This consultation was open from:
June 5, 2025
to July 5, 2025
Decision summary
A decision was made on February 19, 2026 to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Northumberland County Official Plan adopted by By-law 38-2021, subject to nine (9) modifications. The approved amendment updates the official plan to add Natural Heritage System policies and mapping to the Northumberland County Official Plan.
Location details
Site location details
The official plan amendment applies to all lands within Northumberland County.
Site location map
The location pin reflects the approximate area where environmental activity is taking place.
View this location on a map opens link in a new windowProponent(s)
Northumberland County
555 Courthouse Road
Cobourg,
ON
K9A 5J6
Canada
Decision details
A decision was made on February 19, 2026 to approve, with nine (9) modifications, Amendment No. 1, adopted by Northumberland County pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 38-2021, to the Northumberland County Official Plan. Notice of this decision was issued on February 20, 2026 to Northumberland County.
The adopted official plan amendment was reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, conformity with applicable provincial plans, and regard for matters of provincial interest as outlined in section 2 of the Planning Act. The adopted official plan amendment was reviewed in concert with the requested changes by Northumberland County through Council Resolution 2025-01-22-035.
The nine (9) modifications were made in consultation with partner ministries and required for the official plan amendment to be consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 and conform to applicable provincial plans as it relates to the protection of a natural heritage system and agricultural resources.
The official plan amendment, as approved, adds policies to protect the county’s Natural Heritage System and mapping to identify various natural features and system in the Northumberland County Official Plan.
Effects of consultation
As a result of public consultation for Amendment No. 1 to the Northumberland County Official Plan, the ministry received no comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario and one (1) comment through email to ministry staff. This comment sought to remove the Natural Heritage System from certain lands that already have Planning Act approvals for residential development and for which construction has already commenced. The Decision is responsive to this comment, where it accepts the revised Natural Heritage system mapping provided by the county through County Resolution 2025-01-22-035. All comments received were taken into consideration prior to a decision being made.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
8 Estate Lane
Rockwood House
Kingston,
ON
K7M 9A8
Canada
How to Appeal
Appeals are not allowed
This instrument type cannot be appealed. Learn more about our consultation process (https://ero.ontario.ca/page/consultation-process)
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Contact
Chris Willms
8 Estate Lane
Rockwood House
Kingston,
ON
K7M 9A8
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
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.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
8 Estate Lane
Rockwood House
Kingston,
ON
K7M 9A8
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from June 5, 2025
to July 5, 2025
Connect with us
Contact
Chris Willms
8 Estate Lane
Rockwood House
Kingston,
ON
K7M 9A8
Canada
Comments received
Through the registry
0By email
1By mail
0