Provincial Greenbelt plans

Including Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan and Niagara Escarpment Plan.

Changes to Peel Region's Role in Land Use Planning

On July 1, 2024, under the Planning Act, Peel Region was designated an "upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities." Consequently, the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon are the land use planning authorities responsible for local and regional official plans and development applications. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the approval authority for certain official plan reviews and amendments.

Many of Canada's most significant natural environments and scenic landscapes – including the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment – are in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

These environments and landscapes provide:

drinking water
habitat for animals and plants
recreational opportunities
fertile soil for farming

The Province updated its 3 Greenbelt Plans in 2017. In keeping with these updates, we outlined proposed policy options in 3 discussion papers to ensure Regional compliance.

The new Region of Peel Official Plan policies:

lessen the encroachment of urban development;
ensure that the agricultural land base and significant landscapes, ecological and hydrological features and functions surrounding the Greater Golden Horseshoe are protected;
revise and introduce new mapping to reflect updates to the provincial plans; and,
direct local municipalities in protecting agricultural lands, enhancing natural features and areas, preserving cultural heritage and supporting recreation.

Supporting documents

For more information, email Regional Planning or call (905) 791-7800 ext. 1173