Township of McMurrich/Monteith - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

The new Official Plan for the Township of McMurrich/Monteith, as adopted by the municipality by By-law No. 32-2025 on July 15, 2025 was approved subject to 33 modifications on May 15, 2026.

Thirty-three (33) modifications were required to ensure that the official plan has regard for provincial interests as set out in Section 2 of the Planning Act and to ensure consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS). The new official plan provides appropriate localized policy direction for the protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage features and areas and for the wise management of natural resources.

Of the thirty-three (33) modifications, eighteen (18) are specifically related to the environment, including modifications to ensure protection of water resources, sewer and water servicing requirements, minimum lot sizes for protecting the environment and public health and safety, and the protection of natural heritage features and functions.

Other modifications relate to ensuring land use compatibility between sensitive uses and agricultural, commercial, and industrial uses, flood and erosion hazards policy clarification, cultural heritage conservation, affordable housing, and reflect recent Planning Act updates.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, the new Official Plan of the Township of McMurrich/Monteith, as approved by the Minister, will come into effect on May 16, 2026.