The Official Plan is document which guides development within the municipality in terms of potential land uses and the way in which development can take place...
The Official Plan assumes that the high quality of life now enjoyed by the Township's residents can be maintained and enhanced if the area's natural environmental features, natural resources and rural character are preserved. It is the basis of the Plan that change is inevitable and that change should be managed in an efficient and orderly manner.
The Official Plan received Provincial approval in February 1998 and OMB approval in October 1998 (appeals). The Township has adopted a Housekeeping Amendment to revise the road names of the former Provincial Highways (now County Roads) and to deal with other outstanding matters. In December of 2000, an Office Consolidation of the Springwater Official Plan and its amendments is available for purchase by the public in book form or on CD ROM (text only). To order a paper or CD copy, contact the Planning Office.
You may also download the text for each Official Plan policy section here:
Schedule A-1
Schedule A-2
Schedule A-3
Schedule A-4
Schedule A-5
Schedule A-6
Schedule A-7
Schedule A-8
Schedule A-9
Schedule A-10
Schedule A-11
Schedule A-12
Schedule A-12A
Schedule A-13A
Schedule A-13B
Schedule A-13C
Schedule B
Schedule C
For the Zoning By-laws, click here.
Secondary & Community Plans
Community and Secondary Plan exercises are underway for Centre Vespra, Midhurst and Snow Valley.
Centre Vespra Community Plan
A local developer has prepared a draft Official Plan Amendment which includes a Community Plan for Centre Vespra . The Public Meeting on this OPA was held in October of 1998. The proposal was referred back to the developer to address the issues raised by Council, the public and agencies prior to adoption.
Snow Valley Secondary Plan
The Township, in consultation with a Working Group, has prepared a Secondary Plan proposal for future development and growth in Snow Valley. Two Public Meetings for the proposed OPA were held in December of 1998 and June of 2000. The proponents have appealed the OPA to the Ontario Municipal Board.
Midhurst Secondary Plan
Plans are underway to prepare a Secondary Plan for the future development and expansion of Midhurst. This study will look at all servicing aspects of future development including municipal water, sewage or septage treatment, traffic, environmental considerations and other impacts. This municipal project is being funded, in part, by a special area Development Charge on vacant lands of 2 or more acres in the Midhurst Settlement Area. This DCA will fund the Master Servicing Study. Upon completion of draft secondary plan, there will be public information meetings. Watch our Upcoming section for any Notices of Public Meetings.
For more information on the Community & Secondary Plans, visit or contact the Planning Office.
To link to the Midhurst Secondary Plan click here.
Official Plan Amendments
Property owners who wish to redesignate their property to permit a specific development proposal may apply for an Official Plan Amendment. In addition to the fees, the applicant may be required to submit a preliminary development proposal and/or complete a number of technical and other studies.
Prior to the adoption of an OPA, Council must hold at least one Public Meeting. Notice of this meeting is circulated to a list of public agencies and ministries as well as neighbouring property owners usually within 120 metres (400 feet) of the subject lands. If and when an OPA is adopted by Council, it must also be approved by the Approval Authority, currently the County of Simcoe. For more information on planning fees, see our Fee Schedule.
For more information, contact the Planning Department.