The updated Official Plan will set the vision and direction for future growth and development in West Nipissing. Let’s build it together.
The purpose of the project is to
Complete a review and update of the Municipality’s Official Plan that is consistent with the most recent Provincial Policy Statement, the Planning Act and any other regulatory requirements.
Update the Comprehensive Zoning By-law to ensure conformity with the updated Official Plan in accordance with the Planning Act.
The Official Plan addresses matters related to land use such as housing, transportation, economic development, the natural environment, and agriculture. The Zoning By-law regulates each zone’s permitted uses, building regulations, density, parking, and landscaping standards. Zones include, but are not limited to: residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural.
Public input will be essential throughout the review process. Residents can provide feedback or ask questions at any time. Public Open Houses and Stakeholder Meetings will also provide a forum for discussion and input.
Documents
West Nipissing Engagement Plan (PDF)
Issues Identification Report (PDF)
What’s Next
Public Open Meeting – Feb/Mar 2025
Public Engagement
PHASE 1
Project Initiation
April to October 2024
• Background Review
• Issues Identification
• Public Launch
PHASE 2
Draft Official Plan
October 2024 to May 2025
• Draft for Staff and Planning Advisory Committee
• Public Open House
• Stakeholder Engagements
• Final Document
PHASE 3
Draft Zoning By-law
May to December 2025
• Draft for Staff and Planning Advisory Committee
• Public Open House
• Stakeholder Engagements
• Final Document
PHASE 4
Final and Approvals
January to April 2026
• Prepare Final Schedules
• Revisions
• Final Official Plan Adoption
• Final Zoning By-law Adoption
The Planning Act of Ontario requires municipalities to regularly review Official Plans to reflect updates to legislation, Provincial Plans and policies. Reviewing the municipality’s Official Plan ensures the document and vision for West Nipissing remains up to date and is consistent with guiding policy and legislation. The Act also requires municipalities to review and amend the implementing Zoning By-law within three years of an updated Official Plan. Planscape Inc. was retained in April 2024 to provide professional planning services to complete a new Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
Land use planning is undertaken under the authority of the Province of Ontario. The hierarchy and land use planning in Ontario is illustrated below.
Provide Feedback
Your submission will be shared with the Official Plan Review team.
For more information
The Official Plan and Zoning By-law Review team includes your municipal Planning department and consultants from Planscape Inc. For further information or questions, you may reach:
Samantha Willock
Municipal Planner
705-753-6904
swillock@westnipissing.ca
Residents and stakeholders can subscribe to receive email notifications specific to this project.
The personal information submitted on this page is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25 and will be used to provide details regarding the Official Plan Review and Zoning By-law review of the Municipality of West Nipissing.