County of Peterborough - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

On June 29, 2022, Peterborough County adopted a new Official Plan pursuant to sections 26 and 17 of the Planning Act by By-law number 2022-47. The new County of Peterborough Official Plan is a result of Peterborough County’s review of its current plan, as required under section 26 of the Planning Act. The new Official Plan is now before the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision under the Planning Act.

The new County of Peterborough Official Plan outlines a comprehensive framework of new and revised policies to guide growth and development within the County to the year 2051. The new Official Plan proposes policies addressing climate change and the protection of water resources, natural heritage and agricultural systems. The Official Plan also proposes new policies related to long-term infrastructure and employment area planning.

The new County of Peterborough Official Plan will be reviewed for conformity to applicable provincial plans; consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024; and matters of provincial interest, as expressed in the Planning Act.

On May 7, 2025, Peterborough County Council passed Resolution No. 97-2025 to endorse changes/modifications to the County of Peterborough Official Plan previously submitted to the Ministry in 2022. Furthermore, County Council requested the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing consider the proposed changes/modifications in the form as endorsed. The purpose of the proposed modifications is to align with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 and reflect the dissolution of A Place to Grow: Growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which occurred on October 20, 2024.

If approved, the new Official Plan would apply to the entirety of lands within Peterborough County.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) and subsection 21(3) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding a new official plan adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.