April 9, 2012

Last week, Council adopted a new Official Plan, which will guide our community’s development over the next two decades.

Much has changed in our City since the last time we adopted an official plan in 1988: we have grown out to our borders, we have prioritized our natural environment, our economy has transitioned, our post-secondary institutions have expanded, and our core has grown vibrant.

In our new Official Plan, we will focus on growing up rather than out, allowing for mixed use buildings across our core and in our nodes and corridors, supporting more complete neighbourhoods. We will demand a more accessible City as we develop, and our transportation system will be planned with all modes in mind: pedestrian, cycling, transit, and automotive.

With a few tweaks to some specific sites and broadening language around community gardens and temporary farmers markets, Council was unanimous in its endorsement.

Now the plan goes to the Region of Waterloo, who is the approval authority, though they will need time to take their decision as their own plan is under appeal. Long before they approve the plan, the Northdale Land Use and Community Improvement Plan process will have concluded with associated amendments to both the current and new Official Plan filed with the Region.