East Nipissing Planning Board - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

The new Official Plan for the East Nipissing Planning Area, adopted by By-law 2021-01 on January 21, 2021 was approved as modified on June 25, 2021. Fifteen (15) 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; and the identification, protection and conservation of ecologically sensitive areas or processes.

Of the fifteen (15) modifications two (2) specifically relate to the environment. For consistency with the Natural Heritage policies of the PPS (PPS Section 2.1), modification # 6 clarifies when development would trigger the need for an environmental impact study (EIS) in relation to the presence of endangered or threatened species and/or their habitat. For consistency with Water policies of the (PPS Section 2.2) modification #8 clarifies when a lake capacity assessment is required when development is proposed on a lake where the capacity is unknown, or the lake is near capacity. Modification #8 also clarifies that for lakes at capacity, lot creation shall not be permitted within 300 metres of the lake, and their permanently flowing tributary streams except for certain circumstances as outlined in the plan.

Other Information

Pursuant to subsection 17 (36.5) and (38.1) and subsection 21(3) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding the Official Plan for the East Nipissing Planning Area adopted in accordance with Section 17 and Section 26 is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, the Official Plan, as approved by the Minister, came into effect on June 26, 2021.