Official Plan and Official Plan Review

Official Plan Review 2025

The Township of East Garafraxa is undertaking a new Official Plan (OP) and Zoning By-law Review. This important project will set the framework for how our community grows and develops in the years ahead, while ensuring local policies align with provincial and County of Dufferin requirements.

What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan is a long-term policy document that guides land use, development, and growth in the Township. It sets out where housing, employment, farming, natural heritage protection, and community services can be located, and how they will evolve over time.

The new East Garafraxa Official Plan will:

• Ensure local planning decisions are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024).

• Conform with the County of Dufferin Official Plan, while addressing East Garafraxa’s unique needs.

• Provide specific policies for local issues such as agriculture, rural development, cannabis production, estate residential areas, parkland dedication, and community planning.

Once complete, the new Official Plan will be supported by an updated Zoning By-law, which regulates permitted land uses.

Get Involved

Your input is essential. Residents, landowners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend engagement sessions and provide feedback throughout the project.

Upcoming Workshop

Date: September 17, 2025
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Council Chambers (with virtual option available)

The agenda and Zoom registration link will be posted on the Township website under the Calendar, on the applicable date, closer to the meeting date. 

Please note that the required Statutory Public Meeting will be scheduled and held at a later date. 

Township of East Garafraxa Official Plan

Official Plans contain objectives and policies established primarily to provide guidance for the development of a municipality. Official Plan Amendments may be obtained from time to time by following the applicable amendment process. 

The Township Official Plan was adopted by Township Council in December 2004 and approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) in October 2005. The Official Plan Office Consolidation dated May 2025 has been prepared for the purpose of convenience only. For copies of By-Laws please contact the Township office. 

• Official Plan Office Consolidation May 2025

Official Plan Schedules (Maps) - Office Consolidation May 2025:

• Schedule A - Land Use and Transportation Plan 
• Schedule A-1 - Community of Marsville Land Use Plan and Transportation 
• Schedule A-2 - Community of Orton Land Use Plan and Transportation 
• Schedule B - Environmental Features 
• Schedule D - Greenbelt
• Schedule E - Greenbelt Natural Heritage Features 
• Schedule F - Source Water Protection Area

Please visit the Applications, Licences and Permits page for the Application for an Official Plan Amendment.

Visit the Ministry of Ontario website for the Citizen's guide to land use planning including Official Plans.