Official Plan

The Township of Springwater's Official Plan sets out land use policies for growth and development in the municipality.

Official Plan Sections

Official Plan Maps

Official Plan Review (OPR)

The plan is a “living document” and updates ensure that the plan continues to meet local needs, the County of Simcoe's Official Plan and Ontario's Planning Act.

The Planning Act requires every municipality to update its Official Plan at least once every five years.

Subject to the adoption of the new Official Plan, final approval from the County of Simcoe is required in order for the document to come into full-force and effect.

OPR Process Overview

The process for our current review includes:

Public visioning workshops in 2016, including a communications strategy
Updated discussion paper and growth management strategy in 2018Background reports to address a wide range of technical issues such as agriculture, transportation, natural heritage and the environment
- Meetings with staff and stakeholders, including a public open house
Preparation and adoption of new Official Plan policies, maps and schedules (summer 2019)
Open house regarding the Official Plan Review (November 2019)
Public meeting regarding the Official Plan Review (December 2019)
Update to Council regarding the Official Plan Review (December 2020) Stakeholder outreach sessions held to discuss Draft Background Study Reports (February 2021)
- December 14, 2020 Special Council Meeting Agenda
- Official Plan update presentation
Final Background Study Reports accepted by Council (September 2021)

OPR Stakeholder Meeting Presentations - February 23, 2021

Official Plan Review Stakeholders Meeting held on February 23, 2021 for Ministries & Agencies

Official Plan Review Stakeholders Meeting held on February 23, 2021 for resident stakeholders and members of the public

Final Background Study Reports (September 2021)

On September 1, 2021 Council received the following Background Study Reports to allow for the preparation of the new Draft Official Plan:

Statutory Public Open House (February 2023)

On February 23, 2023 the Township held a statutory public open house as required by the Planning Act. A copy of the Open House presentation, along with a recording of the meeting are linked below:

* Please note, that technical (audio) difficulties were experienced during the in-person segment which affected some portions of the recording. The consultants presentation commences at the 18:10 mark of the recording.

Statutory Public Meeting (March 2023)

Subsequent to the Open House held on February 23, 2023 and pursuant to Section 17(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, a statutory Public Meeting was held on March 8, 2023 to present a new Official Plan for the Township of Springwater. A copy of the Public Meeting presentation, along with a recording of the meeting are linked below:

Updated Draft Official Plan and Land Use Schedules (June 2023)

Be advised that after the completion of considerable work related to the Official Plan Update, the new Updated Official Plan will be submitted to Council for consideration at a special meeting taking place on June 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at the Township Administration Centre (2231 Nursery Road). This will be a hybrid meeting. For virtual connection details please contact the Clerk's Department.

Stakeholder Comments and Responses

Stakeholder Comments and Response Matrix

Notice of Adoption

Take notice that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Springwater passed By-law 2023-075 to adopt a new Official Plan for the Township of Springwater, subject to approval by the County of Simcoe, on the 5th day of July 2023, pursuant to Section 17(22) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.

Applying for an Official Plan Amendment

If your plans for developing your property aren't consistent with the Official Plan, you will need to apply for an Official Plan Amendment. More information on this process is available through a consultation with planning staff.