The County of Essex has a new Official Plan and pending a final stamp of approval from the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMHA), it will guide the county through the next 30 years.
At the Nov. 6, regular meeting of Essex County council, manager of planning services Rebecca Belanger reported that the province has reviewed the plan and, following a few minor wording adjustments, is set to approve the final draft.
“It is a bit of a momentous occasion when we have our Official Plan approved,” said Warden Hilda MacDonald.
The plan has been in the works since 2022 and upon public meetings and a lot of input from the public is designed to help shape the county as it is set to experience an unprecedented growth.
“This is a plan for the next 30 years during which the county will experience growth – more people, more housing, more jobs- than it has historically experienced,’ reads the introduction to the 207-page Official Plan.
Essex County’s current plan was done in 2014 and based on background work that started in 2009.
“The Official Plan Review Team has received the support from the MMHA to advance the final document for adoption,” wrote Belanger in her report to council.
While county councillors approved the final draft of the plan, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy wanted to know how the new county document will be entwined with those of each of the seven local municipalities.
“The public feedback has certainly helped us shape our Official Plan,” said Bondy.
Belanger said that all local municipalities’ official plans and any amendments to those plans will have to conform to the county’s plan.
Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers said he has had discussions with several residents and appreciated the fact that the county listened to and adopted concerns from the public.
“In a world of decreasing government trust levels, to go through that process was greatly appreciated,” said Rogers.
One concern raised was what financial impact the new Essex County Official Plan will have on the overall budget.
“Costs associated with the plan's implementation will appear in subsequent reports aligned with the strategies outlined in the report,” noted Belanger.
The county’s Official Plan will strive to accomplish the following main points:
-plan for growth for housing and jobs
-reinforce the importance of agriculture
-commit to the importance of cooperative working relationships to implement growth in the county and broader region
-commit to protection of natural heritage system
-plan for sufficient supply and mix of housing types and densities that integrate housing that is affordable
-integrate climate change measures in planning policies
By Fred Groves
New County of Essex Official Plan receives stamp of approval
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