Official Plan Review and Update

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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.

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.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Official Plan Community Focus Group

    The Town has extended the timeline for those who are interested in applying to be on the Town's Community Focus Group for the Official Plan project!  

    The Town is inviting interested persons who wish to participate as a voluntary member of a Community Focus Group to submit an Expression of Interest. This group will provide input to professional and/or consultant staff at several points over the course of the Official Plan’s development. The Town wishes to assemble a representative cross-section of persons including:

    • residents
    • business owners
    • community organizations
    • land developers


    The Community Focus Group will participate in an initial facilitated strategic exercise, providing input into the vision statement, goals, objectives and priorities for the future development of the Town. At this time, the Town is seeking to establish the Community Focus Group, which is expected to be between 8-10 persons. Town staff will provide a recommended list of names to Council for their consideration and endorsement.


    Interested persons are advised their participation should be open-minded, focusing on not only their interests, but the interests of the community at large with all aspects of the community development being discussed. If you are interested in contributing your thoughts and opinion towards creating a long-term vision for the community and wish to be considered for participation, kindly complete the below online application. Please apply by April 03, 2024. Applications after this date will not be accepted. 

    Complete Form
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Official Plan Vision Survey

    The Town of Fort Erie has initiated the Official Plan Review and Update. The Official Plan is a long-term policy document that guides land use planning decisions in the Town over the next 25+ years. Key themes of the Official Plan Review include growth management and land use, housing, climate action, transportation, infrastructure, community services, and protection of natural areas.


    Share your ideas for the future of Fort Erie by taking part in the Official Plan Review! 


    To help us understand the perspective of survey participants, please answer the following questions:

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 10 May 2024, 07:25 AM