Official Plan Amendment

The Official Plan (OP) is a visioning document that guides East Gwillimbury's (EG's) development and land use. The OP sets long-term goals, policies, and outlines strategies to direct the growth of the EG. EG's Council approves and considers any amendments to the Town's OP. In some cases, York Region will be the approval authority for any amendment to the Town's Official Plan.

When do I need an Official Plan Amendment (OPA)?

If you want to use your property or develop it in a way that conflicts with the Town's Official Plan, then you will need to apply for an OPA. You should first talk with the Town's Planning staff before you apply for an OPA. Planning staff can let you know if the change is possible, and how you should apply.

When can I apply for an OPA?

You may not be able to apply for an application to amend an official plan if your municipality passed a new comprehensive official plan within the past two years. However, you could apply to Council for a resolution allowing the OPA. The same limitation may also apply to an amendment to a secondary plan.

Process for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA)

When you apply to amend an official plan, you must submit the information identified at pre-consultation. The more information provided; the less likely delays will occur in the review.

Staff must review your application within 30 days of its receipt to determine if the application is complete or incomplete. If the Town does not review it within 30 days, you can make a motion to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) for a determination if the application is complete. The applicant has 30 days to make a motion to the LPAT for a determination on the matter. The LPAT's decision is final.

Once the application is deemed complete it will be circulated to both internal department and external agencies such as York Region and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority for review.

A public planning meeting is scheduled to introduce the proposed application.

Once Planning staff has enough information available a recommendation report will be taken to Council for their consideration. If Town Council refuses or fails to consider your OPA within 210 days (approximately 7 months) after the requested information and material is first submitted, you may bring the proposed OPA to the LPAT for a decision.