The United Counties of Prescott and Russell are in the process of
creating a New Official Plan to guide future planning and development
within the United Counties. Based on community input, background reports
and updated provincial policy, the New Official Plan will ensure both a
vision for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and a
comprehensive strategy for cultivating new opportunities, ensuring
environmental health and making intelligent and informed land use
decisions.
Visit the ‘Get Involved’ section to contribute to this project.
Please note that all comments and feedback received through the
consultation process will become part of the public record.
Next Steps
The First Draft is to be presented to County Council on April 27, 2022. The document will subsequently be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the One Window Review. Information regarding the upcoming Open House and public meetings will be announced at the end of May.
Get Involved
Opportunities for public input on the Official Plan Review will
be provided during the review process. The Planning Act requires that
Council hold a Special Meeting, open to the public to discuss possible
revisions to the Official Plan. In addition, Council is required to
consult with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (the approval
authority) and prescribed public bodies with respect to any changes or
updates they may require.
Official Plan Review Resources
What is the Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a legal statutory planning document required
by the province that addresses matters of provincial interest defined by
the Planning Act. The Official Plan describes the United Counties’
long-term land use planning policies and implementation of the
Provincial Policy Statement (2020).
The Official Plan describes how the lands within the United
Counties should be used in relation to issues such as: new housing,
roads, industry, agriculture, aggregate resources, natural heritage
conservation and climate change.
The Official Plan of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell
came into force and effect in December 1999. Council proceeded with a
5-year review in 2006 and again in 2016. The Planning Act triggers
another 5-year review of the Official Plan in 2021.
Why does the United Counties of Prescott and Russell need an Official Plan?
The United Counties’ Official Plan:
- Informs the public on the general land use planning policies;
- 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, watermains, parks, trails, and other services will be built;
- provides a framework for establishing municipal zoning
by-laws to set local regulations and standards, like the size of lots,
height of buildings or development setbacks;
- 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 growth of the community.
Why is the Official Plan to be reviewed?
Once an Official Plan is approved, the Planning Act stipulates
that a council shall revise the plan not less frequently than every five
years, unless the plan has been replaced by another new official plan.
The purposes of undertaking the review is to ensure the United
Counties’ Official Plan is consistent with the Provincial Policy
Statement (2020) and that it has regard to matters of provincial
interest.
The Official Plan Review also provides an opportunity for Council
and the community to express their opinions about the official plan and
to ensure that this key document continues to address local priorities
and evolving community needs.
This project is being completed in consultation with the Ministry
of Municipal Affairs and Housing who is the approval authority. In
addition to agency consultation, the public is encouraged to share their
views on the Official Plan.
Background Information and Reports
Issue Papers