Central Elgin Council will consider a timetable on Monday for public engagement in the review of the municipality’s Official Plan, and the Harbour Secondary Plan for Port Stanley. Together, the planning documents will set the stage for growth, development, and heritage protection here for decades to come.
“Staff have undertaken a policy review of the Municipality of Central Elgin Official Plan based on the changes that have been made by the Province through the introduction of the Provincial Policy Statement 2020,” said Kevin McClure, a planner in the Central Elgin Planning and Building Services Department.
“Certain revisions will be required to ensure consistency with Provincial direction, however, further refinements and guidance will be obtained through the public engagement sessions that are planned through the municipality’s public engagement strategy for the Official Plan review,” added McClure. “Through that process, the public will have the opportunity to provide input for Council’s consideration for the Official Plan update.”
Council is being asked by staff to consider dates in June for public consultations on the Harbour Secondary Plan, and in May, October and December for the Official Plan. Due to COVID-19 and the resulting public health concerns, consultations will be “primarily” online, with “in-person events contingent upon the direction of the local Medical Officer of Health.”
“It is on the agenda for Monday to help us understand the timeline,” said Central Elgin Mayor Sally Martin. “Obviously, we will do what we can to help protect the core of the Village, but the Province can overrule local plans.”
Also at Monday’s CE Council meeting, Nancy Pasato, Elgin County’s Manager of Planning, will provide an update on the County’s official plan review.