Community Growth and Economic Development
As of January 1, 2025, the Planning and Economic Development Department was renamed the Community Growth and Economic Development Department. This change reflects the department's evolving roles and responsibilities with an emphasis on sustainable growth and collaboration in Durham Region. For additional information, please read the full Council Report.
The Regional Municipality of Durham's Community Growth and Economic Development Department consists of three divisions that are responsible for establishing and implementing a long-term vision for the growth and economic prosperity of the region.
Community Growth Division
The Planning Division was renamed the Community Growth Division.
The Community Growth Division consists of four sections committed to delivering professional and high-quality services for residents, businesses and government:
| Development Advisory Services |
| Previously known as the Plan Implementation section, which historically led the development approvals function, the new Development Advisory Services section effectively co-ordinates Regional comments on local development applications and other planning matters. |
| Integrated Growth Management and Policy |
| The Policy Planning and Special Studies section is now the Integrated Growth Management and Policy section, driving integrated planning initiatives. This section provides input that guides future development based on their specialized knowledge of the Durham Regional Official Plan and various policy topics. |
| Transportation Planning |
| The Transportation Planning section implements the Durham Transportation Master Plan by undertaking projects and initiatives that support active transportation, cycling, carpooling, and the identification and protection of long-term transportation network needs. For additional information, please visit our Transportation Planning page. |
| GIS & Visualization |
| The GIS & Visualization section specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping, spatial and data analysis, and delivering custom graphics, dashboards, and infographics. The section’s dedication to providing reliable and solid data, creating visual products, and leveraging new technology helps people understand complex information easily, enhances community engagement, promotes transparency, and supports informed decision-making. |
Citizen engagement is encouraged and facilitated through the involvement of advisory committees on agriculture, environment and active transportation.
PLANit Online Development Application Tracking Tool
Please select the link below to access PLANit and view the status of your development application(s).
PLANit
NOTE: Applications can now be submitted online.
Economic Development and Tourism Division
The Economic Development and Tourism Division promotes Durham Region as an ideal place to establish and do business while enjoying a high quality of life.
The division's main objectives are to create job opportunities, increase the property tax base and nurture private sector investment. To accomplish these objectives, the division engages in strategic business missions, partners with local area municipalities, industry, educational institutions and various international agencies.
Business attraction, retention and expansion, as well as visitor attraction are of the highest priority.
Key sectors include:
- Agri-business
- Energy
- Environment and engineering (EN3)
- Health sciences
- Innovative technology
- Manufacturing
- Tourism
These are promoted through the development of goal-oriented programs, key partnerships, and marketing campaigns and effective response to investment inquiries.
Rapid Transit and Transit Oriented Development Office
The Rapid Transit and Active Transportation Implementation (RTATI) and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Office works in tandem to coordinate and plan rapid transit projects around high-density development to create transit-oriented communities.
The TOD team works with key stakeholders across the Region to coordinate the planning of the GO Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville and intersects with other Regional departments such as: Government Relations, Finance, Legal and Community Growth to facilitate the delivery of capital projects.
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