An Official Plan is a long-range document that looks out 20 years into the future. It sets out the high-level vision for the community and provides direction on land use and related matters to help guide growth and development and decision making. The Province of Ontario requires that an Official Plan must conform to and be consistent with Provincial legislation and policies. The Town of Parry Sound’s current Official Plan was approved in 2014, so it is time for a major review and update.
An Official Plan does not regulate land in the way that a Zoning By-law does. Rather, the Official Plan directs future growth by articulating a vision and goals, and establishing parameters to evaluate applications for change.
In undertaking this project, the community has the opportunity to provide input into the future vision of the Town and what is important and valued about your community. The current Official Plan must reflect Provincial direction, and more importantly, it must reflect the community’s vision.