rural and natural systems background studies include the:

• Natural environment

  The Natural Environment Background Study will inform the identification of a natural system or systems in Niagara, and protect important natural features.

  • Report - Natural Environment Project Initiation
  • Presentation - Frameworks to Develop Natural Environment and Agricultural Policies
  • Report - Natural Environment - Project Framework
  • Presentation - Agriculture and Natural Environment Project Frameworks
  • Report - Update on Natural Environment Work Program
  • Presentation - Update on Natural Environment Work Program

  • Presentation - Local Councils: First Point of Engagement
  • Public Information Centre #1 Display Boards (May 30 and June 6, 2019)
  • Mapping Discussion Paper (September 2019)
  • Watershed Planning Discussion Paper (October 2019)
  • Natural Environment Background Study (October 2019)
  • Consultation Summary Report #1 (September 2019)
  • Report - Discussion Papers and Background Study
  • Presentation - Discussion Papers and Background Study
  • Report - Ecological Land Classification Mapping Update (February 2020)
  • Presentation - Identification and Evaluation of Options (July 2020)
  • Report - Identification and Evaluation of Options (July 2020)
  • Technical Report - Identification and Evaluation of Options (July 2020)
  • Niagara Watershed Plan - Goals and Discussion Paper
  • Report - Natural Environment Work Program - 2nd Point of Engagement
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Volume 1
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Volume 2
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Text Only
  • Presentation - Niagara Watershed Plan
  • Report - Niagara Watershed Plan - Draft for Consultation
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Volume 3 - Growth Analysis
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Volume 3 - Growth Analysis (text only)
  • Niagara Watershed Plan Draft Volume 3 - Growth Analysis (attachments only)
• Agriculture

  The Agriculture Background Study will inform the identification and protection of our farmland, and support the agricultural industry in Niagara.

  • Report - Agriculture Project Framework
  • Report - Agriculture Project Initiation
• Climate change

  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.

  • Presentation - Climate Change Framework
  • Report - Climate Change Framework
  • Climate Change Discussion Paper
  • Report - Climate Change Work Program Update
  • Presentation - Climate Change Work Program Update

  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.

  • Climate Modelling Staff Presentation
    
  • Climate Modelling Methodology
  • Proposed Climate Parameters
  • Memo - Niagara Climate Modelling Project Update

  Regional Greening Initiative

  The Regional Greening Initiative focuses on increasing vegetative cover across the region.

  • Memo - Regional Greening Initiative Update
  • Memo - Tree Planting at Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant
• Aggregate resources

  The Aggregate Resouces Background Study will help ensure that aggregate resources are available close to market, while addressing land use compatibility and environmental considerations.

  • Report - State of Aggregate Resources in Niagara: Technical Addendum
  • Presentation - State of Aggregate Resources in Niagara: Technical Addendum
  • Technical Addendum
  • Background Report

Project Timeline