This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 5719fe83e457 · verified 2026-06-09 ·
original document ·
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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
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# Official Plan
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Planning & Development
Official Plan
## An Official Plan provides policy direction on how land in the community should be used by upper-tier, lower-tier, and single tier municipalities.
As an upper-tier municipality, Dufferin County is responsible for managing growth and providing guidance on land use planning for the County's eight lower-tier municipalities.
Dufferin County is expected to grow to approximately 100,700 people and 41,900 jobs by 2051. This represents an increase in 23,965 people and 8,546 jobs according to the Provincial Policy Statement, 2024. In order to plan and accommodate this growth we are currently reviewing and updating our Official Plan through a process called a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR).
Details on the County MCR process and the in-effect County Official Plan, as well as helpful additional resources and information, can be found below.
### County Municipal Comprehensive Review
To address the predicted growth in population, Dufferin County is working on the MCR - a series of studies that will influence Dufferin's Official Plan and shape the growth of Dufferin County for the next 30 years.
The MCR was completed as a phased approach. Over the course of the review, three Official Plan Amendments were submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. To view the submissions to the Province, please use the links below. Should further information on the MCR process be required, please visit the JoinIn Dufferin page that can be accessed here.
***Official Plan Amendment #2*** of the County of Dufferin's MCR process aims to implement updated population and employment forecasts. OPA #2 also proposes intensification targets and allocates land for employment, residential, and commercial needs to all eight lower tier municipalities in Dufferin County.
On October 9, 2024, the County received correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the approval authority, to approve with modifications OPA #2. Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, OPA #2 for Dufferin County came into effect on October 10, 2024.
ERO # 019-7119
MMAH - Cover Letter
Final Decision
***Official Plan Amendment #3***of the County of Dufferin's MCR process proposes to update land use schedules in the County's Official Plan. OPA #3 also seeks to implement the County's Land Need Assessment, which was completed under Phase 1 of the MCR process.
On October 9, 2024, the County received correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the approval authority, to approve with modifications OPA #3. Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, OPA #3 for Dufferin County came into effect on October 10, 2024.
ERO # 019-7419
MMAH - Cover Letter
Final Decision
***Official Plan Amendment #4*** of the County of Dufferin's MCR process aims to update overall land use policies to ensure conformity with Provincial Plans. OPA #4 also includes detailed land use policies that support the new growth and intensification targets, as well as updated land use schedules.
On July 31, 2025, the County received correspondence from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the approval authority, to approve with modifications OPA #4. Pursuant to subsections 17(36.5) and (38.1) of the Planning Act, this decision is final and not subject to appeal. Accordingly, OPA #4 for Dufferin County came into effect on July 31, 2025, and with it, the conclusion of the County's Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) process.
ERO # 019-8488
MMAH - Cover Letter
Final Decision
## County of Dufferin Official Plan, 2025
### Consolidated Official Plan
### Official Plan Mapping
## Citizen's Guide
The Dufferin County Citizen's Guide offers a condensed version of the County of Dufferin Official Plan, 2025. Through this guide readers will have a more accurate understanding on County-wide land use designations, where natural heritage features are located in the County, and how growth is expected to occur in Dufferin over the next 30-years.
Explore the Dufferin County Citizen's Guide
## Additional Resources
### Provincial Policy Statement, 2024
### Niagara Escarpment Commission
### Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan