WHITEWATER REGION — The province has approved the County Official Plan and it is not good for the people. Even the municipalities are upset because the province has changed the Official Plan from what they expected to be approved, to designating most of Renfrew County has a “Natural Wildlife Habitat” for deer wintering yards. This means zero growth and development for the County and their municipalities.
The Province approved this with their changes in it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research must be completed on what they have done. Interestingly, the Province put major restrictions on the entire county knowing these restrictions would limit municipalities’ economic growth and development.
It limits their ability to function during a pandemic. This has forced the closure of several small businesses and the longer the Province keeps the lockdown in effect, there will be more businesses closing their doors, never to re-open. Between the Official Plan, the current pandemic and likely a “second wave”; the future for Renfrew County is not looking good, but this could change.
The Renfrew County Official Plan breakdown which details the Official Plan document, plus all the different maps, etc. can be found online at www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/business-and-development/official-plan.aspx.
