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 No Sidewalks Please on Facebook Share No Sidewalks Please on Twitter Share No Sidewalks Please on Linkedin Email No Sidewalks Please link

    No Sidewalks Please

    by Mike K., almost 4 years ago
    I think building sidewalks on Main St. would be a very bad idea. They would detract from the relaxed, rural charm of the street and increase ambient noise levels by reflecting noise from passing cars. Sidewalks would also create a serious tripping/broken ankle hazard especially for the elderly and would also present an obstacle for wheelchair users. Large puddles will form in between the sidewalk and the street-level building entrances during heavy rains and spring thaw, wrecking foundations and water could even seep into the some of the businesses themselves through their front doors. If you could magically elevate every... Continue reading
  • Share Dog Park Support on Facebook Share Dog Park Support on Twitter Share Dog Park Support on Linkedin Email Dog Park Support link

    Dog Park Support

    by Jo-Anne Smail, almost 4 years ago

    New to Bayfield, I am surprised there is no area where dogs may run free to chase a ball. Exercise from leash walking is limited and the opportunity to have a good run enhances their happiness and fitness.

  • Share The 15 minute village on Facebook Share The 15 minute village on Twitter Share The 15 minute village on Linkedin Email The 15 minute village link

    The 15 minute village

    by Huroncyclist, almost 4 years ago

    Some of us may be familiar with the ‘15 minute city’ concept first articulated by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. The basic idea is that every resident in Paris should be able to access everything they need for work, health, shopping, education, recreation and daily living within 15 minutes of walking or biking. This concept has been picked up by many cities and helps to drive their planning decisions, particularly as they address climate change through reducing vehicle ownership and traffic, repurposing streets towards more green space and pedestrian use, and generally trying to make cities more attractive and... Continue reading

  • Share Bayfield v2.0 on Facebook Share Bayfield v2.0 on Twitter Share Bayfield v2.0 on Linkedin Email Bayfield v2.0 link

    Bayfield v2.0

    by Rocky Jain, almost 4 years ago

    After growing up in Kincardine and Port Elgin, attending McMaster University in Hamilton, and establishing my career in Waterloo, I made the move to Bayfield, 18 months ago. I am excited to contribute to our shared community, build roots & relationships with fellow residents, and welcome & embrace visitors to our idyllic village.

    In the time I’ve been here, I have taken the opportunity to observe the way of life and the experience afforded to those of us who are fortunate to call Bayfield ’home’. Below is a non-exhaustive list of ideas I have I’d be happy to discuss with... Continue reading

  • Share Highway 21 Speed Limits on Facebook Share Highway 21 Speed Limits on Twitter Share Highway 21 Speed Limits on Linkedin Email Highway 21 Speed Limits link

    Highway 21 Speed Limits

    by MJBL, almost 4 years ago
    I think for the sake of all stakeholders, the highway speeds through and on either end of the village need to be reduced faster and over longer stretches of the highway. With all the development at Jowett's Grove, and north to Bayfield Road, and south from Cameron Street, the only 50km corridor is basically from just south and north of Clan Square. Add in the blind corner coming off Long Hill Road across the construction site onto #21 and you have multiple safety issues. I would like to see the 80-60-50km zones transition to begin at Bayfield Road north and... Continue reading
  • Share Village Infrastructure on Facebook Share Village Infrastructure on Twitter Share Village Infrastructure on Linkedin Email Village Infrastructure link

    Village Infrastructure

    by Ria, almost 4 years ago

    We love the village charm of Bayfield, the friendliness and community spirit, it is why we moved from the city to Bayfield. I completely understand the need for updating infrastructure, but hope it is done in a way that does not strip this beautiful village of what is attracting so many to visit, slowness of pace, the chance to catch their breath, and be present in life with loved ones. Let's face it, Bayfield needs tourism to survive, so lets keep this in mind as we move forward.

  • Share Beach Infrastructure on Facebook Share Beach Infrastructure on Twitter Share Beach Infrastructure on Linkedin Email Beach Infrastructure link

    Beach Infrastructure

    by BeachhouseBeletic, almost 4 years ago

    I think Bayfield is missing out with the design of the beach. I understand water levels and the environment have a large impact. I also imagine there are different levels of government that need to be included in this. I think with the erosion the last few seasons we can look at new ways to change or improve the beach set up. I traveled to Australia a few years ago and loved how the Cronulla beach front was designed. they have a history of large wash out due to water levels. what they have done is made concrete steps/benching along... Continue reading

  • Share Dog Park Urgently Needed on Facebook Share Dog Park Urgently Needed on Twitter Share Dog Park Urgently Needed on Linkedin Email Dog Park Urgently Needed link

    Dog Park Urgently Needed

    by Suzan Johnson, almost 4 years ago
    I agree with the writer who cited the need for a dog park in Bayfield. I realize that such a project was attempted a few years ago, but for varying reasons, it never materialized. With an increase in the local and visitor population such a facility is sorely needed. Hopefully, the Municipality will recognize that Bayfield is a very dog-friendly community and that everyone can come to some sort of mutually satisfying solution. Thank you.
  • Share Dog park on Facebook Share Dog park on Twitter Share Dog park on Linkedin Email Dog park link

    Dog park

    by Jackie heathcote, almost 4 years ago
    There are many bayfield residents who own dogs and would really appreciate an off leash dog park, it is good for the mental health of the owners (and the happiness of the dogs). It encourages fitness and community, I feel it is long overdue. There seem to be facilities for everyone except dog owners.
  • Share Plan for the Future generations, preserve the Past on Facebook Share Plan for the Future generations, preserve the Past on Twitter Share Plan for the Future generations, preserve the Past on Linkedin Email Plan for the Future generations, preserve the Past link

    Plan for the Future generations, preserve the Past

    by RuthG, almost 4 years ago

    "The more things change, the more they stay the same." We cannot stop time and we cannot stop change.

    Bayfield currently relies on tourism, the summer cottage owners and volunteer retirees.

    Where we fail is providing housing for people working in the tourism areas and young adults starting new families. I feel that we should have new housing in low-rise apartment buildings or low rise condominiums. We have already allowed condominium and freehold townhomes but the cost is prohibitive for those starting out in life. We need to preserve the charm of the downtown area which we are doing with... Continue reading