Official Plan

The McGarry Township Official Plan is a legal document under the Planning Act that contains the goals, objectives and policies which guide development in the Township for twenty years into the future. The Plan is intended to assist Council and its various committees, municipal staff, developers, government agencies and the public in their efforts to maintain and strengthen the environment, economy, culture and social assets of the Township.

The Official Plan describes provincial requirements for land use and McGarry Township's policies on how land in the Township should be used. It is prepared with input from residents and helps to ensure that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of our community.

An Official Plan deals mainly with issues such as:

• where new housing, industry, and commercial areas will be located;
• what services like roads, community halls and parks will be needed;
• when, and in what order, parts of the community will grow; and
• community improvement initiatives.

Why do Municipalities need an Official Plan?

An Official Plan:

• lets the public know what the province and municipality's general land use planning policies are;
• makes sure that growth is coordinated and meets the community's needs;
• helps all members of the community understand how their land may be used now and in the future;
• helps decide where roads, waste sites, parks and other services will be built;
• provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning by-laws to set local regulations and standards, such as size of lots, or development setbacks from water or quarries;
• provides a way to evaluate and settle conflicting land uses while meeting local, regional and provincial interests; and
• shows Council's commitment to the future of the community.

Official Plan Review

An approved official plan can be reviewed at any time, but each local council is required to revise its official plan not less than every five years from the date the plan came into effect. This ensures the plan is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and that it conforms and/or does not conflict with provincial plans. The five-year review is also an opportunity to ensure the official plan continues to address local priorities and changing community needs.