Regional Municipality of Durham - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on September 3, 2024 to approve in part, with seventy-seven (77) modifications, the Region of Durham Official Plan, as adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 38-2023. Notice of the Decision was issued on September 3, 2024.

The adopted official plan was reviewed for consistency with provincial plans and policies and to have regard for matters of provincial interest as outlined in the Planning Act.

The seventy-seven (77) modifications to policies and maps of the official plan have been made to address provincial policy direction, growth management, strategic growth areas, transportation, transit, infrastructure, land use compatibility, agricultural uses, hazards and the protection of drinking water.  Modifications were also made to the official plan to reflect government decisions to reverse Greenbelt land removals and to reverse the revocation of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act.    

Please note, a decision is being withheld at this time on maps and policies related to proposed settlement area boundary expansions in northeast Pickering.  This area overlaps with O. Reg. 102/72 which the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing recently consulted on a proposal to amend.

The approved Region of Durham Official Plan outlines a comprehensive land use policy framework to guide growth and development within the Region to the year 2051, including policies that: establish minimum density and intensification targets; appropriately phase future development and infrastructure; establish major transit station areas; provide for a wide range of housing options; provide for employment area planning; environmental and agricultural protection; public health and safety, and 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 Region of Durham Official Plan, as modified and approved in part by the Minister, came into effect on September 3, 2024.  

The new official plan applies to all lands within the Region of Durham.