Do you remember what you were doing 20 years ago? (Heck, some of us weren’t even born yet.)
Can you remember where you were in life? Or even your plans at the time?
Well about 20 years ago, the City of Waterloo adopted an official plan for our community. It was a plan that would guide the development of much of the City. Since that plan was adopted in 1990, the community has changed tremendously. The population is growing, land supply is diminishing and there is a desire of many to see Waterloo develop into a sustainable city. So, on April 2, 2012 council adopted a new official plan that responds to today’s trends and seeks to guide growth in Waterloo well into the future.
The new official plan was built on a strategy to include you, the community. Public consultation was an important component. Through public meetings, open houses, workshops and even e-mails the city engaged more than 1,500 people.
For those of us who hear “official plan” and are unsure what exactly that means, let these three key ideas give you a better sense.
• It has impact on where new developments can locate;
• Provides a framework for how existing and future neighbourhoods evolve or take shape by determining the types and intensity of uses that are permitted; and
• Sets out the types of municipal services (roads, sewers, parks, etc.) will be provided over the long-term.
To learn more about your official plan visit www.waterloo.ca/officialplan
