Envision Guelph – an Official Plan update
The City of Guelph has completed Envision Guelph – the City’s Official Plan update. The document will guide residential, employment, and commercial development, natural and cultural heritage conservation and the city’s transportation and energy systems over the next 20 years.
The 300-page document is available for public review. City Council is asking for comments and will hear presentations from the public during a meeting on May 20 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
During the meeting City staff will recommend that City Council adopt the Natural Heritage policies and mapping this summer; this portion of the Official Plan Amendment (OPA 42) has been the subject of extensive public input, and has been available for review since February of this year. Once the Natural Heritage Strategy is adopted, the public and City Council will have more time to review and comment on the remainder of the Plan.
“I’d like to thank everyone who participated in Envision Guelph open house events and other public meetings over the past few years to help formulate this Official Plan,” says Marion Plaunt, Manager of Policy Planning and Urban Design for the City of Guelph. “Community members shared their vision for the city’s growth with us, and it was this shared vision that helped us update the Official Plan. It will be invaluable tool for us as we continue to build a beautiful, well-functioning and sustainable city.”
According to the Envision Guelph – Official Plan Update, new growth will be accommodated within Guelph’s existing boundaries in order to prevent sprawl into surrounding agricultural land. The City has identified areas where intensification will be focused including downtown, major nodes and corridors that are served by transit routes. The Plan also promotes walking, cycling and public transit throughout the city.
“The Official Plan strikes a balance between protecting and preserving our natural features and cultural heritage, ensuring energy sustainability and building healthy communities where people can live, shop, work and play,” adds Plaunt.
In June, 2009 City Council adopted Phase One (Official Plan Amendment 39) which brought the City’s Official Plan into conformity with the Province’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Now, Phase Two (Official Plan Amendment 42), proposes to incorporate the City’s Strategic Plan and provides for the implementation of Guelph’s Growth Management Strategy, Natural Heritage Strategy, Urban Design Action Plan, Community Energy Initiatives and other City approved Master Plans and studies.
Community members are welcome to review the draft Official Plan update and make written or oral presentations to City Council on May 20, 2010 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1 Carden Street. The deadline to register as a delegation with the City Clerk’s office is May 12, 2010. Written submissions will be accepted until 12 p.m. on May 20, 2010.
