Official Plan Review

The Township has initiated it's Official Plan Review, “Envisioning Our Uxbridge”.

“Envisioning Our Uxbridge”

“Envisioning Our Uxbridge”, will shape and consolidate the former Regional Official Plan and the Township Official Plan into a single document. The approach to the Township Official Plan review will update the vision and planning framework in the official plan to ensure the best quality of life for the community, both socially and economically, while accommodating the anticipated growth in the Township.

What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan is a municipalities long range document, that provides the framework for land use decision-making in the Township. It represents the vision for growth and change within the Township. The policies within the Official Plan ensure that growth occurs responsibly, and that resources are used efficiently and sustainably. An Official Plan deals with matters such as:

where new housing, industry, offices and shops will be located;
what services will be needed to support growth, such as roads, watermains, sewers, parks, and schools;
creating opportunities for residents to connect socially, culturally, as well as preserve and enjoy the natural environment;
when, and in what order, parts of the community will grow; and
where, and how, the Township will invest in community improvement initiatives.

Why Review the Official Plan

The Planning Act requires the Township to, not less frequently than every five years for a plan which is not a new official plan, revise the official plan to ensure that it:

conforms to provincial plans or does not conflict them;
has regard to matters of provincial interest listed in Section 2 of the Planning Act; and,
is consistent with policy statements issued under Section 3(1) of the Planning Act.

Given the number of recent proposed, and approved, changes to Provincial legislation, policy, and plans, and a new Regional Official Plan, make continuing with this approach not viable. A comprehensive review is now required.

Stay Informed and Provide Feedback

Contact us with any comments or questions or to be added to the Interested Party List to learn of upcoming reports or events:

Email the Official Plan Review

Envision Durham is now one of Uxbridge's Official Plans

Provincial Change: Region of Durham loses planning responsibility

On October 25, 2022, the Province tabled Bill 23 which introduced fundamental changes to the land use planning system in Ontario through legislative amendments to the Planning Act, the Conservation Authorities Act, the Development Charges Act and other pieces of legislation. One of the significant changes was to remove planning authority from upper-tier municipalities, including the Region of Durham.

The majority of Bill 23 received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022. However, the parts of Bill 23 that proposed to make changes to the upper tier planning responsibilities did not come into effect at the time.

On November 5, 2024, the province announced that on January 1, 2025, the Regional Municipality of Durham would be deemed an upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities. All the Region’s land use planning functions and responsibilities have been downloaded to the local municipalities effective January 1, 2025. This includes making the recently approved Region of Durham Official Plan, “Envision Durham”, a local Official Plan for all lower tier municipalities in the Region, including Uxbridge.

What does this mean for Uxbridge?

Essentially, the The Township of Uxbridge now has two Official Plans, until Uxbridge revokes Envision Durham, or integrates it with the Uxbridge Official Plan. Envision Durham was recently approved by the Province, who is now also the approval authority for the Uxbridge Official Plan. Simply revoking Envision Durham is not seen as a viable option for many reasons.

Through the Township's Official Plan Review process, known as "Envisioning our Uxbridge", Staff will be working to create a plan that incorporates the required parts of Envision Durham into a single Official Plan for Uxbridge.

Learn more about the planning functions and responsibilities that have been downloaded to Uxbridge as a result of the Region of Durham losing its planning authority by reading staff report DS-63/22.

It is important to note that until the Official Plan Review is completed, if there is a conflict between the Uxbridge Official Plan and Envision Durham, the policies in Envision Durham will prevail over the Uxbridge Official Plan.

What is included in the Official Plan Review?

Phase One - Initiating the Plan

On August 12, 2025, Council of the Corporation of the Township of Uxbridge approved the proposed Official Plan Review Workplan.

Workplan (link)

On October 6, 2025, Council of the Corporation of the Township of Uxbridge held a Special Council Meeting.

Notice of Special Council Meeting

Special Council Meeting Minutes

Early Consultation and Research (Ongoing)

The Township is holding a The Township of Uxbridge is holding four public sessions as part of the review. This will include a Vision Workshop, and three separate open houses with respect to issues related to the Uxbridge Urban Area, Rural Area, and Hamlets. Members of the community are invited to attend as many of the sessions that are of interest and/or provide input in writing.

Notice of Vision Workshop and Open Houses

Vision Workshop: November 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

A working session to review the current Township Official Plan Vision, Strategic Directions, Goals and Objectives and establish if they are still relevant or if they should be updated to better reflect the Township’s long-term vision for the future.

Vision Workshop Presentation

Vision Workshop Comment Book

Rural Area Open House: November 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm to 6:00pm

An open house to provide information and an opportunity for public input related to issues identified to date for consideration through the OPR, or other matters of concern. The issues identified include agricultural-related and on-farm diversified uses, additional dwelling units (ADUs), rural employment areas and heritage conservation.

Rural Area Presentation Boards

Rural Area Comment Sheet

Hamlet Open House: November 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Hamlet Areas Presentation Boards

Hamlet Areas Comment Sheet

Urban Area Open House: November 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Urban Area Presentation Boards (To be included following the Open House)

Urban Area Comment Sheet (To be included following the Open House)

Phase Two - Drafting the Plan

Based on all the research and the comments received, a draft Official Plan document will be prepared. Further engagement will take place for the public to review and provide further feedback on the draft maps and policies.

Phase Three - Policy Recommendations

Further revisions will be made, and a final Official Plan document will be presented to Council for adoption.

Phase Four - Final Approval and Implementation

Once adopted by Uxbridge Council, the new Official Plan will be sent to the Province for final approval.