Town of Fort Frances - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received an application from the Town of Fort Frances for approval of a new official plan, adopted by By-law 04-25 January 10, 2025. The new official plan will replace the existing plan, which came into effect December 24, 2012. The new plan will provide guidance and direction for development within the municipality. 

The proposed official plan will be reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, and matters of provincial interest as expressed in the Planning Act.

This includes the protection of ecological systems, conservation and management of natural resources, supply of affordable housing, provision of employment opportunities and protection of economic well-being, efficient land use, conservation of energy and water, waste management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, among other interests. The proposed official plan is a result of the Town of Fort France's review of the official plan currently in effect, as required under section 26 of the Planning Act.

The official plan 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 adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.