Cultivating West Lincoln: New Official Plan
New Official Plan
Rooted in the strengths of our community while looking toward the future, the Township of West Lincoln is creating a new Official Plan.
Take the survey
Complete our short survey to tell us what you love about West Lincoln, your hopes and concerns, and your vision for the future of our community.
Overview
West Lincoln is creating a new Official Plan to set a long-term vision for our community. An Official Plan is a policy document that guides municipal planning about land use, development and growth over time. Looking ahead to 2051, the Plan will shape decisions about housing, jobs, transportation, agriculture, parks, community services, infrastructure and environmental protection. It will help preserve what makes West Lincoln unique while supporting a community that remains a great place to live, visit and do business for generations to come.
Why is a new Official Plan needed?
West Lincoln is preparing a new Official Plan to respond to recent changes to Ontario’s planning system. The new Official Plan will replace the Township’s current Official Plan and become the main local planning document for West Lincoln. It will also incorporate the land use planning policies that were previously set out in the Niagara Official Plan. This will ensure West Lincoln’s planning framework reflects current provincial direction and is positioned for future success.
Project goals
The new Official Plan will:
- Create a shared vision for the future of West Lincoln.
- Manage growth while protecting the township’s rural and agricultural character.
- Support a range of housing options to meet the needs of current and future residents.
- Encourage economic development, local businesses and job opportunities.
- Plan for the infrastructure, transportation networks, parks and community services needed to support future neighbours.
- Balance new development with the conservation of heritage buildings.
- Protect natural heritage features, water resources and the environment while strengthening our resilience to climate change.
Project timeline
Phase 1: Project Initiation and Visioning (Summer 2026)
Gather early input on community strengths, values and priorities for the future.
Phase 2: Background Research and Policy Directions (Fall 2026)
Review existing conditions, growth trends and planning policies while engaging the community on emerging themes and policy directions.
Phase 3: Draft Official Plan (Winter–Spring 2027)
Develop and share draft policy directions and recommendations for community input.
Phase 4: Refine Draft Official Plan (Spring–Summer 2027)
Present the draft Official Plan, gather community feedback and refine the document.
Phase 5: Finalize and Approve Official Plan (Summer–Fall 2027)
Finalize the Official Plan, seek Council adoption and submit the Plan for provincial approval.
Get involved
We want to hear from you. Input from residents, businesses, community interest groups, First Nations and regional partners is critical to shaping the vision for West Lincoln’s future.
There will be several opportunities to participate and help inform the new Official Plan, including surveys and public open houses. Upcoming engagement opportunities will be posted on this page as the project progresses.
Complete our short survey to tell us what you love about West Lincoln, your hopes and concerns, and your vision for the future of our community.
Contact
If you have questions or feedback about this project, please contact:
Gerrit Boerema, Director, Growth and Sustainability
Susan Smyth, Manager, Community Planning and Design
Township of West Lincoln
officialplan@westlincoln.ca
905-957-3346