An Official Plan establishes policies for the physical, social and economic growth of the community, and ensures that future planning and development will meet the specific needs of its inhabitants. It is a land-use planning document prepared with input from members of the community to guide development decisions, including:

• the location and type of housing, employment areas, parks, schools, and hospitals;
• what services, such as public transit, roads, storm sewers, and fire protection, will be needed; and,
• how natural areas and ecosystems will be protected.

Official Plans are prepared by municipalities in accordance with their respective Regional Official Plans, as well as the Ontario Planning Act and must adhere to all Provincial policies. The Planning Act provides the legal basis for Official Plans, sets out the required public process to follow when preparing a Plan and establishes the general content of the Plan.

What is a Regional Official Plan?

The York Region Official Plan outlines policies that will help guide economic, environmental and community-building decisions affecting the use of land in the Region. Other regional strategies, plans and guidelines provide a framework for decisions made by the Region.

Since there are nine local municipalities within York Region, with their own specific visions and goals, the Regional Official Plan leaves room for a local municipality, such as Richmond Hill, to provide detailed planning policies that conform to the overall framework contained in the Regional Official Plan.

Additional information on the planning process may be found on the Planning & Development Department Homepage.