The Official Plan is a statement of goals, objectives and policies intended to guide future land use, physical development, growth and change within the corporate limits of the City of Guelph. The policies of the Plan are designed to promote the public interest in the future development of the City, to maintain and enhance the good quality of life for the citizens of Guelph, to reduce uncertainty concerning future development, and to provide a basis for the Zoning By-law and other land use controls.

March 20, 2013 – City Releases December 2012 Official Plan Consolidation

The OP is amended from time to time to accommodate a specific development or as part of a broader policy initiative. Once they are fully approved and in effect, these amendments are periodically consolidated into a current working document. The last formal OP consolidation was released in 2006, and since that time, ten new Official Plan Amendments have come into effect.

As a result, a new Official Plan Consolidation, dated December 2012, has been prepared and is now publicly available.   The December 2012 consolidation is available digitally below or for purchase in hard copy by contacting planning@guelph.ca.

It is important to note that the December 2012 consolidation does not include Official Plan Amendments that have been adopted by Council, but are not yet in force (i.e. if they are under appeal, or awaiting a decision from Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing).  The following OPA’s fall into this category and are not included in this consolidation: OPA 48 (Phase 3 of the 5-year review); OPA 42 (Natural Heritage Strategy); OPA 43 (Downtown Secondary Plan); OPA 49 (180 Gordon Street); and OPA 46 (1897 Gordon St.).

Planning Services should be consulted regarding inquiries and interpretation of the Official Plan.

The online version has been prepared for convenience purposes only. For official documentation, please refer to the hard copy version in Planning Services at City Hall, 3rd Floor, 1 Carden St, Guelph, ON. (note: the hard copy may be purchased for $85)

Amendments approved since the Consolidation

• none

Active Official Plan Files

• Official Plan Amendment 42 – Natural Heritage Strategy (Currently under appeal)
• Official Plan Amendment 43 – Downtown Secondary Plan (Currently under appeal)
• Official Plan Amendment 48 – 5-year Review (currently with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
• Official Plan Amendment XX – Guelph Innovation District Secondary Plan (active file)
• Active Development Files (Includes Zoning Amendments, Official Plan Amendments and Subdivision files)