An Official Plan is the primary tool for implementing our goals and objectives. The Official Plan establishes a long-term strategy for growth, land use and development in Severn. The new Official Plan will guide all land use planning and development decisions in Severn for the next 20 years.
Official Plan
Our Official Plan is a long-term plan that provides a policy framework for:
- making land use planning decisions
- managing resources
- protecting the environment
- setting a structure for guiding growth
Adoption of the updated new Official Plan
The Official Plan ensures compliance with current provincial and County of Simcoe plans, policies, and legislation, and reflects the goals and values of the Severn community.
On June 26, 2024 the Township of Severn passed By-law No. 2024-40 under Sections 17 and 26 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended, to adopt or endorse the Official Plan.
New Official Plan Maps and Schedules
On February 25, 2025, the County of Simcoe approved the Township of Severn’s Official Plan, except for a small portion that remains undecided, as explained below.
Maps included within the new Official Plan show the different land uses, functions, infrastructure and resources within the Township.
These are found within the new Official Plan Schedules:
- revised new Official Plan Policy Text
- Schedule A – Settlement and Land Use Structure
- Schedule B – Land Use North
- Schedule C – Land Use South
- Schedule D – Natural Heritage Features
- Schedule E - Transportation
- Schedule F – Overlays
- Schedule G – Source Water Protection
- Schedule SA1 – Settlement Areas 1
- Schedule SA2 – Settlement Areas 2
Official Plan Amendments
If you're proposing a new development that doesn't align with the Township's Official Plan, you may need to submit a planning application for an Official Plan Amendment. We strongly recommend booking a pre-consultation meeting with our Planning and Development team before submitting any application.
Non-decision regarding the new Official Plan
As part of its decision to approve the new Official Plan, the County of Simcoe’s approval does not extend to the following sections, which remain subject to a non-decision:
- 6.5 Supporting Employment
- 11.5 Settlement Employment
- 11.13 Highway Employment
- 11.14 Resort Employment
These sections are expected to be updated to better align with the employment policies of the 2024 Provincial Policy Statement, following the Employment Area Study currently being conducted in partnership with the County.
How the non-decision affects the policies of the new Official Plan
Where policies are subject to a non-decision by County of Simcoe Council, the previous Township of Severn Official Plan (2010) will remain in effect.
In cases where the 2010 Official Plan policies reference other sections of the Official Plan, the new Official Plan (2024) will apply, except for those sections subject to a non-decision.
For further details, please refer to the County of Simcoe report (CCW-2025-046) regarding the non-decision, available at the link below.
Previous Official Plan (2010)
Township of Severn's previous Official Plan (2010) set local planning goals and objectives that were consistent with the County of Simcoe's Official Plan and other provincial policies, and was in effect before the adoption of Severn's new Official Plan in June 2024.
As noted above, where policies are subject to a non-decision by County of Simcoe Council, the previous Township of Severn’s Official Plan (2010) will continue to be in effect.
Maps and Schedules
Maps included within the Official Plan (2010) show the different land uses, functions, infrastructure and resources within the Township.
These are found within the Official Plan Schedules:
- Schedule A – North Land Use
- Schedule A – South Land Use
- Schedule A1 – Coldwater Settlement Area
- Schedule A2 – Washago Settlement Area
- Schedule A3 – Westshore Development Area
- Schedule A4 – Port Severn Settlement Area
- Schedule A5 – Ardtrea Settlement Area
- Schedule A6 – Bass Lake and Marchmont Settlement Area
- Schedule A7 – Fesserton Settlement Area
- Schedule A8 – Severn Falls Settlement Area
- Schedule A9 – South of Division Road Secondary Plan
- Schedule A10 – South of Division Road Special Policy Area
- Schedule B – Transportation and Servicing
- Schedule B1 – South of Division Road – Road Plan
- Schedule C –Aggregate Resource Potential Area
- Schedule D – Waste Disposal Assessment Area
- Schedule D1 – Flood Proofing Area - Coldwater
- Schedule E – Agricultural Land Classing Area
- Schedule F – Environmentally Sensitive Area
Frequently asked questions
Review some frequently asked questions.
How long did the review to develop the new Official Plan (2024) take?
We updated the Official Plan Review in four phases over a four year period:
- thorough background research, including opportunities for community input
- preparation of a draft Official Plan
- finalization and adoption of the new Official Plan
- new modifications in response to review and recommendations by the County of Simcoe and proposed provincial policy changes
What guides the preparation of the new Official Plan?
There are several planning documents that guide land use planning in Ontario, including:
- Planning Act
- Provincial Planning Statement
- County of Simcoe Official Plan
County of Simcoe's Municipal Comprehensive Review will determine a growth management plan until 2051. This will help refine the provincial natural heritage and agricultural systems. These systems are currently defined and designated by the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Who approved the new Official Plan?
The new Official Plan was adopted by Township of Severn Council, and considered, modified, and approved by the County of Simcoe Council.
Will this impact the zoning of my property?
The new Official Plan may impact the zoning of your property. The Planning Act requires that we update our Zoning By-law three years after the plan is approved. Visit our Zoning page to access our Zoning Map.
What does the new Official Plan include?
Our new Official Plan addresses the following planning and policy areas:
- achieving sustainable development
- delivering a sufficient supply of homes
- building a strong and competitive local economy
- ensuring the vitality of settlement areas and promoting healthy and safe communities
- promoting sustainable transport
- supporting high-quality communications
- making effective use of land
- achieving well-designed places
- conserving and enhancing the natural environment
- conserving and enhancing the historic environment
- meeting the challenge of climate change
We also addressed the following issues:
- shoreline development
- affordable housing
- accessory buildings and structures
- second dwelling units and garden suites
- on-farm diversified uses
- hazard lands
- short-term rentals
- cannabis production facilities
- aggregate operations and associated land use considerations
- rural development
Contact us
1024 Hurlwood Lane
Severn, Ontario
Phone: 705-325-2315
Fax: 705-327-5818
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