Official Plan Review and Update

Completion of Phase 1!

On Monday May 13th, WSP and Town staff will be presenting the Background Report, Growth Management - Housing Needs Assessment, and Phase 1 Engagement Summary to Council, which will conclude Phase 1 of the Official Plan Review. A copy of the presentation and material can be viewed here: (May 13, 2024 Council Agenda). Phase 2, which involves developing draft policies and schedules will commence, after the completion of Phase 1. Stay tuned for upcoming public engagement opportunities, to have your say in future of Fort Erie!

The Town of Fort Erie is reviewing and updating its Official Plan. An Official Plan is a strategic land use planning policy document that addresses a range of topics, including housing, employment, agriculture, natural heritage, and economic development, among others.

The Official Plan Review process will occur in four phases and will include multiple opportunities for the community to participate throughout the Official Plan Review.

Phase 1: Background Research and Reporting

Phase 1 involves learning about the existing conditions within the Town, assessing policies of the current official plan, analyzing gaps and opportunities, identifying a vision and guiding principles, and understanding demographics, growth forecasts, and land supply. This phase will include initial community engagement efforts including an in-person Visioning Workshop and a Visioning Survey. Concurrently with the consultation, a Draft Background Research Report will be developed that identifies potential policy updates based on the background work.

Phase 2: Draft Official Plan Development

Phase 2 will focus on delivering a Draft Official Plan and Schedules that is responsive to the work undertaken in Phase 1, including the Background Research Report. This phase will involve an in-person Public Open House to present the Revised Draft Official Plan to the community for input and feedback.

Phase 3: Recommended Draft Official Plan & Adoption

Phase 3 will involve the preparation of the Draft Final Official Plan and Schedules and completion of the final steps towards adoption of the Official Plan. This phase includes a public open house, statutory public meetings, and consideration of the Official Plan for Council Adoption.

Phase 4: Approval Authority Process

Phase 4 is the final phase and will commence following Council adoption in Phase 3. It will involve submitting the adopted official plan to the Region and Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval.

Have Your Say!

We are seeking input on the Official Plan Review. There are many ways to participate and share feedback to help inform the updated Official Plan.

This webpage offers many different opportunities to provide feedback and input. It will be updated as the Official Plan Review evolves and as we learn more about the community's interests, so check-in often to share thoughts!

Community Focus Group

We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in participating in the Community Focus Group (CFG) for the Official Plan Review. At the April 9th, 2024 Council meeting, staff were directed to substitute the CFG, with an additional stakeholder session, and to include all of the individuals who applied to be part of the CFG, in order to facilitate a broader engagement process.

We will target hosting this stakeholder session in Spring 2024 and will be sure to keep all interested parties informed. Thank you again for your interest in shaping the future of Fort Erie.

IDEAS

SURVEY

Who's Listening

Edward Terry MCIP, RPP

Manager, Policy and Community Planning, Town of Fort Erie

Phone: 905-871-1600 ext 2504

Email: opreview@forterie.ca

Aaron Hair MCIP, RPP

Project Manager, Policy, Town of Fort Erie

Phone: 905-871-1600, ext 2507

Email: opreview@forterie.ca

Lifecycle

Timeline item 1 - complete

Phase 1: Background Research and Reporting
Timeline item 2 - active

Phase 2: Draft Official Plan Development
Timeline item 3 - incomplete

Phase 3: Recommended Draft Official Plan & Adoption
Timeline item 4 - incomplete

Phase 4: Approval Authority Process

Key Dates

11 December 2023

Kick-off Public Meeting - December 11, 2023

The Town of Fort Erie is initiating its Official Plan Conformity Review pursuant to Section 26 of the Planning Act.

Fort Erie has to update the official plan to ensure that it aligns with Provincial and Regional plans. Additionally, the Official Plan is updated to make sure that the evolving needs and priorities of the community are met.

Following a presentation from staff at the Council-in-Committee Meeting, community members will be invited to share ideas that should be explored as part of this Review. This is the first of many opportunities to participate in the Official Plan Review.

27 February 2024

Official Plan - Visioning Workshop

You are invited to the Town’s Visioning Workshop for the Official Plan Review. We want to understand your priorities and vision for the Town to the year 2051. Participation in the Visioning Workshop provides an opportunity to share your ideas for this vision, which will be used to inform the Town’s updated Official Plan.

Where: Fort Erie Leisureplex, 3 Municipal Centre Drive

When: February 27^th, 2024

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

What: An introductory presentation will be delivered, followed by activities and discussions with the Project Team. As this is an in-person drop-in event, no registration is required to participate.

If you are unable to attend the in-person, we ask that you complete the Visioning Survey at the bottom of the page. The online survey form will be available to complete until March 1^st, 2024.

13 May 2024

Background Report presentation to Council

On Monday May 13th, we will be presenting the Background Report, Growth Management Housing Needs Assessment, and Phase 1 Engagement Summary to Council, which will complete phase 1 of the Official Plan Review.