The City of Welland invites public comment on the updates to the Official Plan.

As the City grows and evolves, the Official Plan requires reviewing and updating its policies, goals, and objectives. An official plan is a planning tool that guides short- and long-term growth and development by designating land for various uses and providing policies for land use city-wide.

“Feedback from the public is essential when it comes to updating something like the Official Plan,” said Rachelle Larocque, manager of planning services. “This review will guide the City in its growth and development for years to come, and the more input we have, the more inclusive our decisions are.”

A survey is available on the City’s engagement site, YourChannel, until early October. Questions in the survey look at topics such as familiarity with the Official Plan, future vision, placemaking, and priorities. In addition, a scheduled virtual Official Plan visioning workshop takes place Wednesday, September 29. For more information on how to participate, please go to the City’s Your Channel Page.

The Official Plan review looks at:

• Creating a strong vision for guiding growth in the City to 2051.
• Enhancing and promoting the development of complete, vibrant, and healthy communities.
• Planning for the impacts of climate change and meet climate change and environmental targets.
• Addressing the economic vitality of the Downtown and employment areas.
• Promoting and enhancing the City’s existing neighbourhoods and heritage assets.
• Promoting, projecting, and enhancing natural areas and green spaces.
• Garnering important feedback from the community, stakeholders, City staff and public agencies.
• Conforming with provincial and regional policies.
• Aligning Official Plan policies with municipal objectives for providing appropriate services to meet the needs of a growing community.

Over several months, the City and a team of consultants led by SGL Planning & Design Inc. will update the Official Plan, ensuring growth in the community appropriately accommodates the context of the City’s unique history and character, in a manner informed by the public and stakeholders.