The Regional Municipality of Niagara - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on November 4, 2022 to approve, with modifications, the Regional Municipality of Niagara's new official plan adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 2022-47. Notice of the decision was provided to the Region on November 4, 2022.

The adopted official plan was reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement and conformity with provincial plans and policies, and to ensure that it has regard for matters of provincial interests as outlined in the Planning Act.

Forty-five (45) modifications to the official plan have been made to address matters of land use compatibility, employment area policies, aggregate resource protection and the protection of the natural heritage system and features, as well as to address the provincial priority of increasing housing supply.   

The new Niagara Official Plan, as approved, outlines a comprehensive land use policy framework to guide growth and development within the region to the year 2051, including policies and schedules related to housing; planning for employment and infrastructure; environmental and agricultural protection, among other matters.

Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding an official plan adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, the new Niagara Official Plan, as approved with modifications by the Minister, came into effect on November 4, 2022.