City of Niagara Falls - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

On August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received for a decision the City of Niagara Falls’ proposed new official plan (By-law No. 2026-091), which was adopted by City Council on August 11, 2026.

The More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) made changes that resulted in the designation of Niagara Region as an upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities. This change took effect on March 31, 2025. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is now the approval authority for official plans adopted by lower-tier municipalities within Niagara Region.

If approved, the new Official Plan would replace the existing plan, which came into effect in 1993, with the exception of certain Secondary Plans and amendments to the City’s existing Official Plan. The adopted Niagara Falls Official Plan was prepared with the intent of achieving consistency and conformity with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, Greenbelt Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan and proposes policies and mapping to guide growth and development to 2051.

The Ministry will review the matter for consistency and conformity with applicable provincial land use policies and plans. All feedback received will be considered before presenting any potential modifications to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision in accordance with section 17 of the Planning Act.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to approve an official plan adopted in accordance with sections 17 and 26 is final and not subject to appeal.