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
• 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
• 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