2026 Official Plan Review

The City of Brantford is undertaking a review of its Official Plan, Envisioning Our City: 2051 to ensure the Official Plan remains current, aligns with provincial requirements, and continues to support Brantford’s long-term growth and development objectives.

The 2026 Official Plan Review will assess growth forecasts, including long-term population and employment growth, land needs, growth management strategies, and other key planning matters. Through this process, the City will update the Official Plan to ensure it remains responsive to community needs and emerging planning priorities.

Stages and Status

The Official Plan Review will be completed in two stages. The City is currently undertaking Stage 1, which focuses on growth management, employment lands, and policy updates needed to address recent provincial planning and legislative changes.

Stage 1: Growth Management and Employment Areas

Population

Review population growth over the 30 year horizon, considering greenfield (undeveloped land in an urban or rural area)and infill development trends and broader regional market.

Settlement Area Expansion and Growth Management

Review policies related to settlement area boundary expansions, growth management, and development phasing to support orderly and efficient growth.

Employment Area Review

Review existing employment land needs in accordance with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, identify lands to be retained for employment uses, and evaluate opportunities for more flexible or transitional designations where appropriate.

Technical Matters

Update the Official Plan to align with the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024, including revised terminology, policy direction, emerging planning tools, and other technical amendments.

Stage 2: Province-wide Framework Alignment, Intensification, and Technical Matters

Stage 2 will focus on aligning the Official Plan with the proposed new Province-wide Official Plan Framework and reviewing the City’s intensification strategy, including strategic growth areas, mixed-use designations, and the future policy framework for Downtown Brantford.

The City will also consider additional technical and housekeeping amendments through the administration of the Official Plan and planning applications. A detailed scope of work will be presented to Council following the completion of Stage 1.

Get Involved

Community engagement will be a key component of the Official Plan Review. Information on public meetings, engagement events, and project milestones will be posted as the project progresses. You can subscribe to this project page to be notified as updates occur.