Official Plan Review

The Municipality of Central Huron is updating the Central Huron Official Plan. 

An Official Plan (OP) provides a short and long term vision for land use, growth, and development within a municipality. 

The Planning Act requires that municipal Councils review their OP not less than every five years to ensure that the OP has regard for matters of public interest, is consistent with policy statements issued by the Province, and conforms to the upper tier OP (Huron County). Central Huron's last review of the Central Huron OP was in 2014. The Huron County OP was reviewed and updated in 2021. The latest policy statement issued by the Province, the Provincial Policy Statement 2024, was released in 2024.  

The First Draft of the proposed amended Official Plan with both policy and mapping changes has been released for public comment. In addition, you can view the proposed settlement area boundary adjustments and Official Plan designations for the entire Municipality, including your property, with the Official Plan Review Online Interactive Map. 

Meetings

  • At the March 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, County Planner Craig Metzger presented the First Draft of the proposed amended Official Plan Review. Council directed staff to schedule and advertise public open houses as per the proposed timeline, send postcards to all landowners advising them of Official Plan Review and Open Houses, and send personalized letters to landowners of properties subject to major proposed settlement area adjustments (additions or deletions) and significant designation changes.
  • A Special Meeting of Council was held on October 29, 2024 for an Official Plan Review Workshop led by County Planner Craig Metzger. The Meeting was open to the public and a virtual option was available. 
  • A Special Meeting of Council was held on May 27, 2024 to discuss revisions that may be required to the Central Huron Official Plan. A virtual option was available for those unable to attend in-person. This meeting was a legislated meeting under Section 26 of the Planning Act, RSO, 1990.

Have Your Say

The community is invited to share ideas about their vision for the Municipality and Official Plan. Those wishing to participate in the planning process are encouraged to attend one of the following Open Houses: 

  • Londesborough Hall (282 King's Road, Londesborough) on Thursday April 10, 2025 from 6-9pm
  • Central Huron Town Hall (23 Albert Street, Clinton) from 9am-3:30pm on Wednesday April 23, 2025 to Friday April 25, 2025, Monday April 28, 2025, and Tuesday April 29, 2025
  • Holmesville Community Hall (180 Community Centre Line, Holmesville) on Wednesday May 7, 2025 from 6-9pm

Those unable to attend an open house but who wish to provide comments may:

  • Email: planning@centralhuron.com 
  • Mail: Central Huron Municipal Office, 23 Albert Street PO Box 400, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0, Attention: Rachel Anstett, Clerk
  • Call the Clerk: 519-482-3997 ext. 1246
  • Oral comments may also be expressed at future meetings.

Please note that comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including the originator's name and address, become part of the public record and may be viewed by the general public and published in a Planning Report, Council Agenda, or Council Minutes. 

 

Resources

General: 

Notices:

Background Resources:
 Frequently Asked Questions
 
 What is an Official Plan?

The Official Plan is a strategic policy document that guides the long-term vision for growth and development of communities, as well as the protection of key resources.

The Official Plan contains both policy (text) and land use designations (mapping).
 Who uses the Official Plan?

The Official Plan can be used by many people including the following:

  • Property owners who want to develop or redevelop their property
  • Municipal staff and Council to guide decisions on how the municipality changes
  • Future residents or business owners who want to know what is permitted in the neighbourhood they want to buy a house or establish a business in
 How does the Official Plan affect me? 

An Official Plan affects everyone by:

  • Determining the location, types and densities of housing;
  • Regulating where businesses can be established;
  • Protecting natural areas;
  • Identifying where growth and infrastructure should locate in future.
 Why is the Official Plan being reviewed?

The Planning Act requires that Municipal Councils review their OP not less than every five years; as the last review occurred in 2014, another review is required.

Changes in the community since the last review include:

  • increased commercial and residential development;
  • shortages in housing overall and specific shortages in affordable housing;
  • increased frequency of extreme weather events; 
  • and demographic shifts.

It is important the Official Plan is updated to reflect how physical change will occur in response to changes in the community and the effects on social, economic, built and natural environment.
 Who is involved?
  • Community Members
  • Local interest groups (BIA, agricultural reps, service clubs, etc.)
  • Central Huron and County Councils
  • Staff from Central Huron and Huron County Planning & Development Department
  • Agency and technical staff (Conservation Authority, Municipal Engineer)

If you and/or a community group are interested in participating in the review, please contact planning@centralhuron.com 
 How can I participate?

Open Houses have been scheduled in April through early May 2025 to gather public comment as outlined above. In addition, there will be a formal public meeting scheduled for further public comments before Central Huron Council adopts a finalized version of the amendment. 

Public comments and questions are welcome throughout the process.
 Have a question or comment?
 Where can I find updates regarding this project?
This page will be updated as more information is available. You can click "Subscribe to page updates" on the top right side of this page