Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on September, 25, 2025 to approve in part, with one hundred and thirty-one (131) modifications, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan, as adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 2024-057. Notice of Decision was issued on September 25, 2025, to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. 

The adopted official plan was reviewed for consistency with provincial plans and policies and to ensure regard for matters of provincial interest as outlined in the Planning Act.  

The one hundred and thirty-one (131) modifications to the official plan have been made to address provincial policy direction, changes to upper-tier planning authority, growth management, hamlet and rural settlements, inclusionary zoning, servicing, wellhead protection zones, planned corridors, the natural heritage system, wetlands, aggregate extraction and operations, the agricultural system and built heritage resources. 

Please note, a decision is being withheld at this time on maps and policies related to the Town’s Employment Areas. 

The approved Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan outlines a comprehensive land use policy framework to guide growth and development within the Town to the year 2051, including policies that establish growth management; establish protected major transit station areas; provide for a wide range of housing options and transportation options; plans for infrastructure and servicing; protect the natural heritage system and water resources; protect the agricultural system, and other matters.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding an official plan adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.  Accordingly, the new Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan, as modified and approved in part by the Minister, came into effect on September 25, 2025.