Township of Ryerson Project Webpage Content for the Official Plan Review and Zoning By-law Update

Project Overview

The Township of Ryerson is undertaking a review of the Official Plan (OP) and Zoning By-law (ZBL) update, which will set the framework for how the Township grows over the coming years, while ensuring that local policies align with Provincial requirements.

The purpose of this project is to:

• Ensure that the Township of Ryerson’s Official Plan is consistent with the Planning Act, Provincial Planning Statement (2024) and any other regulatory requirements.
• Provide specific policies for local issues, such as rural development, waterfront development, residential development, environmental protection, and community building and planning.
• Update the Zoning By-law to accurately regulate permitted land uses and provisions that align with the Township’s overall vision and goal.

Land use planning in Ontario is governed by provincial authority, with the legislative hierarchy illustrated below:

Visit the Ministry of Ontario website for the Citizen’s guide to land use planning, including Official Plans: Official plans | Citizen’s guide to land use planning | ontario.ca

For Provincial Guidance on the content of Official Plans: Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 | ontario.ca; 

What is an Official Plan

An Official Plan is a long-term policy document that sets out objectives and policies that guide how land is developed within a municipality. It provides the foundation for planning decisions made by Township staff and Council, ensuring growth and development aligns with community visions and provincial requirements. 

The Township of Ryerson’s current Official Plan was adopted in August 2003 and received approval from the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) in March 2010.

What is a Zoning By-law

A Zoning By-law is a regulatory document that implements the policies of the Official Plan by setting out detailed provisions for how land can be used and developed within a municipality. It establishes land uses and development standards to support sustainable growth and development.

The Township of Ryerson’s current Zoning By-law was approved in October 2014.

“Have Your Say”

Public engagement is a foundational component to this project. This project webpage will host relevant documents and updates. It will provide opportunities for members of the public to provide input and feedback and allow residents to subscribe to project updates as more information becomes available.

Public Open Houses and Engagement Sessions will be held in accordance with the Planning Act requirements, providing residents and special interest groups the opportunity to provide project feedback.

Our approach to engaging the Township of Ryerson is outlined in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. This Plan outlines the engagement goals, approach and methods, and plan/schedule to ensure a transparent planning process.

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

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

TO PROVIDE A COMMENT CONTACT: clerk@ryersontownship.ca

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Project Timeline

Phase 1

Project Initiation

• Pre-consultation with Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)
• Background review
• Introductory Brief to Council
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan

Phase 2

Official Plan Review

• Draft Official Plan and schedules
• Open house, engagement sessions and Statutory Public Meeting
• Adoption of Official Plan by Council
• Formal submission package to MMAH

Phase 3

Zoning By-law Update

• Draft Zoning By-law and schedules
• Open house, engagement sessions, and Statutory Public Meeting
• Council approval of new Zoning By-law