What is an Official Plan?

The Official Plan guides Meaford's land use decisions and development strategies. It contains the goals and objectives of the community and establishes policies to direct the form, location, nature and rate of growth and change for the future.

This means when development proposals come forward for consideration, they are not reviewed in isolation, but in the framework of the guiding policies of the Official Plan. 

Official Plans have legal status, deriving their authority from the Planning Act of Ontario, and all Municipal public works and By-Laws must conform to the Plan and its standards.

The Official Plan provides a strong level of policy guidance for land use, but the legislative implementation of the Official Plan is accomplished through by-laws. The main by-law that implements the Official Plan is the Zoning By-law.  The Zoning By-law must conform to, and implement the policies of, the Official Plan. 

The Planning Act of Ontario requires that the Municipality to revisit their Official Plan every five years.  Meaford recently completed a review of the Meaford Official Plan and Meaford Council adopted an amendment to update the Plan. The County of Grey is the Approval Authority for the Meaford Official Plan and County staff are in the process of reviewing the Meaford Official Plan Amendment update.  Click here to learn more. 

Current Official Plan and Maps 

The Current Official Plan and associated mapping is available below:

• Official Plan Consolidation (Post OPA 16)
• Official Plan Schedule A
• Official Plan Schedule A1
• Official Plan Schedule B
• Official Plan Schedule C
• Official Plan Schedule C1

Amending the Official Plan

In some cases, an amendment to the Official Plan may be needed because  specific policies or constraints on properties do not allow a property owner to proceed with development.

The Official Plan should only be amended when the policies of the Plan do not address site specific issues, or when issues have been raised with respect to site specific proposals that must be addressed in a comprehensive manner. A common reason for amending the plan is that the general nature of the Plan's policies may not recognize the potential - or limitations - of a particular property.

How to Apply

Before  applying to amend the Official Plan, you will need to consult with the Municipality first through a mandatory consultation process. To book a Pre-Application Consultation with Planning staff to discuss your proposal with you. We can be reached at planning@meaford.ca or 519-538-1060 extension 1120.

In review of all applications to amend the Official Plan, Staff and Council will consider:

• The rationale or basis for the change
• The direction provided by the Provincial Policy Statement
• The goals and objectives of the Official Plan
• The desirability and appropriateness of changing the Plan
• The impacts the proposed change will have on the character of the area
• Conformity to the County of Grey Official Plan

If you have questions about the official plan or applying for an amendment, please contact Planning Services.