The Official Plan sets the general policies that guide the physical growth of the Municipality of Whitestone, and promotes sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment. The Municipality is a large, lake strewn area, dominated by white pine trees, and these features, along with its proximity to southern Ontario, make Whitestone an appealing recreation and retirement community.
Official Plan Review
The Municipality of Whitestone is reviewing its Official Plan!
The Official Plan and schedules for the Municipality of Whitestone are currently under review. An Official Plan is a policy document that sets out the goals and objectives for the Municipality’s future growth and development.
The Planning Act, which governs land use planning in Ontario, requires that the Municipality’s Official Plan be reviewed and updated to ensure it conforms to Provincial plans and is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. The Official Plan must also conform to the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.
The current Municipal Official Plan was last amended in 2016. The Municipality is now undertaking a review of the Plan, as required by the Planning Act.
The Municipality encourages everyone to get involved and provide input throughout the Official Plan review. There will be opportunities for public feedback during the update process.
Once approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), the Municipality’s Official Plan would be required to be updated every 10 years.
Should you desire to express written comments on the Official Plan Review, please submit comments in writing to the Planning Assistant at paula.macri@whitestone.ca. Please reference the term “New Official Plan” in the subject line of your email. The comments will be added to the public record and considered by staff throughout the Official Plan Review process.
Special Meeting to Inform the Public of an Official Plan Review
The Municipality held a Section 26 Public Meeting on March 18, 2025:
Notice of a Special Meeting to Inform the Public of an Official Plan Review
March 18, 2025 - Section 26 Special Meeting. Presentation
It is anticipated that the first draft of the new Official Plan will be released for public review in the summer of 2025. A Public Open House is also expected to be held in August 2025.
Appeal Process and Support
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hears cases in relation to a range of municipal planning and land matters. These include matters such as official plans, zoning by-laws, subdivision plans, consents and minor variances, and other issues.
The Citizen's Guide to OLT offers more information.
Resources
Please see the folders below for more information: