Town of Thessalon - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

Decision on instrument

The new Official Plan for the Town of Thessalon, adopted by By-law 2377 on July 6, 2020 was approved as modified on November 5, 2020. Sixteen (16) modifications were required to ensure that the Official Plan has regard for Provincial Interests as set out in Section 2 of the Planning Act and to ensure consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (PPS). The new Official Plan also provides appropriate localized policy direction for the protection and conservation of biological, ecological and genetic diversity; the protection and conservation of natural resources, including plant life, animal life and ecological systems; the encouragement of the wise management of our natural resources, including plant life, animal life and ecological systems; and the identification, protection and conservation of ecologically sensitive areas or processes.

Of the sixteen (16) modifications one (1) is specifically related to the environment. For consistency with the Natural Heritage policies of the PPS (PPS Section 2.1), modification # 10 clarifies that development shall not be permitted in significant coastal wetlands, unevaluated wetlands shall be evaluated prior to development being considered, and that such development should not occur unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts.

Other information

Pursuant to Section 17(36.5) of the Planning Act, the Minister’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.