The City of Port Colborne has initiated the development of a New Official Plan. This plan will establish a long-term vision for managing growth, infrastructure, land use, development, and environmental protection in Port Colborne through 2056.
Port Colborne's Draft Official Plan is available for public review:
Email planning@portcolborne.ca if you have ideas, feedback, or comments to share regarding Port Colborne's New Official Plan.
What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a key planning document that guides land use and sets a long-term vision for community growth and development. It includes goals and policies that outline:
Where homes, businesses, and infrastructure should be located
How to protect natural and built environments
How to foster sustainable growth
In Ontario, all planning decisions must align with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS). Port Colborne’s New Official Plan will implement these provincial directions while considering local priorities.
Purpose of the New Official Plan
The City of Port Colborne’s current Official Plan was approved in 2013 and last updated in 2017. In accordance with the Planning Act, municipalities are required to review their Official Plans at least every 10 years. Since the last update, significant provincial, regional, and local planning regulatory changes have occurred. Port Colborne’s New Official Plan will address:
The Province of Ontario has introduced New planning rules and priorities. The New Official Plan will ensure Port Colborne aligns with these updated requirements.
Previously, the Niagara Region was the primary approval authority for most planning decisions. Recent changes have transferred this responsibility to municipalities. Port Colborne’s New Official Plan will integrate the Niagara Region’s Official Plan to create one unified framework for future growth. The shift in planning authority provides greater local control, and ensures planning decisions reflect what best serves Port Colborne.
Port Colborne’s New Official Plan must align with the provincial directions outlined in the 2024 Provincial Planning Statement.
Recent provincial initiatives aim to accelerate housing construction and support development. These priorities will be incorporated into the New Official Plan, ensuring Port Colborne is well positioned for future growth.
Project Timeline
Port Colborne’s New Official Plan is scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Below is an overview of the project phases:
Background research and initial consultations have been completed.
Analysis to identify policy directions is underway.
Public engagement is set to begin in February 2026.
As a result of Bill 23, the City of Port Colborne is now the primary approval authority for Official Plan amendments and development applications. However, the 2022 Niagara Official Plan (NOP) remains in effect. The City of Port Colborne will review and integrate its policies to ensure the New Official Plan aligns with regional guidance.
The City of Port Colborne is committed to an open and ongoing community engagement process. Residents will have multiple opportunities to provide input and share ideas as the project progresses. Updates and information about upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared on this webpage and through the City of Port Colborne’s social media channels.
The City of Port Colborne’s New Official Plan is expected to be completed in Fall 2026. The project will follow a phased approach, including background research, policy analysis, public engagement, and review by Port Colborne City Council.
