The County of Renfrew is in the final phase of updating its Official Plan, which was first approved in 2003. An Official Plan (or OP as it is sometimes called) is a policy document that guides the short-term and long-term development of a community. The OP applies to all lands within the municipal boundary (with some exceptions, such as federal lands) and the policies within it provide direction for the size and location of land uses, provision of municipal services and facilities, and resources protection.
Why is the County updating its Official Plan?
The Planning Act, which regulates all land use planning in Ontario, requires municipalities to review their Official Plan every five years. This review will eventually result in changes to the Official Plan by way of an amendment to the document. (Official Plan Amendment No. 25 is the assigned number for this purpose.) The County is required by legislation to have an Official Plan.
The March 2018 draft includes changes as a result of public input, comments from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and additional planning considerations. The new draft and related documentation, including public and provincial comments, are available on the County of Renfrew website.
A copy of the March 2018 draft revised Official Plan can also be viewed at the County of Renfrew Administration Building located at 9 International Drive in Pembroke, or at any local municipal office.
To advise of the changes made in the March 2018 draft Official Plan and to provide the public an opportunity to address County Council, an open house and special council meeting has been scheduled for
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the Germania Club Pembroke, 118 Bennett Street, Pembroke, Ontario,
that will follow the format below:
2:00– 4:30 p.m. (OPEN HOUSE/ DROP IN)- County staff will be available to meet with residents one-on-one.
6:00– 9:00 p.m. (FORMAL SPECIAL COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING)-The meeting will begin with a presentation by County Staff on the Official Plan and the major changes proposed in the March 2018 draft version. After the staff presentation, the public will have the opportunity to formally address County Council.
In an effort to make efficient use of time available at the formal council meeting, those who wish to address or make a presentation to County Council will be requested to sign in before the meeting starts and will be scheduled in a “first-come, first-serve” order. Presentations will be no more than five {5} minutes and submissions from the same persons/groups/associations will only be heard at one meeting.
**NOTE: CAPACITY IS LIMITED**
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Charles Cheesman, MCIP, RPP, Manager of Planning Services, County of Renfrew 613-735-3204
Bruce Howarth, MCIP, RPP Senior Planner, Country of Renfrew
