The Township of Woolwich is undertaking the preparation of a new Official Plan to guide growth and development to the year 2051. This new Plan will replace the current Official Plan, originally completed in the 1980s and updated in the early 2000s and 2020, with the most recent update focused primarily on conformity with the Regional Official Plan. The new Official Plan will ensure continued conformity with the Regional Official Plan, comply with changes to the Planning Act and the Provincial Planning Statement, and reflect all other applicable provincial legislation and policy documents. In addition to achieving legislative conformity, the new Official Plan will establish an Intensification Strategy for Elmira, St. Jacobs, and Breslau; a Commercial Strategy to support complete communities; and an Institutional Strategy.

These strategies will support planning for long-term growth and provide a policy framework addressing climate action initiatives; sustainable and green building; complete streets; urban design for residential, commercial, and industrial areas; parks and recreation planning, including parkland dedication; and housing policies that address affordable and attainable housing alongside appropriate intensification.

NPG Planning Solutions Inc. has been retained to undertake a comprehensive review and assist the Township in preparing its new Official Plan.

The Township, in collaboration with NPG, is hosting a range of engagement opportunities to gather input from the community, including public open houses and stakeholder meetings.

The purpose of engagement is to raise awareness of the Official Plan review and to actively involve the community in shaping the vision, goals, and objectives that will guide the new Official Plan. Community input is essential, as the Official Plan will ultimately shape how Woolwich grows, develops, and evolves over the long term.