Township of McGarry - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

A decision was made on September 29, 2025, to approve, with sixteen (16) modifications, the new Township of McGarry Official Plan adopted pursuant to sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act by By-law 2024-016 Notice of this decision was issued on October 1, 2025, to the Township of McGarry. 

The adopted official plan was reviewed for conformity with the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, consistency with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, and regard for matters of provincial interest as outlined in Section 2 of the Planning Act. 

The sixteen (16) modifications to the official plan have been made to reflect provincial policy direction related to growth management, rural employment areas, land use compatibility, protection of natural heritage features, protection of mineral resources, protection of cultural heritage resources, engagement with Indigenous communities, and study requirements for servicing, as well as planning act requirements related to site plan control, pre-consultation and plan of subdivision lapsing provisions. 

The new official plan, as approved, outlines a comprehensive framework of new and revised policies addressing matters such as affordable housing, rural land use, mining, and the protection of water resources and natural heritage.

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, as approved by the minister, came into effect on September 29, 2025.