The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward - Approval of a municipality’s official plan

The new Official Plan, as approved with modifications provides guidance in land use planning decisions in the County aimed at building strong and resilient communities that:

• offer a broad range of housing types (including affordable housing and additional residential units);
• fosters economic development and tourism opportunities; and
• manages growth that is financially feasible while optimizing investments made in public infrastructure and services.

The new Official Plan also contains policies to guide land use planning decisions aimed at protecting and managing the County's resources, including but not limited to:

• protecting a natural heritage system containing a variety of provincially and locally significant natural heritage features (e.g. wetlands, areas of natural and scientific interest, wildlife habitat); 
• protecting prime agricultural areas for the long-term use of agriculture;
• protecting mineral aggregate resources and operations from incompatible activities;
• protecting groundwater and surface water when considering development applications; and
• protecting cultural and archaeological heritage resources.

The Official Plan, as approved with modifications, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2020. The eleven (11) Ministerial modifications were necessary to ensure matters of provincial interest are protected. An overview of the modifications is as follows

• Provide clarity with respect to the development of Accessory Residential Units (ARUs) in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act
• Be consistent with the PPS with respect to:
  • Require the County to maintain the ability to accommodate 15 years of supply of housing;
  • Protect employment areas for the long-term;
  • Clarify uses permitted in prime agricultural areas;
  • Protect mineral aggregate operations and known deposits of mineral aggregate resources; and
  • Protect water quality when considering large developments and confirm sufficient wastewater reserve capacity when considering lot creation.
• Ensure the existing Secondary Plans of the County’s Urban Areas are carried forward as part of the Minister’s approval as they provide the planning policy details for permitted uses and development in these areas.

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 County of Prince Edward 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 July 8, 2021.