What is an Official Plan?

    There are many plans that work together to develop and shape a community. The Official Plan tells how land will be used in King Township. An Official Plan is extremely important because it:

    • Outlines the future vision of the community;
    • Establishes policies that help to achieve orderly growth and development;
    • Directs where sewers, water mains, parks, roads, sidewalks and other services will go in King;
    • Gives a framework for other policies and regulations, such as zoning by-laws; and
    • Helps people know what they can do with their property.

    Why does the Township have an Official Plan?

    The Our King Official Plan is prepared under the authority of the Planning Act and is required by the regulations of the Act. Official Plans prepared under the Planning Act must be consistent with or conform to Provincial Plans and policies, and implement the policies of the York Region Official Plan.

    In accordance with the Planning Act, an Official Plan must contain goals, objectives and policies established primarily to manage and direct physical change and its effects on the social, economic, built and natural environment of the Township. The Official Plan must also provide a description of the measure and procedures of informing and obtaining the view of the public, and enables municipalities to utilize many different regulatory, process and incentive tools.

    What does the Official Plan mean to me?

    The Official Plan Review can directly impact you. From your health, to your employment, to your overall quality of life, the Official Plan Review is something that you should be involved in!  

    Why are we reviewing the Official Plan?

    The Planning Act prescribes certain Provincial and Regional conformity requirements for Municipal Official Plans. Municipalities are required to update their Official Plans at least ten (10) years after it comes into effect and then every five (5) years thereafter. Municipalities are also required to amend their Official Plans within one (1) year to conform with the Official Plan of an upper-tier municipality. 

    The Township’s Our King Official Plan is due for a review to:

    • Align with recent changes in Provincial policy and legislation, including the directive to "build more homes faster";
    • Integrate the relevant policies of the York Region Official Plan, 2022, which includes population and growth targets for King to 2051; and
    • Ensure the vision, objectives, and policies for King continues to meet the Township's evolving needs.