County of Wellington - Approval to amend a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on April 11, 2023, to approve, with thirty-three (33) modifications, Official Plan Amendment 119 to the County of Wellington Official Plan adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 5760-22. Notice of this Decision was issued on April 11, 2023, to the County of Wellington.

The adopted Official Plan Amendment was reviewed for consistency and conformity with provincial policies and plans and regard for matters of provincial interests set out in the Planning Act.

The thirty-three (33) modifications to the Official Plan Amendment have been made to address provincial policy direction related to Indigenous engagement, accommodating housing options to the 2051 planning horizon, settlement areas, employment areas, and Greenbelt mapping, among other matters.

County of Wellington Official Plan Amendment 119 implements parts of the growth planning policies of A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe across the County. Official Plan Amendment 119 amends the County of Wellington Official Plan to define and identify a County Growth Structure as Phase 1 of the County's municipal comprehensive review. Official Plan Amendment 119 also identifies a Regionally Significant Economic Development Study Area in the Township of Puslinch.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, the Official Plan Amendment, as approved with modifications by the Minister, came into effect on April 12, 2023.

The growth planning policies and mapping changes of Official Plan Amendment 119 apply to all lands within the County of Wellington and the economic development study area applies to part of the Township of Puslinch.