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

In February 2024, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received a complete application from the Town of Cobalt for approval of their newly approved OP (By-law 2024-01) which was adopted by Cobalt's municipal council on January 23, 2024.

The new official plan will replace the existing plan, which came into effect in 2009. The new plan is intended to guide growth and physical (land use) change across the planning area, while incorporating provincial objectives and community-driven priorities.

The proposed official plan will be reviewed for consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement, the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, and matters of provincial interest as expressed in the Planning Act. 

Matters of provincial interest include the protection of ecological systems, conservation and management of natural resources, supply of affordable housing, provision of employment opportunities and protection of economic well-being, efficient land use, conservation of energy and water, waste management, among other interests. The proposed official plan is a result of the Town of Cobalt's review of the official plan currently in effect, as required under section 26 of the Planning Act.

The Ministry will review all feedback received before presenting any potential modifications to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for a decision in accordance with sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act. As set out in subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, the decision of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding an official plan adopted in accordance with section 26 is final and not subject to appeal.