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 Main Street and dogs on Facebook Share Main Street and dogs on Twitter Share Main Street and dogs on Linkedin Email Main Street and dogs link

    Main Street and dogs

    by Resident from away, about 3 years ago
    We are 20-year residents from the Golden Horseshoe area. We enjoy Bayfield. Have read the stories already posted. Agree that if sidewalks are installed on Main Street, they be of a paving stone quality in keeping with the ambiance that pervades. Same goes for the rest of the streetscape proposals. Sad we don't visit Main Street much now since the remote mailbox stations were installed.

    On the issue of a dog run at the ballpark (AgSociety grounds near downtown), the issue was dealt with and denied some years ago. The residents surrounding the area do not want any more animal... Continue reading

  • Share No side walks on Main Street on Facebook Share No side walks on Main Street on Twitter Share No side walks on Main Street on Linkedin Email No side walks on Main Street link

    No side walks on Main Street

    by Deanna, about 3 years ago
    Bayfield is truly the most special destination in all of Ontario. What makes it so magical is the gravel walking paths along main street. When someone speaks of discovering the town of Bayfield it is the very first thing they will mention....without fail. The gravel walkways are what brings charm and tranquility to this town. People describe the beauty and uniqueness by describing the walk ways. It is what truly makes it so neat. Paved sidewalks on main street would be heart breaking for the town. It would ruin the feeling of slowing down, relaxation and escapism. It wouldn't be... Continue reading
  • Share Pedestrian Zone on Facebook Share Pedestrian Zone on Twitter Share Pedestrian Zone on Linkedin Email Pedestrian Zone link

    Pedestrian Zone

    by ANLeClair, about 3 years ago

    I think there is potential for Main Street to become a strictly pedestrian zone, between Charles Street to Catherine Street. Allow this space for people to walk, bike, play, shop or do business freely between stores, be entertained by street artists, gather and enjoy a meal or a drink at restaurant outdoor patios or simply sit on benches to chat or enjoy ice cream.

    With Main street’s existing heritage beauty and charm, a pedestrian zone is an excellent complement.

  • Share Beautiful bayfield... on Facebook Share Beautiful bayfield... on Twitter Share Beautiful bayfield... on Linkedin Email Beautiful bayfield... link

    Beautiful bayfield...

    by McMary, about 3 years ago

    One of my favourite things to do in Bayfield is to walk or cycle around town. Whether we are going to one of the two parks or the beaches, uptown to shop or eat, or just visiting the library or coffee shop, we leave the car at home. It is a walking and bike friendly village.

    In the evenings after sunset Bayfield streets are very dark and in need of more light standards for safety. Blair and Victoria streets are so dark we remind our family and friends to bring flashlightS for the walk home.

    I think sidewalks are important... Continue reading

  • Share Respect for our Village Heritage on Facebook Share Respect for our Village Heritage on Twitter Share Respect for our Village Heritage on Linkedin Email Respect for our Village Heritage link

    Respect for our Village Heritage

    by JMV, about 3 years ago
    We have owned our home in Bayfield for 12 years and made it our primary residence 5 years ago. I'm an active volunteer with several groups in the village and have gained a great deal through my involvement.


    I don't feel that we need sidewalks throughout the village residential streets, but do feel that sidewalks would be a big improvement on the Main Street. I'm in favour of pavestone walkways similar to the section outside the Archives and Library buildings. The other walkways in the village become a muddy mess when it rains or the snow thaws.

    I'm not opposed... Continue reading

  • Share No need for a dog park. on Facebook Share No need for a dog park. on Twitter Share No need for a dog park. on Linkedin Email No need for a dog park. link

    No need for a dog park.

    by Happy Resident, about 3 years ago
    There is no reason to have an off leash dog park in the village of Bayfield, dogs can be walked on leash and are welcomed all round the village. A better place for an off leash area would be what was proposed years ago at the Varna complex. There is ample parking, available water and access to the walking trails. There are two fields that could be designated for big and small dogs. It is on a road access into Bayfield and would be seen by people visiting. There are no nearby residents so no conflict. This area is very... Continue reading
  • Share Factor in Bikes and pedestrians on Facebook Share Factor in Bikes and pedestrians on Twitter Share Factor in Bikes and pedestrians on Linkedin Email Factor in Bikes and pedestrians link

    Factor in Bikes and pedestrians

    by Dan, about 3 years ago
    We have been fortunate to enjoy a second home just south of Bayfield for nearly 20 years and the village is a big part of the experience.

    Hwy 21 needs to be tamed. Vehicles drive way too fast and it's unsafe to cross the road. The shops on the east side of the highway are cutoff from the rest of town. We love our fish and chips, but feel we have to drive across the highway to enjoy at a picnic table in The Square. There should be traffic lights at Main street and the Foodland on the south side... Continue reading

  • Share Main Street Look and Feel on Facebook Share Main Street Look and Feel on Twitter Share Main Street Look and Feel on Linkedin Email Main Street Look and Feel link

    Main Street Look and Feel

    by Paul H, about 3 years ago

    I am now 13 years as a permanent resident of Bayfield. I came here for the lake, the peace and quiet and the uniqueness of a tourist destination I am an active volunteer in town and will be for a long time to come.

    I feel that Main Street needs some functional changes (e.g. drainage) and some lipstick to enhance lighting and streetscape but prefer the “old” style look and feel.

    In my opinion Main Street needs to be a pedestrian promenade. After experiencing the Christmas in Bayfield changes this past year with the street blocked off to vehicles, I... Continue reading

  • Share Need for a dog park on Facebook Share Need for a dog park on Twitter Share Need for a dog park on Linkedin Email Need for a dog park link

    Need for a dog park

    by Gin McNaughton, about 3 years ago
    I am echoing the statements of other posters for the need for a leash-free dog park in our community. We frequently take our 2 small pups to the Arena grounds for exercise on leash. There is so much room there that is under utilized, sitting empty (even in non-pandemic years). The space at the back end of the arena grounds where the mailboxes sit on John Street would be an ideal location as its far enough away from residential homes not to be a bother. The cost to install is so minimal compared to the value it brings. Not only... Continue reading
  • Share Summer Resident on Facebook Share Summer Resident on Twitter Share Summer Resident on Linkedin Email Summer Resident link

    Summer Resident

    by Debra Baird, about 3 years ago
    Our family has been summer residents of Bayfield since 1988 As my father become older he made sure I was registered and did my duty to drive a vote for elections I was eligible to vote in .

    There is no better lace than Bayfield and the lake Putting in sidewalks would ruin absolutely ruin the charm of our town.
    Sure there are summer visitors and people expect to see that old world charm Cars should part and left the folks stroll at their leisure. When there are vehicles they are creeping slowly gawking anyhow

    Don’t ruin the town Keep... Continue reading