Planning the future of Vaughan

Learn about the City’s Official Plan Review

The City of Vaughan’s Official Plan 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? Pop-up exhibits are taking place in your neighbourhood – come talk to the planners shaping the future of Vaughan!

Get inspired; Get involved

Pop-up exhibits are taking place throughout May in Vaughan community centres. Drop in to one nearest you to talk to the planners updating the draft 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 speak to us about what you love most about living, working or playing in Vaughan. Can’t attend? Tell us here!

Here’s the schedule of upcoming events:

• Ward 1: Maple Community Centre (10190 Keele St.) on Tuesday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon.   
• Ward 2: Al Palladini Community Centre (9201 Islington Ave.) on Wednesday, May 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Ward 3: Vellore Village Community Centre (1 Villa Royale Ave.) on Thursday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ward 4: North Thornhill Community Centre (300 Pleasant Ridge Ave.) on Wednesday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Ward 5: Dufferin Clark Community Centre (1441 Clark Ave. W.) on Friday, May 12 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Feedback received from all engagement opportunities, including workshops, webinars, surveys, public meetings and more, have helped create the community-based vision and guiding principles for the updated Vaughan 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 City’s 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 and plans, including the Provincial Policy Statement, Greenbelt Plan, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and 2051 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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