Official Plan Review

File: OPA-3-2015

The Town of Lakeshore Official Plan came into effect in November 2010. In 2015 the Town initiated a detailed and comprehensive review of the plan. A professional service firm was retained by the Town to assist in this review.

The main purpose of the review is to update the Official Plan to reflect new planning policies introduced by the county and province since the plan was adopted. The process began with an Issues and Policy Directions Report which identified key issues with the Official Plan and proposed new policy directions.

The following studies have been undertaken to facilitate the Official Plan Review:

Residential Intensification Strategy

Residential intensification means directing new residential growth to existing built-up areas within settlements. This practice protects greenfield land and makes efficient use of public infrastructure. The Residential Intensification Strategy was completed to help the Town implement provincial intensification policies and achieve its residential intensification targets as outlined in the County of Essex Official Plan.

Affordable Housing Strategy

An Affordable Housing Strategy was initiated to help the Town of Lakeshore address housing needs and provide opportunities for more affordable housing. The policies and strategies developed through this study will provide the Town with a broad range of housing types and tenures.

Growth Forecast Update and Employment Land Needs

A Growth Analysis Study was undertaken by the Town to update its growth forecasts. In particular, employment growth forecasts and land needs had to be updated to ensure the sufficient supply of employment lands for future employment growth.

Natural Heritage Review

Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has undertaken a review of the Town's natural heritage and natural hazard Official Plan policies. Updates on these issues will bring the Town's policies into conformity with county and provincial policies. ERCA will support the preparation of a natural heritage systems strategy and provide updates to the natural heritage feature mapping.

Public Participation

A virtual Public Open House is currently taking place to provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the process from October 16 to November 16, with a Statutory Public Meeting scheduled before Council on November 17:

Notice of Open House (October 16 to November 16) and Statutory Public Meeting (November 17)

Summary of Changes to the Current Official Plan

If you don't want to view the entire updated Official Plan, below are a few links that will provide you with an overview of the changes:

Official Plan Update

Currently the Town of Lakeshore is developing an amendment to the Official Plan that will incorporate recommendations from the entire Official Plan Review. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Statutory Public Meeting when the Official Plan Amendment is brought before Council for approval on November 17.