Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

On June 2, 2026, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received for the Minister’s decision the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's new official plan (By-law 2026-030), which was adopted by the Town’s Council on May 26, 2026.   

The More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) made changes that resulted in the designation of Niagara Region as an upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities. This change took effect on March 31, 2025. The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is now the approval authority for official plans adopted by lower-tier municipalities within Niagara Region. 

If approved, the new Official Plan will replace the existing Official Plan that came into effect in 1994, with the exception of the Town’s existing Secondary Plans which will remain in effect. The adopted Niagara-on-the-Lake Official Plan was prepared with the intent of achieving consistency and conformity with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, Greenbelt Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan and proposes policies and mapping to guide growth and development to 2051. 

The Ministry will review the matter for consistency and conformity with applicable provincial land use policies and plans. All feedback received will be considered before presenting any potential modifications to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision in accordance with section 17 of the Planning Act.