Dufferin County Official Plan Review

Dufferin County is updating its Official Plan
Dufferin County is home to 66,000 people now and is expected to grow to 95,000 by 2051, according to the Province of Ontario’s Growth Plan.
To address this predicted growth in population, Dufferin County is working on the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) – a series of studies that will influence Dufferin’s Official Plan and shape the growth of Dufferin County for the next 30 years.
At their May 12, 2022 meeting, Dufferin County Council gave a green light to take a phased approach to the MCR.
What does this mean?
In June/July the estimated changes in the number of jobs and population, specific to each Municipality within Dufferin County, will be outlined in a final Land Need Analysis (LNA) report. From there, an update to the Official Plan will be submitted to Council for their consideration, which is currently estimated to take place in August. Once approved, the changes are submitted to the Province for their review, which can take up to 120 days.
Once complete, further updates can be approved by Dufferin County Council, including on a Municipality-by-Municipality basis, such as expansions to the Shelburne and Grand Valley settlement areas.
We want to hear from you!
The MCR is going to shape the future of Dufferin County’s community, so it’s important that the project includes community voices. This July, Dufferin County staff will:
kick off an engagement plan, so citizens can get involved and provide feedback on the project, and
begin providing regular updates on the project’s progress.
To stay informed about the MCR process and to have your say on the future of your community, check back here for updates, and subscribe to our newsletter (top right corner).
In the meantime, check out our FAQ's on the right-hand page.
Dufferin County is updating its Official Plan
Dufferin County is home to 66,000 people now and is expected to grow to 95,000 by 2051, according to the Province of Ontario’s Growth Plan.
To address this predicted growth in population, Dufferin County is working on the Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) – a series of studies that will influence Dufferin’s Official Plan and shape the growth of Dufferin County for the next 30 years.
At their May 12, 2022 meeting, Dufferin County Council gave a green light to take a phased approach to the MCR.
What does this mean?
In June/July the estimated changes in the number of jobs and population, specific to each Municipality within Dufferin County, will be outlined in a final Land Need Analysis (LNA) report. From there, an update to the Official Plan will be submitted to Council for their consideration, which is currently estimated to take place in August. Once approved, the changes are submitted to the Province for their review, which can take up to 120 days.
Once complete, further updates can be approved by Dufferin County Council, including on a Municipality-by-Municipality basis, such as expansions to the Shelburne and Grand Valley settlement areas.
We want to hear from you!
The MCR is going to shape the future of Dufferin County’s community, so it’s important that the project includes community voices. This July, Dufferin County staff will:
kick off an engagement plan, so citizens can get involved and provide feedback on the project, and
begin providing regular updates on the project’s progress.
To stay informed about the MCR process and to have your say on the future of your community, check back here for updates, and subscribe to our newsletter (top right corner).
In the meantime, check out our FAQ's on the right-hand page.
-
Tell us what you think
about 1 year agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link13 ResponsesWe want to know about your vision for the future growth of Dufferin County! There will be many formal opportunities to get involved in this project including a series of Open Houses – with more details regarding dates, times and locations for these events coming soon.
In the meantime, we welcome you to share your thoughts on the MCR project here!
We also encourage you to subscribe to receive updates via the "Stay Informed" sign up box in the upper right corner of our main page.
Go to discussion -
Housing - Additional Residential Units (ARUs)
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Housing - Additional Residential Units
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
What type of guidelines should be in place to promote ARUs throughout the County?
How can we address the concerns and overcome the (NIMBY) resistance?
-
Housing - As of Right Zones
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Housing - As of Right Zones
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
What are the zoning regulations that we can put in place to ensure that As of Right Zones can adapt to evolving circumstances and promote sustainable and inclusive development?
How can we ensure the reflection of context and neighborhood character in As of Right Zones?
-
Housing - Mixed Use Zones
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Housing - Mixed Use Zones
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
How can we use policy in addressing the short supply of Mixed Use Zones at the County?
How can we overcome the inadequate infrastructure and amenities to support Mixed Use Zones?
-
Housing - Affordable Housing
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Housing - Affordable Housing
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
What type of policies could help increase housing supply for individuals and families with lower incomes?
What are the requirements that we should put in place to support our vulnerable populations, to overcome the significant affordability challenges in accessing suitable housing?
-
Healthy Communities - Age Friendly Communities
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Healthy Communities - Age Friendly Communities
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
How can we address inadequate affordable and accessible housing options?
How can we address social isolation and limited social engagement opportunities?
How can we address limited access to health and supportive services?
-
Healthy Communities - Recreation and Tourism
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Healthy Communities - Recreation and Tourism
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
Dufferin County may heavily rely on a few economic sectors, limiting job creating opportunities and making the local economy vulnerable to downturns in specific industries.
Some residents may commute to other areas for better job opportunities or choose to relocate elsewhere due to limited job opportunities locally.
-
Healthy Communities - Job Creation
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Healthy Communities - Job Creation
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
Dufferin County may heavily rely on a few economic sectors, limiting job creating opportunities and making the local economy vulnerable to downturns in specific industries.
Some residents may commute to other areas for better job opportunities or choose to relocate elsewhere due to limited job opportunities locally.
-
Sustainability - Aquifers
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Sustainability - Aquifers
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
What are the regulations that need to be in place to address diminishing water levels and water quality degradation?
What types of policies could be used for improved and integrated water management within the County?
-
Sustainability - Schools
3 months agoShare on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkIn early July, Dufferin County hosted four public workshops to help inform its Phase III Official Plan Amendment (OPA). The engagement sessions address key Community and Governance policy topics as aligned with its recently approved 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.
Community members are invited to provide feedback on the topics presented at the workshop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their perspectives, concerns and ideas to help shape policy that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Dufferin community as the County plans for the future.
Presentation on Sustainability - Schools
Use the comment box below to provide your thoughts on the engagement questions and any additional feedback you have on the topic. Your feedback will help to shape the future of your community!
Engagement Questions:
What requirements should we put in place to ensure school infrastructure doesn't become overwhelmed?
What requirements should we put in place to ensure new and existing school sites are well supported?
Follow Project
Who's Listening
-
Phone (519) 942-7618 Email cjoudry@dufferincounty.ca
Document Library
-
OPA Phase III
-
Report from Community Development and Tourism Committee - September 28 2023 (133 KB) (pdf)
-
Draft Transportation Master Plan (6.26 MB) (pdf)
-
MCR Phase 3 - General Policy Updates Presentation (604 KB) (pdf)
-
Summary of Comments for Phase 3 (181 KB) (pdf)
-
Transportation Master Plan Presentation (2.05 MB) (pdf)
-
Dufferin County Official Plan Redline Working Copy (1.18 MB) (pdf)
-
Draft Official Plan Amendment (251 KB) (pdf)
-
-
OPA Phase II
-
OPA No. 2 Timeline Suspension Letter from MMAH (48.1 KB) (pdf)
-
Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) No 019-7419
-
2023.07.13 Dufferin County_Official Plan Amendment No. 03.pdf (154 KB) (pdf)
-
2023-03-09 Council Agenda - MCR Phase II OPA Report.pdf (205 KB) (pdf)
-
CC2023-03-09 Extract - MCR Phase 2.pdf (60.2 KB) (pdf)
-
Schedule B1 - Community Structure 20230314.pdf (810 KB) (pdf)
-
Schedule B - Community Structure 20230314.pdf (1.18 MB) (pdf)
-
Schedule C - Agriculture 20230314.pdf (1.13 MB) (pdf)
-
Schedule E1 - NHS 20230314.pdf (1.41 MB) (pdf)
-
Schedule E - NHS 20230314.pdf (3 MB) (pdf)
-
-
OPA Phase 1
-
Environmental Registry of Ontario (EFO) 019-7119
-
Council Motion (93.4 KB) (pdf)
-
2022 06 30 - New Draft Report.pdf (1.09 MB) (pdf)
-
Employment Supply Maps 20220627.pdf (2.51 MB) (pdf)
-
Res and Commercial Supply Maps 20220627.pdf (2.64 MB) (pdf)
-
Staff Report + Draft OPA Phase1 (273 KB) (pdf)
-
Draft Phase 1 OPA Submission for Review (215 KB) (pdf)
-
-
Climate Action
-
Revised Work Program 2021-22.pdf (369 KB) (pdf)
-
Key Points.pdf (368 KB) (pdf)
-
Population and Employment Allocation.pdf (464 KB) (pdf)
-
Projected Dwelling Growth.pdf (126 KB) (pdf)
-
Existing Settlement Areas and Built Up Areas.pdf (1.16 MB) (pdf)
-
Intensification Target Capacity Gap.pdf (380 KB) (pdf)
-
Combined Estimated Land Needs.pdf (307 KB) (pdf)
-
Dufferin County Draft Land Needs Analysis 2022.01.21 For Committee.pdf (1000 KB) (pdf)
-
Dufferin County MCR_Presentation to County Council_GMS Update_Oct 14'21.pdf (1.15 MB) (pdf)
-
January 27, 2021 - My Community Plan Update.pdfJanuary 27, 2021 - My Community Plan Update (1.23 MB) (pdf)
-
Dufferin County MCR Update to Council July 9-Proposed Growth Plan Amendment Presentation to Council .pdf (315 KB) (pdf)
-
Dufferin County MCR Section 26 Presentation 2020.03.12. (1.16 MB) (pdf)
-
County Official Plan Office Consolidation 2017
-
A Place to Grow-Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe 2019
-
The Planning Act
-
Citizens Guide to Land Use Planning
-
Provincial Policy Statement 2020
-
Greenbelt Plan 2017
-
Niagara Escarpment Plan 2017
-
Final LNA Highlights - WSP.pdf (1.1 MB) (pdf)