Town of Prescott - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on February 8, 2024 to approve, with thirteen (13) modifications, the new Town of Prescott Official Plan adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 37-2022. Notice of this decision was issued on February 9, 2024 to the Town of Prescott.

The adopted Official Plan was reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2020 and to have regard for matters of provincial interest outlined in the Planning Act.

The thirteen (13) modifications to the Official Plan have been made to address provincial policy direction and related legislative changes including changes introduced through Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. These modifications address such matters as removing references for site plan control for residential developments of ten units or less, updating references to additional residential units, aligning cultural heritage resource policy with updated Ontario Heritage Act processes, and clarifying the role of conservation authorities in land use planning decision making.

The new Official Plan contains policies addressing growth management, climate change and the protection of water resources, natural heritage and cultural heritage resources.

Pursuant to subsection 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, the new Official Plan for the Town of Prescott, as approved with modifications by the Minister, came into effect on February 9, 2024.

The new Official Plan applies to all lands within the Town of Prescott.