Find out what’s new with Vaughan’s Official Plan Review

The City of Vaughan’s Official Plan Review continues. This updated plan will guide the city’s growth for the next 30 years and beyond – including updated policies to plan for complete communities, environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic development. 

Much has happened since the review process began in 2021. The City held various public engagement opportunities, recommended key policy directions, drafted policies and amendments to official plan schedules, and more. However, due to significant changes to provincial legislation and regional policy, the City’s Official Plan Review workplan has shifted. 

The format has been revised to consolidate the ongoing Official Plan Amendment Part A and Part B work into a single Official Plan Amendment. Separating the review into two parts is no longer required or preferable as provincial legislative changes caused delays in the adoption of the conformity amendment (Part A). This also provides the City more time to ensure its draft update conforms to all new provincial and regional plans and policies, and a larger window for public engagement activities and receiving public feedback on the entire Official Plan Amendment prior to the statutory consultation period. 

The timeline has also changed. The next draft amendment will be released this June. Late September, the third draft of the amendment will be issued. Additional community engagement will take place this October. The final draft update will be developed this November, with adoption targeted for December 2024. 

For more information, read the Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Committee of the Whole (1) Report: Official Plan Review Update Report or visit vaughan.ca/OPR. 

Here are answers to your frequently asked questions about this project: 

What is an Official Plan?

An Official Plan outlines the vision for the future of a city, including responsible governance, sustainable planning, economic leadership, transparency, accountability and inclusivity. It is a strategic planning document that:

• implements goals, objectives and land use policies to serve the community.

• directs density, housing supply, protection of environmental features and agricultural areas, cultural heritage preservation and more.

• guides growth and development to implement the vision for Vaughan’s long-term evolution.

The updated Vaughan Official Plan must also align with new provincial policies, plans and growth targets for people and jobs. 

Why is the Vaughan Official Plan being reviewed? 

Vaughan is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, with a population of more than 344,412 people and 240,100 jobs in 2022. Now through 2051, Vaughan will become home to 228,800 more people, bringing the total expected population to more than 570,400 people. Additionally, businesses in the city will offer 111,400 more jobs, bringing the total employment figure to approximately 351,500 jobs. This expected growth will account for almost one-third of York Region’s growth over the next three decades. The City is updating the existing Vaughan Official Plan 2010 to better meet the needs of current and future residents, workers and visitors. 

Has the community been involved?

Yes! Residents have been engaged since the start of the review process. Additional engagement opportunities will be available later this year. 

How can I stay informed?

Learn more about the City’s Official Plan Review at vaughan.ca/OPR. You can also request to join the Official Plan Review mailing list by emailing oprmanager@vaughan.ca.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.