The County of Brant will be hosting information sessions on how the municipality will grow over the next 30 years, the finalization of “A Simply Grand Plan”.
“The final draft of the new Official Plan is complete, and we are looking forward to sharing it with the community before it is adopted by Council at the end of May then submitted to the Province of Ontario for approval. We have been engaging with the community and stakeholders over the past three and a half years and we are so grateful for your feedback and input that has helped shape this robust long-term plan,” said Jennifer Boyer, Manager of Policy Planning. “Join us this month. We look forward to speaking with you about how the County intends to manage residential and employment growth and protecting what we value in a responsible manner over the next 30 years.”
In-person information session:
- Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Paris District High School Gym
Drop-in to learn about the final draft of the new Official Plan and speak with staff. There will also be a running video presentation at this meeting. Staff are ready to share information and answer your questions.
Virtual information session:
- Monday, April 24, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Zoom link will be available at www.EngageBrant.ca/OfficialPlan
Log-in to watch a presentation about the final draft of the new Official Plan.
Information on several themes will be shared including:
- Growth Management
- Building Healthy and Complete Communities
- Protecting What We Value
- How We Green
- Planning for Infrastructure
- Transportation and Mobility
- Economic Development and Prosperity
The Official Plan is the County’s toolbox for managing growth. Following the information sessions, the final draft of the Official Plan will proceed to Council for adoption and will be submitted to the Province of Ontario for approval.
For more information about the new draft Official Plan, visit www.EngageBrant.ca/OfficialPlan.
A Simply Grand Plan presents an opportunity to address, through planning policy, a number of growth-related challenges facing the County of Brant today and in the future. These challenges include adhering to the Province’s More Homes More Choice Act, housing affordability, transportation, and mobility.
The County of Brant is designated by the Province of Ontario as ‘A Place to Grow’. Brant is within the Greater Golden Horseshoe area and this area is considered one of the most dynamic, popular and fast-growing regions. It is the destination of choice for many people and businesses due to the quality of life and the economic opportunities.
Over the next 30-years, it is expected by the Province that the County will be home to 59,000 residents and have 26,000 jobs. With growth comes more infrastructure, traffic, services and impacts on the environment to name a few. These factors need to be carefully managed and addressed while we also protect what we value such as the environment, agriculture, culture and heritage.
The Difference between a Strategic Plan and an Official Plan:
The Strategic Plan sets the County’s direction for the future and identifies Council’s vision, mission, values, and strategic focus over the next four (4) years. Whereas the Official Plan is a policy document that guides short-term and long-term community development, land use tools, and helps manage growth throughout the County of Brant over the next 30 years (2051).
