Goderich Official Plan

The process of reviewing the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-law is now complete. The Official Plan is a strategic policy document consisting of both policy and mapping that guides the long-term vision for growth and development of communities, as well as the protection of key resources.

The current Official Plan was adopted in 2009 following extensive community consultation; the plan was further updated in 2016. The Town of Goderich is reviewing the existing Official Plan to ensure it reflects the vision of the community and policy directives at the County and Provincial levels.

How to Participate in the Process:

Members of the community are encouraged to participate in the process by providing comments and participating in open houses and public meetings. Public meetings will be livestreamed and anyone can watch the proceedings by following the links to the relevant Council Agenda. If you would like to attend a meeting and participate electronically, please email Andrea Fisher, Clerk at afisher@goderich.ca and specify which meeting you would like to attend.

Please send any comments or questions via email to Victor Kloeze the Planner for the project at vkloeze@huroncounty.ca. Due to the anticipated number of inquiries, please allow up to two (2) weeks for a response. We appreciate your patience.

Formal written comments and opinions submitted on the Official Plan Review, including the originator’s name and address, become part of the public record, and may be viewed by the general public and may be published in a planning report and Council agenda.

Proposed Changes:

This review is taking into consideration provincial legislation, as well as comments from Council, the public, and partner agencies. Some of the proposed changes include:

• Allowing for increased housing options within the Town, including:
  • as-of-right in arterial / grouped commercial areas
  • gentle intensification in residential areas
  • increased density in newly developed areas
  • continuing to support new housing in the downtown core
    
    
• Update Official Plan regarding new design guidelines and in response to provincial changes
  
  
• Adapt to changes in the commercial and industrial sectors
  
  
• Increase consideration of climate change and recognition of work the Town is doing to address climate change
  
  
• Adding a Land Acknowledgement

A draft of the Official Plan policy text and designation mapping amendments is available for review. A draft of the Zoning By-law update text and the draft mapping is also now available. Further revisions may occur as the process continues.

Have Your Say!

Thank you for participating in the Official Plan and Zoning By-law review process! We are nearing completion of the project.

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