A New Updated Official Plan
QUESTIONS:
Why was the Official Plan updated?
What steps were involved in the Official Plan update?
When did the new Official Plan come into effect?
Who completed the Official Plan update?
ANSWERS:
Why was the Official Plan updated?
A: An updated Official Plan provides the City with a single set of land use policies that can be applied consistently across the entire city. The City of Kingston was governed by the three Official Plans of the former municipalities before the new Official Plan was approved by the Province.
What steps were involved in the Official Plan update?
A: These background studies served as the basis for the updated Official Plan.
- Urban Growth Strategy
- Transportation Master Plan
- Cycling and Pathways Study
- Downtown Action Plan
- Regional Commercial Study Update
- City Owned Industrial Land Development Strategy
- Central Cataraqui Region Natural Heritage Study
- Statistical Profile
- Affordable Housing Model
- Agricultural Study
- Waterfront Strategy
- Downtown and Harbour Architectural Guidelines Study
Official Plan Preparation: The new Official Plan:
- consolidates the three existing Official Plans into one consistent set of policies;
- supports growth in certain areas of Kingston and restricts it in others as appropriate;
- recognizes that developments in distinctive areas such as the downtown or waterfront areas need to be sensitive to existing features and uses;
- reflects current provincial statutes, policies and regulations, such as the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement.
When did the new Official Plan come into effect?
A: The Statutory Public Meeting required by the Planning Act was held on June 18, 2009. The resulting input was evaluated by Planning Committee at its meeting on July 2, 2009, and then the Committee unanimously endorsed the document including mapping and text changes.
Council adopted the Plan on July 15, 2009, and it was approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing on January 27, 2010.
The Ontario Municipal Board received only four appeals to Kingston's Official Plan and they were site-specific and minor in nature. Settlements were reached for all four appeals and were approved by the OMB in their decision dated August 25, 2010.
Who completed the Official Plan update?
A: The City's Planning and Development Department prepared the Official Plan, with direct involvement from other city staff and external agencies, such as the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
