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 Your Eyes

Please take a moment to sign our guest book and include what you love about Bayfield. 

Consultation has concluded
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

How do new subdivisions and growth benefit the current residents? The financial burden of increasing the size of the sewage treatment plant and all other infrastructure should be borne by the developers not the taxpayers. They are the ones who benefit from growth.
New subdivisions should mesh with the old town in terms of architecture, trees, right of way paths and parks with connecting trails

Nmr over 1 year ago

I think traffic lights at Mill St and Hwy 21 necessary. I love Bayfield . It is such a quaint small village. To encourage more visitors maybe increase B&B’s in the area so people can have the opportunity to stay overnight. We are fortunate that we can stay overnight as we have a trailer in the Paul Bunyan Campground and we walk frequently into the village. Once in Savanna I saw swinging benches on their pier which I have always wished to see on our pier here in Bayfield

Helga almost 3 years ago

I have lived in Bayfield for twenty years. I love Bayfield as I consider it my home town. Lived in the area since I was fifteen, close to fifty years . I like the feel of the village atmosphere. I do feel something has to be done about the traffic coming into and leaving Bayfield on the Mill Road. Speeding into town with no regard to speed limit or unnecessary noise. The speed signs are very outdated as there are more residential homes along Mill Road coming into Bayfield.

AprilWine almost 3 years ago

It is sad that we have to go to Goderich or Seaforth to let our dogs socialize
Colleen Larocque

BellaGirl about 3 years ago

I looking in to off lease dog park and where to sign up. Please help

Julie Palango about 3 years ago

We moved here 4 years ago. Didn't know anything or anyone! What an amazing and beautiful little village. Wonderful people and so much to do. We took a chance and hit the jackpot. Hope it doesn't change too much!

LNicolaou about 3 years ago

Bayfield is a perfect little gem of a town. Don't change a thing!

Mike K. about 3 years ago

We lived in Bayfield for 12 years. Being from Michigan we thought we had a piece of paradise to go to every weekend and summer vacations. Our grandchildren started visiting at 4 weeks old and now are 18. We loved the step back in time feel of the whole area. We learned fast the slower pace of life and love of nature.
We had our son's wedding in town in garden's of the Little Inn and dinner at Little Inn with a beautiful party overlooking the river and lake at our home.
We have wonderful memories of your town , beach and beautiful snow filled days and sunsets.
Do not become too modern keep the step back in time feel and the feel of you are home.

Khozian about 3 years ago

Bruce Keown, quiet town with good restaurants, proximity to lake and marinas

Rdytosail over 3 years ago