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Official Plan Review

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Woolwich Township Official Plan Review

Project Overview

The Township of Woolwich is undertaking the preparation of a New Official Plan to replace the current Official Plan that has completed in the 1980s, with updates in the early 2000s and 2020. The most recent update to the Official Plan addressed conformity to the Regional Official Plan (2015). The Region is currently completing a Regional Official Plan Update, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2023.

The preparation of the Township's New Official Plan will address conformity with the updated Regional Official Plan, and compliance with the Planning Act changes, Provincial Policy Statement, a Place to Grow, and all other applicable legislation and policy documents.

In addition to this, the New Official Plan will develop the following:

  • Intensification strategy for Elmira, St. Jacobs, and Breslau
  • Commercial strategy to support 15-minute communities
  • Institutional strategy

These strategies will contribute to the objectives and goals in planning for growth to 2051, and will support updates and inclusion of policies related to climate action initiatives; sustainable/green building; complete streets; urban design for residential, commercial, and industrial areas; municipal parks and recreation including parkland dedication; and housing policies to address affordable and attainable housing along with intensification.

View the presentation made to Council on March 28, 2023 in the Documents folder.

Engagement Opportunities

NPG Planning Solutions Inc. (NPG) has been retained to undertake a comprehensive review and work with The Township of Woolwich to create its new Official Plan. The Townships new Official Plan will shape the community and its growth to the year 2051.

The Township in collaboration with NPG will host a number of engagement opportunities to gather input from the community. The engagement kicked off with a focus group public open house on April 20th and continues with a number of stakeholder meetings throughout April and early May.

The goal of the Community Visioning phase will be to increase awareness about the Official Plan review and to generate feedback and ideas from the community to establish a vision, goals and objectives that will guide the new Official Plan. Some of the questions we are wanting to hear about are – Is there anything the new Official Plan can do better than it does now? Or Does the current vision, goals and objectives of the current Official Plan resonate with you? Why or Why not?

HAVE YOUR SAY!

An Online Survey has been prepared and is available via the direct link or viewing information in the Documents folder.

To view the current Township of Woolwich Official Plan please visit the Township website at the link below:

View the Current Official Plan

NEW - PROVINCIAL UPDATE

Please be advised that the Township of Woolwich has prepared a response memo to the Province regarding proposed legislation that would wind back Provincial changes to Official Plans and Official Plan Amendments. This memo will be presented to Township of Woolwich Council at their meeting on Tuesday, November 21st at 7 pm. The Council Agenda Package has been published and can be viewed at https://calendar.woolwich.ca/council/Detail/2023-11-21-1900-Council-Meeting .

Anyone wishing to register as a delegate (speak to Council), either in person or virtually via Zoom, should complete the online form at https://forms.woolwich.ca/Speak-to-Council-Registration-Form.

Anyone wishing to watch the meeting but not participate can attend in person at the Administration Building (24 Church Street East, Elmira) or tune in via our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ.

Project Overview

The Township of Woolwich is undertaking the preparation of a New Official Plan to replace the current Official Plan that has completed in the 1980s, with updates in the early 2000s and 2020. The most recent update to the Official Plan addressed conformity to the Regional Official Plan (2015). The Region is currently completing a Regional Official Plan Update, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2023.

The preparation of the Township's New Official Plan will address conformity with the updated Regional Official Plan, and compliance with the Planning Act changes, Provincial Policy Statement, a Place to Grow, and all other applicable legislation and policy documents.

In addition to this, the New Official Plan will develop the following:

  • Intensification strategy for Elmira, St. Jacobs, and Breslau
  • Commercial strategy to support 15-minute communities
  • Institutional strategy

These strategies will contribute to the objectives and goals in planning for growth to 2051, and will support updates and inclusion of policies related to climate action initiatives; sustainable/green building; complete streets; urban design for residential, commercial, and industrial areas; municipal parks and recreation including parkland dedication; and housing policies to address affordable and attainable housing along with intensification.

View the presentation made to Council on March 28, 2023 in the Documents folder.

Engagement Opportunities

NPG Planning Solutions Inc. (NPG) has been retained to undertake a comprehensive review and work with The Township of Woolwich to create its new Official Plan. The Townships new Official Plan will shape the community and its growth to the year 2051.

The Township in collaboration with NPG will host a number of engagement opportunities to gather input from the community. The engagement kicked off with a focus group public open house on April 20th and continues with a number of stakeholder meetings throughout April and early May.

The goal of the Community Visioning phase will be to increase awareness about the Official Plan review and to generate feedback and ideas from the community to establish a vision, goals and objectives that will guide the new Official Plan. Some of the questions we are wanting to hear about are – Is there anything the new Official Plan can do better than it does now? Or Does the current vision, goals and objectives of the current Official Plan resonate with you? Why or Why not?

HAVE YOUR SAY!

An Online Survey has been prepared and is available via the direct link or viewing information in the Documents folder.

To view the current Township of Woolwich Official Plan please visit the Township website at the link below:

View the Current Official Plan

NEW - PROVINCIAL UPDATE

Please be advised that the Township of Woolwich has prepared a response memo to the Province regarding proposed legislation that would wind back Provincial changes to Official Plans and Official Plan Amendments. This memo will be presented to Township of Woolwich Council at their meeting on Tuesday, November 21st at 7 pm. The Council Agenda Package has been published and can be viewed at https://calendar.woolwich.ca/council/Detail/2023-11-21-1900-Council-Meeting .

Anyone wishing to register as a delegate (speak to Council), either in person or virtually via Zoom, should complete the online form at https://forms.woolwich.ca/Speak-to-Council-Registration-Form.

Anyone wishing to watch the meeting but not participate can attend in person at the Administration Building (24 Church Street East, Elmira) or tune in via our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ.

  • Woolwich's Official Plan in Final Stages!

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    Exciting News for Woolwich Residents!

    We are thrilled to announce that we have reached the Last Phase of the New Official Plan process. A Draft of New Official Plan for the Township of Woolwich is nearing completion and is set to be ready in the next few weeks!

    This comprehensive plan will shape the future of our community, outlining key policies and strategies for sustainable growth and development. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date. Your input and feedback have been invaluable throughout this process, and we look forward to sharing the final plan with you soon!

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #BrighterFuture #2051 

  • Council Meeting Update!

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    Dear Residents,

    Mark your calendars because an important Council Meeting is just around the corner! We are excited to inform you that on February 6th, we will be discussing and deliberating on critical matters that will shape the future of our community.

    Agenda Highlights:

    • Background Reports Discussion:
      Delve into three comprehensive Background Reports that provide valuable insights and recommendations crucial for the community's growth and development.


    • Policy Directions Report:
      Join us as we explore the Policy Directions Report, a pivotal document outlining the community’s path forward. This report encompasses a range of essential topics, including the implementation of community goals, conformity with provincial and regional requirements, updates to key plans, and much more.

    Event Details:

    Date: February 6th, 2024

    Time: 7:00 pm

    Location: 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON (virtual meeting)

    Your participation and input are vital to the decision-making process. We encourage all residents to attend and engage in the discussions that will shape the policies and direction of our community.

    Stay tuned for further details and the official agenda. Let's work together to build a brighter future for our community!

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #BrighterFuture #2051


  • Background Reports Released!

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    We conducted thorough background studies across different subjects, including the Intensification Strategy, 15-Minute Communities and Institutional Strategy.

    The outcomes of these studies offer valuable insights and recommendations aimed at fostering the growth and development of Woolwich. You can access these Background Reports through the Documents Tab.

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #BrighterFuture #2051

  • Exciting Results from the Woolwich Official Plan Focus Group Sessions!

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    Exciting Results from the Woolwich Official Plan Focus Group Sessions!

    We're thrilled to update you on the progress of the Intensification, Commercial, and Institutional Strategies for the Woolwich Official Plan. Thanks to your active participation, we have made significant strides in shaping the future of our community. Here's a glimpse of the valuable insights gathered from our recent focus group sessions:

    Intensification Strategy

    The Intensification Strategy focus group gathered input on setting intensification targets for our built-up areas, identifying strategic growth zones, and defining development type and scale. Your input will be instrumental in crafting policies that foster complete communities.


    Commercial Strategy for 15-Minute Communities

    The Commercial Strategy focus group delved into ensuring access to essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Participants passionately discussed accessibility, pedestrian safety, and recommendations for enhancing access and complete streets.

    Institutional Strategy

    Our Institutional Strategy focus group provided valuable input on evaluating land use designations for institutions, addressing institutional needs, and identifying available lands. Your contributions will help shape policy changes that support institutional uses.

    We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in these focus groups. Your perspectives and ideas are invaluable in creating a vibrant and sustainable future for Woolwich. We're excited to share that the reports, enriched by your input, will be available to the public in late fall.

    Stay tuned for more updates about the Background Reports – copies will be available to the public shortly. More details to follow for the February Council meeting. Stay tuned for more updates and be an active part of this exciting journey as we work together to shape a #BrighterFuture for Woolwich!

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #Results #2051

  • Charting Woolwich's Path Forward: Environmental Scan Completed, Background Reports Released and Policy Directions Report on the Horizon

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    Exciting Update: Document Review and Environmental Scan Completed!


    We're thrilled to share that we've wrapped up a crucial phase of our journey towards shaping the future of Woolwich. The Document Review and Environmental Scan is now complete, and we're making strides toward crafting a visionary Policy Directions Report. Here's a quick overview of what's been accomplished and what's next:

    Document Review and Environmental Scan:

    Our dedicated team has diligently reviewed a myriad of documents, conducted an in-depth environmental scan, and identified critical components that will guide Woolwich's future. These components include:

    • Local Context Summary
    • Regulatory and Policy Requirements
    • Population, Household, Dwelling, Employment, and Labor Market Projections
    • Required Documents for Township Official Plan


    Establishing a Community Vision, Goals, and Objectives:

    In line with an approved Public Consultation Strategy, we prepared to review and refine the Vision, Goals, and Objectives of the existing Official Plan. This process involved community engagement through workshops, surveys, and Council collaboration.


    Background Reports:

    We worked on comprehensive background studies on various topics, such as the Intensification Strategy, 15-Minute Communities, Institutional Strategy, and Parks and Recreation Facilities Strategy. These studies provided valuable insights and recommendations to support Woolwich's growth and development. These Background Reports can be viewed under Documents Tab.


    Policy Directions Report (Coming Soon!):

    Now, we're diving into the heart of the matter with the Policy Directions Report. This report will consolidate the information gathered during the Document Review and Environmental Scan, focusing on crucial policy directions. Topics to be covered include:

    • Implementation of Community Goals and Objectives
    • Emerging Issues and Opportunities
    • Provincial and Regional Conformity Requirements
    • Updates to the Breslau Secondary Plan
    • Addressing Municipal Priorities
    • Housing Policies
    • Response to Bill 109
    • Assessment of Special Policy Areas/Site Specific Designations


    Stay tuned for the upcoming Policy Directions Report, which will play a pivotal role in shaping Woolwich's future. Your insights and engagement are vital in this process, and we're excited to embark on this journey together.

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #BrighterFuture #2051

  • Transforming Woolwich: Key Strategies nearing completion!

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    Exciting Update for Woolwich Residents!


    We're thrilled to share that our Intensification, Commercial, and Institutional Strategies for Woolwich Official Plan are reaching their final stages!


    Here's a glimpse of what to expect:


    Intensification Strategy

    - Setting intensification targets for our built-up areas

    - Identifying strategic growth zones to achieve these targets

    - Defining the type and scale of development, along with policies for compatibility

    - Crafting policies that foster complete communities

    - Visual components, including maps and visuals, for your input


    Commercial Strategy for 15-Minute Communities

    - Ensuring access to essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride

    - Assessing accessibility and pedestrian safety

    - Identifying underserved areas

    - Recommendations for enhanced access and complete streets


    Institutional Strategy

    - Evaluating land use designations for institutions

    - Addressing institutional needs (places of worship, clinics, schools)

    - Identifying available lands and servicing needs

    - Policy changes to support institutional uses

    - Stakeholder consultation for input


    These strategies are integral to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for Woolwich. The reports will be available to the public in late fall, so you can see how your community is evolving. Stay tuned for more updates and be part of this exciting journey!

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #CommunityEngagement #WoolwichFuture #BrighterFuture #2051

  • Unveiling The New Woolwich Official Plan Cover

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    Exciting News! We're thrilled to unveil the brand-new cover page for the Woolwich Official Plan!

    Our team has been hard at work crafting a new cover page that represents the community's vision for the future. Take a peek at the cover that reflects the heart and soul of Woolwich. From our vibrant communities to our agricultural and natural heritage, it's all there!

    We can't wait to share the full Official Plan with you. Stay tuned for more updates and join us on this exciting journey toward a brighter future for Woolwich!

    #WoolwichOfficialPlan #BrighterFuture #2051

  • COUNCIL UPDATE

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    On Tuesday, June 27th, NPG Planning Solutions Inc. provided an update to Council for the Township's New Official Plan where findings of the Environmental Scan and Vision Report were presented. The Vision Report was the result of collaboration with key stakeholders and the public, and we thank the 245 survey respondents for their participation in the Community survey, which was open from April 19 - May 18, 2023. The survey results provided valuable insights that helped shape the Township's new vision and outline shared goals. We sincerely thank everyone for their participation to date, and encourage you to remain informed about future engagement opportunities that will help make a positive difference to Woolwich' s future!

    For more information see the June 27 Update Meeting Presentation file in the Documents section.

  • COMING SOON: Meeting with Woolwich Seniors Association

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    Join us on Thursday, May18th when NPG Planning Solutions Inc. will be hosting an engagement session with the Woolwich Seniors Association.

    You will have the opportunity to establish a vision, goals and objectives to guide the new Official Plan for the Township. We are committed to ensuring that Woolwich's seniors are engaged in discussion, exchange of ideas, and exploring new ways to create an inclusive Woolwich.

    Meeting Details:

    • Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023
    • Time: 10:00AM
    • Location: Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S, Elmira

  • Meeting with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture

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    On Monday, April 24, the Township and NPG Planning Solutions Inc. had the pleasure of meeting with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) / Waterloo Federation of Agriculture (WFA). Throughout our session we received feedback and ideas that will help to establish a vision, goals and objectives in hopes of guiding the new Official Plan.

    A huge thank you to Lisa Hern and everyone in attendance for the valuable insight and amazing engagement session. We couldn't be more excited to meet with representatives of the agricultural community, which will surely help to shape the future vibrant Township of Woolwich!

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Page last updated: 13 Aug 2024, 12:28 PM