The Official Plan is a policy document which outlines land use planning in the Town of Arnprior. It contains a statement of long-term goals and objectives together with policies on major planning issues. The Plan contains Schedules (maps) which establish where residential, commercial, industrial, and parkland areas are to be located. The Plan is approved by the Council of the Town and must also be approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Arnprior’s Official Plan is reviewed on an as-needed basis, usually every five years. A copy of the document is available from the Planning Department for a nominal fee.

Any development proposal in the Town of Arnprior must conform to the Town’s Official Plan. If the proposal does not meet the requirements set out in the Official Plan, the developer may have to apply for an Official Plan Amendment. It is important to note that the proposal must also be in compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-law. Any changes to our Town’s Official Plan must also conform to the Provincial Policy Statements. You are encouraged to meet with the Planning Department staff to determine if an amendment is necessary. They will evaluate the proposal to ensure it meets the goals, objectives and policies of the Town as outlined in the Official Plan. If the proposal does not, an Official Plan amendment is needed and the Planning Department staff will guide you through the process.

• Pre-consultation with staff and applicant
• Submit complete application and fee
• Circulated to dept/agencies; report prepared
• Report to Committee of the Whole for review
• Public Meeting held
• Council considers By-law
• Province (MMAH) gives final approval

Please see "Procedures" on cover of application for detailed steps followed and timing.

• submits a "complete" application;
• proposes an amendment which demonstrates an understanding of established policies at the local, regional and provincial level;
• provides full and accurate information throughout the process; and
• sets out the merits of the proposed change and its feasibility for meeting the long-range plans for the Town.

• Is the proposed change consistent with provincial policies;
• Is the proposal acceptable with respect to the development guidelines established for such uses?;
• Are adequate hard services (eg. Water, sewers or private services) and neighbourhood amenities (eg. Parks and schools) available to accommodate the use?;
• Does the site have appropriate access to nearby roads with the capacity to handle the traffic that may result and/or will the change promote transit use, walking or cycling?; and
• Can the impact of the change be accommodated in a manner consistent with the Official Plan’s long-term goals and objectives to enhance the Town and its community?

• a complete application form and fee(s);
• a drawing detailing the property (dimensions and area);
• any additional information in support of the applicant’s request; and
• a justification for the proposed change, stating how the proposal will meet the intent of the Town’s Official Plan.

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