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

A decision was made on December 13, 2024 to approve, without modification, the remaining parts of the Durham Region 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 December 16, 2024.

This decision brings into effect maps and policies related to the proposed settlement area boundary expansion in northeast Pickering.

Previously, 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 that Decision was issued on September 3, 2024.

In both cases, 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.

In the September 3, 2024 decision, the seventy-seven (77) modifications to policies and maps of the official plan were 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. 

A decision was withheld at that time on maps and policies related to proposed settlement area boundary expansions in northeast Pickering.  This area overlaps with Ontario Regulation 102/72 which the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing consulted on a proposal to amend, but no decision has been made to date.

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 by the Minister, came into effect on September 3, 2024. The subsequent decision to approve, without modification, the remaining parts of the Durham Official Plan, came into effect on December 14, 2024.

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