Long-Range Planning and Documents

The Long Range Planning department is responsible for shaping the future growth and development of the community through comprehensive, forward-thinking policies and strategies. 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Policy Development: Preparing and updating official plans, secondary plans, and growth management strategies to ensure alignment with provincial and regional requirements.
  • Community Engagement: Facilitating meaningful public participation in planning processes to reflect community values and priorities.
  • Research & Analysis: Conducting demographic, economic, and environmental studies to inform evidence-based decision-making.
  • Interdepartmental Coordination: Collaborating with internal departments and external agencies to integrate planning objectives across all municipal initiatives.
  • Innovation & Sustainability: Promoting smart growth, climate resilience, and sustainable urban design principles to create livable, vibrant communities.

Collaborative approach to community planning

Community Planning is a collaborative and often iterative process that ensures communities grow in a sustainable, organized and responsive way. Three key processes – long range planning, zoning, and development - work together to shape the future of the Town.

  • Long Range Planning: Sets out the goals, policies and strategies for growth over a certain time period (e.g. 25 years) through documents such as Official Plans and Secondary Plans. Long range planning considers such factors as population and employment growth, infrastructure needs, affordable housing, mobility networks including active transportation, and the environment. 
  • Zoning: Translates policies into specific land use regulations. It defines what can be built and where and sets rules for building height, density, setbacks, and more. Zoning ensures that development aligns with the community’s long-term vision set out in the Town’s Official Plan and other policy documents.

  • Development Planning: Involves reviewing and approving site-specific applications like subdivisions, site plans, and building permits. This process ensures that individual projects comply with zoning regulations and contribute to the broader goals established in long-range plans.

    Stay connected!

    Updates to all our long-range planning projects are posted to the Town’s platform for engagement and communications on projects important to you. Visit heynewmarket.ca for the latest information, including how to get involved and share your voice.