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Official Plan Review in Ontario: What Landowners and Developers Must Know
What Is an Official Plan Review?
An Official Plan (OP) sets the long-term vision for land use, growth, infrastructure, and community development in every Ontario municipality. It determines what can be built, where, and under what conditions.
Under the latest changes to Ontario’s Planning Act, municipalities are now required to review and update their Official Plans every 10 years (instead of every 5), unless directed otherwise by the Province. This update ensures the OP aligns with:
- The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)
- Growth targets under A Place to Grow
- Environmental legislation such as the Greenbelt Plan and Oak Ridges Moraine Plan
Why This Matters for Landowners and Developers
The Official Plan Review (OPR) is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to influence local planning policy. Participating during this window is critical for anyone with development interests. Here's why:
Early Participation Benefits:
- Request land use changes (e.g., from agricultural to residential)
- Promote site-specific policy amendments
- Challenge inaccurate natural heritage or hazard mapping
- Support inclusion in settlement area expansions
Risks of Staying Silent:
If you fail to engage during the review, you may find your land:
- Excluded from urban boundary expansions
- Down-designated to Environmental Protection or Rural
- Re-mapped as floodplain, wetland, or significant woodland
And once the OP is adopted and approved by the Ministry…
Amending or Appealing the OP after Adoption Is Extremely Difficult and Expensive
- Appeals must go through the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and require professional planning, legal, and technical evidence.
- Legal and consulting costs can range from $50,000 to over $250,000 depending on complexity.
- Most appeals are dismissed unless strong, documented objections were filed during the OPR process.
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Case Example: Missed Opportunity in York Region
In a recent 10-year OP Review in York Region, a 25-acre land parcel near an urban boundary was designated as Protected Countryside, based on flawed environmental mapping. The landowner did not participate in the public meetings or submit a request for correction. After adoption:
- The land’s market value dropped by 40%
- An appeal to the OLT was filed but dismissed due to lack of prior engagement
- The owner is now paying consultants to prepare a future Secondary Plan amendment, with no guarantee of success
Take Action Early
If your land is affected by an Official Plan Review - or if you’re considering a development proposal in the next decade - early involvement is not optional, it’s essential.
To avoid costly appeals and ensure your land’s development potential is protected, contact our expert team of land use planners and development consultants today. We’ll help you monitor review timelines, file strategic submissions, and safeguard your property’s value.
This narrative is provided by Arash Fatemi.