Notice of Virtual Public Meeting: Initiation of the Process to Prepare a New Official Plan
PURPOSE
Essex County Council will hold a second public meeting, through virtual means, pursuant to Section 26(3) of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended, for the purposes of discussing issues to be considered in the development of the new Official Plan. The purpose of holding this virtual public meeting is that it will be open to all individuals who wish to attend and provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about the County’s Official Plan review process.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING
Live stream on the County of Essex website
https://video.isilive.ca/
Members of the public who want to attend the meeting can register using this form and will be provided with the link to attend the virtual meeting. There is no in-person attendance available for this meeting.
Members of the public who wish to provide comment on the Official Plan during the meeting must also register to be a delegate prior to the meeting using this online form. Delegations will be limited to five minutes.
BACKGROUND ON THE NEW OFFICIAL PLAN
The long-term prosperity, health and well-being of residents living and working in Essex County will, to a large degree, be shaped by the land use, transportation, growth management, environmental, housing and fiscal policies that are incorporated as part of the County of Essex Official Plan.
It is one of the most important policy documents that County Council adopts, and it contains a broad range of goals and policies that guide and provide direction to landowners, business owners, and the community at large pertaining to how growth is managed and resources are protected.
The Planning Act requires that an Official Plan conform with provincial plans or that it does not conflict with them; has regard to matters of provincial interest; is consistent with provincial policy statements; and addresses recent legislative changes.
Taking into account the timing of the approval of the current Official Plan, the introduction of a 2020 Provincial Policy Statement and amendments to the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, the County has initiated the creation of a new Official Plan.
This virtual public meeting is the second opportunity to hear public feedback in relation to the County’s Official Plan review. Throughout the OP review process there will be additional opportunities for the public to review draft documents and to provide comments to Council and staff.
YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT
Any person may attend the virtual public meeting and/or provide written or a verbal representation. If you are unable to attend the virtual meeting, you may provide written comments by submitting them to the address below.
By Mail: Rebecca Belanger, MCIP, RPP, Manager, Planning Services, County of Essex, 360 Fairview Avenue W, Essex, ON, N8M 1Y6
By Email: officialplanreview@
If you wish to be added to the mailing list, please utilize the email or address noted above. A copy of the agenda for the virtual public meeting will be available in advance of this virtual public meeting on the County’s website.
The County’s current Official Plan may be reviewed on the County of Essex website at https://www.countyofessex.ca/
A copy of the two background reports that were prepared as part of the initial phase of the County’s Official Plan Review can be viewed at https://www.countyofessex.ca/
NOTICE OF COLLECTION
Personal information collected as a result of this virtual public meeting is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Planning Act, and all other relevant legislation, and will be used to assist in making a decision on this matter.
All personal information (as defined by MFIPPA), including (but not limited to) names, addresses, opinions and comments collected will be made available for public disclosure to members of the public, at the meeting, through requests, and through the County of Essex website.
Questions regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of this personal information may be directed to the Clerk, Essex County Civic; 360 Fairview Avenue W, Essex, ON, N8M 1Y6.