Official Plan

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Intensification: A Sound Investment

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Design and Planning Guidelines

The Official Plan provides a vision of the future growth of the city and a policy framework to guide its physical development to the year 2021. It is a legal document that addresses matters of provincial interest defined by the Provincial Policy Statement under the Ontario Planning Act. It also serves as a basis for a wide range of municipal activities. These include the:

• Planning and approval of public works (such as roads and parks)
• Comprehensive zoning by-law
• Creation of community design plans for areas within the City of Ottawa
• Review and approval of development applications

The Official Plan, adopted in 2003 and all subsequent amendments are available for review.

Official Plan Amendment 76 approved by Council June 24, 2009

The Planning Act mandates that the Official Plan be reviewed every five years. The most recent review, Beyond Ottawa 2020, began in October 2007 and involved extensive public consultation with community groups, government agencies, business and other stakeholder groups.

City Council approved the Official Plan Amendment 76 (OPA 76) on June 24, 2009. The amendment has been submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. A decision is expected before the end of the year.

Residents can review a draft version of the OPA 76 changes to the Official Plan. Please note that these changes have no legal status and are not in effect until the city receives approval from the Ministry.