Learn about the City’s Official Plan Review

NEW evening sessions added in June!

Through the Official Plan Review, the City of Vaughan is planning the future of Vaughan. The review is well underway – and the updated plan is starting to take shape. This plan will guide the community’s growth into 2051 and your input has been vital in its development. Feedback collected throughout the review process has helped City staff identify community needs, determine focus areas and establish priorities. Want to learn more about what’s been done to date? Do you have questions about where the update is headed? Community sessions are taking place in your neighbourhood – come talk to the City planners updating the Vaughan Official Plan!

Join a community session – NEW EVENING TIMES ADDED!

Community sessions are taking place throughout May and June in Vaughan community centres. Attend one nearest you to talk to the planners updating the Official Plan. You’ll learn more about the process, including what steps have been taken to date and what the team is working towards, and can speak to us about what you love most about living, working or playing in Vaughan. Can’t attend in person? Share your feedback with us online!

Here’s the schedule of upcoming events:

Ward 1: Pierre Berton Heritage Centre (10418 Islington Ave.)

• Monday, June 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ward 2: Al Palladini Community Centre (9201 Islington Ave.)

• Wednesday, May 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the main lobby
• Monday, June 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Activity Room #1

Ward 3: Vellore Village Community Centre (1 Villa Royale Ave.)

• Thursday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main lobby
• Thursday, June 22 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Activity Room #2

Ward 4: North Thornhill Community Centre (300 Pleasant Ridge Ave.)

• Monday, June 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Activity Room A

Ward 5: Dufferin Clark Community Centre (1441 Clark Ave. W.)

• Tuesday, June 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Activity Room #1

Feedback received from all engagement opportunities, including workshops, webinars, surveys, public meetings and more, have helped create the draft community-based vision and guiding principles for the draft updated Official Plan. All feedback is captured in the Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report.

Learn more about the City’s Official Plan Review at vaughan.ca/OPR. Answers to your frequently asked questions are provided below:

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 establishes a policy framework to guide the physical, social, environmental and economic development of the city’s communities. The Vaughan Official Plan:

• 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 align with new provincial policies, plans and growth targets for people and jobs.

Why is the Vaughan Official Plan being reviewed?

Vaughan’s communities are constantly growing and changing. 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 570,400 people. Additionally, businesses in the city will also 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 the 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, and help guide this expansive growth to ensure Vaughan continues to be a great place to live, work and play.

How long will the Official Plan Review take?

As a progressive and growing Greater Toronto Area municipality, Vaughan is large and complex. The Official Plan Review is expected to be completed in late 2023. Time is required to review all existing policies, conform with recent changes to provincial plans and policies and align with the updated York Region Official Plan. The City will continue to involve the community every step of the way and report back on progress throughout the life of the project. 

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 email list – call 905-832-2281 ext. 8699, or email oprmanager@vaughan.ca to be added.

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