Dufferin County Official Plan Amendment No. 5
Dufferin County is updating its Official Plan to guide how our communities grow and evolve over the coming decades.
The Official Plan is the County’s primary land use planning document. It sets out the vision, goals, and policies that shape where housing, jobs, and infrastructure are located, while also protecting farmland and natural areas, supporting economic development, and addressing climate change.
This update will ensure the Plan reflects current conditions, aligns with provincial requirements, and supports complete, resilient communities across Dufferin.
What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a long-term policy document that guides land use and development.
It helps answer important questions, such as:
- Where should new housing and jobs be located?
- How do we protect farmland and natural heritage systems?
- How do we plan for infrastructure like roads, water, and wastewater?
- How can we build healthy, complete, and climate-resilient communities?
All planning and infrastructure decisions in Dufferin County must conform with the Official Plan.
What’s being updated?
As part of this update, the County will:
- Update mapping and policies to strengthen protection of natural heritage systems
- Assess land needs to ensure there is enough land to support future growth
- Review and update policies to align with current provincial plans and legislation
- Incorporate climate considerations into how we plan for growth and infrastructure
- Ensure the Plan reflects local priorities and community needs
Why this matters
The Official Plan shapes decisions that affect daily life, how people move, where homes are built, how communities grow, and how natural systems are protected. This update is an opportunity to:
- Plan for growth in a coordinated and sustainable way
- Protect the County’s rural character and agricultural lands
- Support housing options and economic opportunities
- Build resilience to climate change and extreme weather
- Reflect the values and priorities of the community
Get involved!
Community input is a critical part of the Official Plan update.
There will be multiple opportunities to participate throughout the project, including open houses, online engagement, and targeted conversations.
Upcoming event: Kickoff Open House
Join us to learn about the project, ask questions, and share your ideas early in the process.
Date: April 23
Time: 6 pm
Location: Atrium, 55 Zina St.
At the open house, you can:
- Learn about the Official Plan and what is being updated
- Share what’s working well in your community
- Identify key issues, challenges, and opportunities
Project timeline
The Official Plan update will take place in three main stages, with opportunities to get involved at each step:
1. Project Kick Off (Winter 2025)
Project launch, background review, and setup.
2. Understanding the Issues (Winter 2026)
Research and first round of public input to identify priorities and challenges.
3. Technical Analysis (Spring-Summer 2026)
Completion of Land Needs Assessment and Natural Heritage System Strategy and policy analysis.
4. Shaping the Plan (Summer-Fall 2026)
Draft policy directions based on research and community input.
5. Draft Plan & Feedback (Fall–Winter 2026)
Release of the draft Official Plan Amendment and public consultation.
6. Final Plan & Approval (Spring 2027)
Refinements, Council approval, and submission to the Province.
Who we want to hear from
We want to hear from people across Dufferin County, including:
- Residents
- Local businesses and employers
- Agricultural community members
- Developers and landowners
- Community organizations and service providers
- Interested parties across the county
Stay connected
There will be ongoing opportunities to provide input as the project progresses.
To stay informed:
- Visit this page for updates
- Subscribe for project notifications
- Participate in upcoming engagement opportunities
For more project information, please contact: lmorgan@dufferincounty.ca
Accessibility
Dufferin County is committed to inclusive and accessible engagement. Materials will be made available in accessible formats upon request. If you require accommodation to participate, please contact the project team.