Official Plan

By-Law 2023-60 – Official Plan

In 2023 the Village of Westport conducted a review of the Village’s Official Plan as required by the Planning Act.

The Official Plan was adopted by Council on December 19, 2023 and approved by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville with no modifications on March 21, 2024.

What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan is a policy document created under the authority of the Planning Act which provides a long-term planning statement of the Village expressed through a combination of policies and maps that provides guidance and direction for future development, land use and public infrastructure investment.

The Official Plan informs the public of the Village’s general land use planning policies and specifies how parcels of land may be used now and in the future.​

Why review the Official Plan?

It is a requirement of the Planning Act that the Village review its Official Plan to determine whether updates are required to address matters of Provincial interest and to ensure that its Official Plan is consistent with policies of the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Official Plan that came into effect in 2018. This review is also an opportunity to ensure that the Plan addresses matters of local interest.

The Village’s previous Official Plan was in effect from 2006 to 2023. It is important that the Official Plan be reviewed to ensure policies are up to date, consistent with Provincial interests and reflect the current and future needs of the community.

The Official Plan guides land-use decisions in the Village, including residential and commercial development, the type of housing forms permitted, density and intensification and infill standards, and how natural and cultural features are protected.

Additional Information:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Citizen’s Guide to Land Use Planning – Official Plan:

Citizen’s guide to land use planning: Official plans | Ontario.ca

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Official Plan:

Official Plan – Leeds & Grenville (leedsgrenville.com)

The Village of Westport obtained public participation through an Official Plan review survey. The purpose was to assist Council in understanding key issues and community interests to consider throughout the review for the new Official Plan.