We've begun the process of updating our Official Plan and will be providing opportunities for you to give your input. The Official Plan guides long-term growth, land use and development in our community.

Status of our new Official Plan

The new Official Plan is entering its final stages.  The draft Official Plan is forthcoming and will be provided to the County when available in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act.  An open house and public meeting will be held in September. If you would like to be notified of the open house or public meeting, please subscribe to this page.

Comments regarding the Official Plan can be submitted at any time to the Township via email or submit your comments in writing by mail or at our Administration Office (1024 Hurlwood Lane, Severn).  

Mailing address:

Township of Severn
PO Box 159
Orillia, Ontario
L3V 6J3

Discussion paper

Building on our visioning sessions, we released our discussion paper for public review and comment in late 2021. 

View our discussion paper

Frequently asked questions

Review some frequently asked questions.

What's an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is the primary tool for implementing our goals and objectives. The Official Plan will establish 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.
How long will the review take?

Over a year and a half, we'll complete the Official Plan Review in three phases:

  1. thorough background research, including opportunities for community input
  2. preparation of a draft Official Plan
  3. finalization and adoption of the new Official Plan
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 Policy Statement
  • Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
  • 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 approves the new Official Plan?
The new Official Plan will be considered by Council and the County of Simcoe. The County’s decision is subject to appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
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.
What will the new Official Plan include?

Our new Official Plan will address 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

Since we adopted our current Official Plan, we identified 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
Will there be opportunities for comment and input?

We want the Official Plan to reflect community goals and priorities. We encourage you to get involved! You can participate in the process in many ways:

  • visioning workshop
  • virtual stakeholder meetings
  • statutory public open houses and meetings
How can I stay informed?

We'll provide information about the project through a range of methods and channels:

Get connected, subscribe to this page and stay informed!

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