Northumberland County - Approval to amend a municipality’s official plan

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received an application from Northumberland County for approval of Official Plan Amendment No. 2 which the county adopted by By-law 13-2025 on March 19, 2025. The official plan amendment will amend the county’s existing official plan which was approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on July 29, 2015. The amendment will incorporate updated policies and certain land use designations that are intended to guide growth and development in the county to 2051.

The proposed official plan amendment will be reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, conformity with applicable provincial plans, and regard for matters of provincial interest as expressed in the Planning Act.

This includes the orderly development of safe and healthy communities, adequate provision of a full range of housing, and the adequate provision of employment opportunities and protection of economic well-being, among other interests.

The proposed official plan amendment is a result of Northumberland County’s review of its official plan currently in-effect, as required under section 26 of the Planning Act.

The official plan amendment is now before the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision in accordance with sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act. As set out in 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 amendment adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.