Napanee’s Official Plan, which guides growth and development across Ontario municipalities, is undergoing its regular five-year review. Resident Hubert Hogle raised concerns about the current draft, focusing on downtown building height, land uses, urban boundary modifications, and fringe area policies.
Hogle questioned why the plan limits downtown to only nine permitted uses and suggested replacing “permitted” with “encouraged.” Arcadis IBI Group reviewed the concerns and recommended more inclusive language, such as “including, but not limited to,” for flexibility.
Hogle also argued that certain issues in the Official Plan should be addressed in zoning bylaws instead. However, Michael Nobes, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure, explained that the Official Plan provides a framework for zoning bylaws to ensure consistency and prevent undesirable developments.
Modifications to the urban boundary are designed to give homeowners more flexibility for property severances, while fringe area policies prioritize growth in areas with planned services.
Mayor Terry Richardson praised the staff’s efforts, stating that the plan strikes a balance between providing clear guidelines and allowing room for adjustments as needed.
The town continues to review and refine the Official Plan based on feedback, ensuring it meets both current and future development needs.
Written by Emily Chatwood