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

Northumberland County adopted the proposed official plan amendment on December 15, 2021 by By-law No. 38-2021. The amendment proposes changes to the existing Northumberland County Official Plan which was approved by MMAH on July 29, 2015. The plan establishes land use designations and policies to manage growth and protect resources within the County until the year 2034. The proposed amendment 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. This includes the protection of ecological systems and the conservation and management of natural resources and the mineral resource base, among other interests. The proposed official plan amendment is a result of Northumberland County’s review of its current plan, as required under section 26 of the Planning Act.

The adopted official plan amendment has been forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by Northumberland County for a decision. 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 an official plan amendment adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.

On March 28, 2025, Northumberland County Council passed Resolution # 2025-01-22-035 to endorse modifications to the adopted amendment and request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to consider proposed changes/modifications to the adopted amendment in the form as endorsed. The purpose of these 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.