Welcome to Planned Bayfield!

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Consultation has concluded

The purpose of this project is to provide more direction for Bayfield as it changes. Your input will help to shape decision making in your community - thank you for participating!

First Draft of Bayfield Secondary Plan & Upcoming Public Consultations

The first draft of the Bayfield Secondary Plan is available for public review and comment! Initiated in 2020 but stalled due to the pandemic, the Secondary Plan has been under development for the past 2 years and is a document that will help to manage change within the Village. Bluewater Council received the Background Report at their August 2022 meeting and a condensed version of the Secondary Plan has been prepared in response to feedback from the Citizen Advisory Committee. 

Key Changes & Recommendations 

  • Minor expansion of the 'Core Commercial' designation. 
  • Expanded ‘Highway Commercial’ designation along Mill Road permitting highway commercial uses and select community facilities;
  • Enhanced protection of existing natural areas;
  • Identification of new park spaces through use of unopened road allowances;
  • Formal call for update to Heritage Conservation District Plan (approved in 1984) to manage aesthetic change along Main Street North and Clan Gregor Square;
  • Permit wider range of dwelling types (ie. single with additional residential unit, semi-detached) within established neighbourhoods; and
  • Require newly developing areas to achieve minimum density targets (15 units/hectare) to ensure efficient use of land. 

The purpose of the Open House is to provide an informal opportunity to discuss the Plan with staff, ask questions and provide feedback. The Public Meeting will feature a formal presentation from staff followed by a question and answer period. 

Owners of large, undeveloped parcels will be receiving an invitation for a one-on-one meeting with Planning staff to discuss the Plan and how it may affect future development. Should you not receive a letter and would like to speak to the Planner, please call 1-888-524-8394, ext 3 or email dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca

Following the public consultation period, the Citizen Advisory Committee and staff will review community feedback and identify necessary amendments to the Plan. The final Secondary Plan will then be forwarded to Bluewater Council for approval and implementation. 

Questions? 

Please email Denise Van Amersfoort, Manager of Planning, at dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca or speak to a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee.

 

Background

What is a Secondary Plan?

The Municipality of Bluewater has initiated the development of a Secondary Plan for Bayfield. What is a Secondary Plan? It is a specific tool which: 

  • Helps understand opportunities and address issues related to land use in certain defined geographic areas;
  • Provides specific policies for those areas of the Municipality where more detailed direction is needed for matters beyond the general framework provided by the Official Plan; and
  • Provides an opportunity to promote consistency in new/developing areas and compatibility within existing areas where intensification may occur. 

The Plan development will be informed by a Citizen Advisory Committee which will ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered. 

Why now?

With increased capacity at the wastewater treatment plant, Bayfield will have the infrastructure required to accommodate new growth. The purpose of the Secondary Plan is to ensure that change and growth, such as new residential and highway commercial developments, are designed to meet community's long term vision. 




What We Heard & Early Ideas (Video)



The purpose of this project is to provide more direction for Bayfield as it changes. Your input will help to shape decision making in your community - thank you for participating!

First Draft of Bayfield Secondary Plan & Upcoming Public Consultations

The first draft of the Bayfield Secondary Plan is available for public review and comment! Initiated in 2020 but stalled due to the pandemic, the Secondary Plan has been under development for the past 2 years and is a document that will help to manage change within the Village. Bluewater Council received the Background Report at their August 2022 meeting and a condensed version of the Secondary Plan has been prepared in response to feedback from the Citizen Advisory Committee. 

Key Changes & Recommendations 

  • Minor expansion of the 'Core Commercial' designation. 
  • Expanded ‘Highway Commercial’ designation along Mill Road permitting highway commercial uses and select community facilities;
  • Enhanced protection of existing natural areas;
  • Identification of new park spaces through use of unopened road allowances;
  • Formal call for update to Heritage Conservation District Plan (approved in 1984) to manage aesthetic change along Main Street North and Clan Gregor Square;
  • Permit wider range of dwelling types (ie. single with additional residential unit, semi-detached) within established neighbourhoods; and
  • Require newly developing areas to achieve minimum density targets (15 units/hectare) to ensure efficient use of land. 

The purpose of the Open House is to provide an informal opportunity to discuss the Plan with staff, ask questions and provide feedback. The Public Meeting will feature a formal presentation from staff followed by a question and answer period. 

Owners of large, undeveloped parcels will be receiving an invitation for a one-on-one meeting with Planning staff to discuss the Plan and how it may affect future development. Should you not receive a letter and would like to speak to the Planner, please call 1-888-524-8394, ext 3 or email dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca

Following the public consultation period, the Citizen Advisory Committee and staff will review community feedback and identify necessary amendments to the Plan. The final Secondary Plan will then be forwarded to Bluewater Council for approval and implementation. 

Questions? 

Please email Denise Van Amersfoort, Manager of Planning, at dvanamersfoort@huroncounty.ca or speak to a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee.

 

Background

What is a Secondary Plan?

The Municipality of Bluewater has initiated the development of a Secondary Plan for Bayfield. What is a Secondary Plan? It is a specific tool which: 

  • Helps understand opportunities and address issues related to land use in certain defined geographic areas;
  • Provides specific policies for those areas of the Municipality where more detailed direction is needed for matters beyond the general framework provided by the Official Plan; and
  • Provides an opportunity to promote consistency in new/developing areas and compatibility within existing areas where intensification may occur. 

The Plan development will be informed by a Citizen Advisory Committee which will ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered. 

Why now?

With increased capacity at the wastewater treatment plant, Bayfield will have the infrastructure required to accommodate new growth. The purpose of the Secondary Plan is to ensure that change and growth, such as new residential and highway commercial developments, are designed to meet community's long term vision. 




What We Heard & Early Ideas (Video)



Bayfield: Through the Years

Have you ever wondered what Bayfield looked like in years past? The Village is fortunate to have an active and innovative Historical Society who have a vast stock of historic images and maps. For more recent changes, check out the aerial photography taken of Bayfield in 1955, 1978 and 2015.  What changes do you note in your neighbourhood? Does anything surprise you? Do you wish something had been done differently? 

Click on the map for a closer look.


Add Your Story!

Contribute to the Bayfield Secondary Plan by adding your Bayfield Story here:

Thank you for sharing your story with us.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
  • Share Keep it Bayfield on Facebook Share Keep it Bayfield on Twitter Share Keep it Bayfield on Linkedin Email Keep it Bayfield link

    Keep it Bayfield

    by Keep the charm, over 3 years ago
    I think that most residents and visitors are attracted to Bayfield for the charm and quaint village. Let's keep it that way. Yes I voted against Tim Hortons but see it everyday I travel along with another gas station and variety store. Was that fair to our local coffee providers and current shops? is that an image we were going for. There are already Tim Horton cups in the ditch. I don't consider that progress for Bayfield. I see a small cottage removed and two huge homes built in place on Elliott St. that fact not one neighbour was advised... Continue reading
  • Share We need a dog park on Facebook Share We need a dog park on Twitter Share We need a dog park on Linkedin Email We need a dog park link

    We need a dog park

    by SueandMike, almost 4 years ago
    We definitely need a dog park where responsible owners can take their dogs for socializing and training.


  • Share Village also for the next generation on Facebook Share Village also for the next generation on Twitter Share Village also for the next generation on Linkedin Email Village also for the next generation link

    Village also for the next generation

    by ANNY JOHNSTON, almost 4 years ago

    That is what truly makes a village , vibrant, socially engaged community with services. The village needs to maintain an area where children and adults can play and practice sporting activities baseball ,soccer, football, skating etc. if we do not have these spaces available, we will not attract a younger population who, will be our caregivers in the future.

  • Share Respectful Dog Owner on Facebook Share Respectful Dog Owner on Twitter Share Respectful Dog Owner on Linkedin Email Respectful Dog Owner link

    Respectful Dog Owner

    by Dog Owner, almost 4 years ago
    We have lived in the village for a number of years. What a beautiful community we live in. I look forward to a solid type of walkway along Main Street. It has been a long time coming.

    I would also look forward to having a dog park. I realize the location is a number one concern for many. But really, dog owners are responsible people. Yes, once in awhile someone has not cleaned up after their dog and is this just like finding litter? Yes it is! Both not acceptable but it happens.

    If you actually go visit other communities’... Continue reading

  • Share Importance of Mutual Respect and Understanding on Facebook Share Importance of Mutual Respect and Understanding on Twitter Share Importance of Mutual Respect and Understanding on Linkedin Email Importance of Mutual Respect and Understanding link

    Importance of Mutual Respect and Understanding

    by Full Time Bayfield Resident, almost 4 years ago

    Several folks have posted to this page outlining the need for an off leash play area for our local and visiting canine friends. I do understand that some individuals are vehemently opposed to such a plan, however, it is important to acknowledge the need for mutual respect and communication.

    I don't view the effort to acquire such an area as a "battle" as has been described in another post. Rather, this is an issue that can benefit from communication and cooperation without vitriol. Surely, there must be a means to arrive at a mutually satisfying solution. We may not all... Continue reading

  • Share Main Street Sidewalks on Facebook Share Main Street Sidewalks on Twitter Share Main Street Sidewalks on Linkedin Email Main Street Sidewalks link

    Main Street Sidewalks

    by Hubcaps, almost 4 years ago
    We have a great Main Street with great shopping and restaurants. Let's support these local businesses by upgrading the current state with Sidewalks and lighting in keeping with the village theme.
  • Share Bayfield is for People not Opportunists on Facebook Share Bayfield is for People not Opportunists on Twitter Share Bayfield is for People not Opportunists on Linkedin Email Bayfield is for People not Opportunists link

    Bayfield is for People not Opportunists

    by George, almost 4 years ago
    As we forge our way ahead we have to be mindful that there are long term residents who call this place home, their only home. We have to be careful not to bow to the wishes of the special interest groups who are weekend or seasonal visitors who want to bring the city with them. That is not Bayfield. One issue which merits attention is the proliferation of Bed and Breakfast operations which have sprung up all over our community. The term Air BNB has become a moniker to describe them no matter what their affiliation. Bluewater Municipality is in... Continue reading
  • Share Long Time Resident on Facebook Share Long Time Resident on Twitter Share Long Time Resident on Linkedin Email Long Time Resident link

    Long Time Resident

    by Long time Resident, almost 4 years ago
    I see a few of articles about a request for a Dog Park and for those who do not know that issue was handled by Council and denied years ago and the issue should be a dead issue. There is lots of room in Varna and no neighbours to listen to and put up with barking, dog droppings and yelling at dogs. The people who live around the Ag Park are against the idea of a Dog Park in our neighbourhood. Please do not start that battle over again. As for Main Street the walkways do need some help and... Continue reading
  • Share Dog Park on Facebook Share Dog Park on Twitter Share Dog Park on Linkedin Email Dog Park link

    Dog Park

    by Annabelle, almost 4 years ago
    I would like to provide a slightly different perspective on the dog park issue. I think that a dog park in town is necessary because at the moment, many residents allow their dogs to run off leash in places where it isn't safe - such as Pioneer Park. I keep my dog on leash at all times but feel I need to be on guard walking through parks in case one such owner happens to be there as well. My dog is fearful of other dogs and I am working on training her to ignore them, but with the risk... Continue reading
  • Share Bayfield Sidewalk & Dog Park on Facebook Share Bayfield Sidewalk & Dog Park on Twitter Share Bayfield Sidewalk & Dog Park on Linkedin Email Bayfield Sidewalk & Dog Park link

    Bayfield Sidewalk & Dog Park

    by Bayfield Resident From The North, almost 4 years ago
    As a resident for the last 7 yrs I would agree for side walk on main street. As for dog park I totally disagree to have one in town, outside of town no problem. I often walk by the ball park summer & winter and see dog owners with dog of leash there and the dogs left over are often not pick up. I have no issue people owning a dog, walk them on a leash or even better fence your own back yard and let them run free there.