Province of Ontario approves Regional Official Plan

Whitby, ON – Last week, the Province of Ontario approved The Regional Municipality of Durham’s new Regional Official Plan (ROP), in part, with modifications. The new ROP is the culmination of work completed through Envision Durham, the Municipal Comprehensive Review.

Durham Region is growing. Today, the region is home to more than 750,000 people. By the year 2051, our population is expected to grow to 1.3 million people, with more than 460,000 jobs in the region.

Adopted by Durham Regional Council on May 17, 2023, and now approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the new ROP provides policies and strategic directions that guide future growth, infrastructure and service delivery, land use planning and development-related matters to ensure an improved quality of life – to nurture a healthy, safe, convenient and active, present and future for Durham residents.

An updated version of the ROP will be shared in the coming weeks. To learn more about Envision Durham and for more information on the ROP, visit durham.ca/EnvisionDurham.

Quotes

“The vision of the new Regional Official Plan is to create healthy, complete and sustainable communities within the region, shaping Durham into a great place to live, work, play, grow and invest. The Region is pleased to have the Province’s support on enacting this vision through our area municipalities—although a decision has been withheld on the northeast Pickering urban expansion lands that overlap with the Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) which restricts most development. While extensive consultation has been facilitated between Indigenous rights holders and key stakeholders throughout the process, more facilitation has been requested to secure a path forward. We look forward to continuing meaningful collaboration and partnership with Indigenous Peoples, the City of Pickering and local stakeholders, that began more than five years ago and continued throughout the entire project.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

“With the projected growth forecasted in Durham Region over the next decade and beyond, it is more critical than ever to have a clear vision to guide future growth. It is the foundation on which other key components can build on, to create a community that is equipped for both its present challenges and the future demands of its population. Envision Durham provides the overarching framework for Durham’s area municipalities as they proceed to update their own official plans, and we look forward to working with all right holders and stakeholders to implement this vision and build a successful future for all residents.”

- Brian Bridgeman, Commissioner, Planning and Economic Development

“I would like to thank the public, area municipalities, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities and agency stakeholders for their participation and contributions so far in developing the new Regional Official Plan. This is truly a community effort to create a better future for Durham residents. I am encouraged to see continued partnership between all levels of government and within our local community—the future is bright for Durham Region.”

- Bob Chapman, Chair, Planning and Economic Development Committee

– 30 –

For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.