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)