Smiths Falls council has approved a new official plan that will guide how the town grows and develops over the next 25 to 30 years.
The plan, presented by Development Services Manager Karl Grenke, is the result of more than three years of work and public consultation.
Grenke says the document builds on the town’s existing official plan while updating policies to reflect provincial requirements and newer municipal master plans.
The new plan also identifies areas for future residential growth. Grenke says the previous plan anticipated about 1,000 new housing units by 2034, with much of that forecast already reached by 2023.
He says there is now limited land designated for future residential development, making the new plan important for preparing for the town’s next phase of growth.
Councillors praised staff, consultants and residents who contributed to the process.
Council also discussed creating a plain-language guide to make the lengthy document easier for residents, businesses and future councils to use.
The approved plan will now be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review and final approval.
