Notice of Special Meeting of Council Review of the West Lincoln Official Plan
Have your say in West Lincoln’s Future!
A public meeting to initiate the New Official Plan is being held under provision of Section 26 of the Planning Act.
Meeting Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Township Administration Building, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville
This meeting can be attended in-person. If you do not wish to speak, this public meeting will be livestreamed at: www.westlincoln.ca/OfficialPlan
What is an Official Plan?
An Official Plan is a long-range land use planning document that includes a vision, goals, and policies to guide growth and change. West Lincoln’s new Official Plan will provide direction for land use and development in the Township through to 2051. It must be consistent with Provincial policy and conform to applicable Provincial plans. The purpose of preparing a new Official Plan is to reflect the current Provincial planning framework and support the strategic goals and priorities of the community and Council.
Creating a New Official Plan
West Lincoln’s current Official Plan was adopted by Council in 2014 to guide growth and development in the Township until 2031. Since then, the Plan has been amended several times, and significant changes have been made to Provincial legislation and policy. On March 31, 2025, the Province removed planning responsibilities from Niagara Region. As a result, the Niagara Region Official Plan now applies as a local plan in West Lincoln and will remain in effect until the Township adopts its new Official Plan. These changes have created the need for a new Official Plan that reflects the current planning framework, is easier to use and provides clear direction for future development applications.
The New Official Plan
The new Official Plan will address where and how West Lincoln will grow, including housing and affordability, employment, transportation, environmental protection, agriculture, cultural heritage and climate change. It will also reflect the Township’s strategic priorities and be designed for easy online use.
Have Your Say!
Public input into the development of the new Official Plan is welcomed and encouraged. You can provide input by speaking at the Special Meeting of Council, participating in future engagement events, completing the online survey or submitting comments through the project webpage.
For more information and to complete the survey, visit www.westlincoln.ca/OfficialPlan. The webpage will be updated throughout the Official Plan process. You can also contact staff by calling Township Administration during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contacts:
Gerrit Boerema, Director of Growth and Sustainability
Susan Smyth, Manager of Community Planning and Design
Township of West Lincoln, Planning Division
318 Canborough Street, Smithville, Ontario, L0R 2A0
Telephone: 905-957-3346
Email: OfficialPlan@westlincoln.ca