Welland's New Official Plan:

 

The new City of Welland Official Plan was adopted by the Council of The Corporation of the City of Welland on May 4, 2010 by By-law 2010-55 and approved by Niagara Regional Council on September 15, 2011. The Plan is now within the approval period.

This new Plan represents the culmination of three years of work involving the citizens of Welland, Agencies, Committee representatives, Interest Groups, City Staff and members of Council.

The goals, objectives and Policies of this Plan provide a solid framework for achieving the long term aspirations of the City and its citizens in becoming the municipality of choice.  This insightful and innovative document will guide and direct growth and change in the City over the next 20 years.

 

Final documentation:

• Official Plan - May 4, 2010 (pdf~3011kb)
  
  • Schedule A - City Structure (pdf~2795kb)
  • Schedule B - Land Use (pdf~9913kb)
  • Schedule B1 - Residential Hierarchy Land Use (pdf~7296kb)
  • Schedule B2 - Commercial Hierarchy Land Use (pdf~4608kb)
  • Schedule C - Core Natural Heritage System (pdf~2527kb)
  • Schedule C1 - Components of the Core Natural Heritage System (pdf~4639kb)
  • Schedule C2 - Flood Hazards (pdf~1366kb)
  • Schedule D - Serviced & Un-Serviced Lands (pdf~4179kb)
  • Schedule E - Road Hierarchy (pdf~700kb)
  • Schedule F - Planned Road Widenings (pdf~1103kb)
  • Appendix I - Map 1 Welland Protection Zone (pdf~1941kb)
  • Appendix I - Map 2 Groundwater Areas (pdf~1270kb)
     
• Notice of Adoption May 18, 2010
   
• Supporting documentation
  • Natural Heritage Study - (pdf~10,971kb)
  • Employment Lands - (pdf~6055kb)
  • Urban Area Boundary - (pdf~1939kb)
  • Consultation Report - April 2010 (pdf~3047kb)
  • Minutes March 30, 2010 Statutory Public Meeting - (pdf~163kb)
   

 Background documents:

• New Official Plan Background Policy Report: Issues, Opportunities and Constraints (pdf~11.1mb)
• December 2008 (It is recommended that you Download this file to your computer because of the size. Just right click on the file above and Save Target As.....)

 

Common Questions:

• What is an Official Plan?
• Why do you need an Official Plan?

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What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan describes policies on how land in a community should be used. It is prepared with input from City residents and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of the community. 
An Official Plan deals mainly with issues such as: 

• where new housing, industry, offices and shops will go; 
• what services like roads, watermains, sewers, parks and schools will be needed; and, 
• when, and in what order, parts of your community will grow.

An Official Plan is a legal document which contains goals, objectives and policies/designations established to manage and direct the physical development and redevelopment of a municipality having regard to social, economic and environmental matters.

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Why do you need an Official Plan? 

A municipality's Official Plan: 

• lets the public know what the municipality's general land use planning policies are; 
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets the community needs; 
• helps all members of the community understand how their land can be used now and in the future; 
• helps decide where roads, watermains, sewers, garbage dumps, parks and other services will go;
• provides a framework for setting local regulations and standards, like the size of lots and height of buildings; 
• provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests; and, 
• shows Council's commitment to the planned growth of the community.

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